On July 3, 2020, one day before the USA Independence Day, I went to Tybee Island in South Georgia, USA.

I was trying to avoid the crowd that I knew the July 4th celebrations would bring. I was going there for peace and quiet, to catch the sound of the waves and to relax in the restaurants while I ate seafood with the sea as my backdrop.

I wore my mask. There was hand sanitizer in my pocket and I was prepared to observe social distancing rules as I stroll along the beach. This trip was much needed self care and my very first break-away from the quarantine of the last couple of months.

After a four hours drive, I arrived in the Island. I was hungry so I headed straight for lunch. Most restaurants were opened for business which seemed like a good thing at first, until I tried to get into one. Every seafood restaurant I visited was full to capacity. I was not able to find parking much less make it inside the buildings. I was disappointed because I was looking forward to some Tybee Island seafood. But no problem, I had some snacks with me. I ate the snacks and headed for the beach.

Excitement grew as I drove pass bikini bodies, colorful speedos, surf boards under armpits and kids with beach balls. People huddled in groups laughing and chatting making themselves merry and summer music played softly in the background. The atmosphere was welcoming. it lifted my spirits.

I neared the beach area to discover that like the restaurants, there were no available parking left. I drove around for about half and hour and suddenly it hit me that Tybee Island was swarming with people like me who had enough of staying at home. We wanted to break free and be happy. We wanted to eat in the restaurants, walk the streets, run on the beaches and stroll through the parks. We wanted fun as usual, no matter the costs.

I saw the excited faces, sunscreen lotions in their hands, holding hands, hugging and gathering. There was a lot of merriment but there were no masks or social distancing. As if, indeed, things were back to business as usual.

I'm not a Debbie Downer. I love fun just as much as the other person but I also value my health. Self care for me means that as much as I want to get my feet on sandy beaches I must exercise enough restraints and do whatever it takes to keep myself out of hospital rooms.

So Yes, I went to Tybee Island but I didn't stay there long. I made a U turn and drove fours hours back home without stepping from my vehicle. It was a good, long drive. It was relaxing and exactly what I needed to enjoy a different scenery and clear my head. The trip was an eye-opener and enlightener. For one, I saw first hand the reason why this COVID 19 virus is not under control in the US.

I visited on the 3rd. I can only imagine what the Island was like on July 4th and even perhaps how it is now as I write. I can guess that it is still packed to capacity, with merriment and summer fun. People are probably gallivanting as they sunbathe. its a pretty picture. I want to have fun too. I am dying to leave my home and feel the sea breeze on my face and wet sand between my toes. But I do not want to be part of the rising statistic for corona virus infection. I do not want to burden the already over-burdened medical facilities. I do not want to put vulnerable people at risk. So I went to Tybee Island and stayed away from the crowds.

Until next time

Venture Out. Keep exploring. Travel Smart and Stay Safe.

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