A path bordering two wooded areas in Donald County Park of Mount Horeb, WI. I took this several months after COVID-19 was designated a pandemic, and the outing marked the first time being in nature after that turn. Donald County Park was a hidden gem before COVID, but I was dismayed and annoyed to find full parking lots and many groups of people on this day. It’s hard to blame them – everything else was locked down, and the trump administration’s laughably inept containment and management measures only heightened fear and uncertainty. With little hope and so much in turmoil, why wouldn’t peace and solace be sought in natural wonders?
Fewer disruptions were had as I traveled further, which was relieving in a sense. We knew little about preventing COVID transmission other than cloth masks and social distancing, and frequently having to quit trails until others passed by was tiresome. On the other hand, real solitude wasn’t as fulfilling as I anticipated. I came to scenes like the above and longed to share how they resonated within my heart, but had no words to offer. So much is lost in a still image, and even more is lost in the time after its taking.
I didn’t know the other hikers on that day and have no idea how the groups related to one another. Logically, I wanted distant connections to do their part to limit community spread by not gathering. Looking back, I hope that those who did gather returned safely and with shared meaning.
Minolta XD 11
Minolta 24mm MD VFC f/2.8
Kodak TMAX – ISO 100