While Oregon has gone on a necessary and temporary lockdown as we work to flatten the curve of Covid-19. But, even though many of our bars and restaurants are temporarily closed (though, many are still open for take out, so if you can support your local eateries—and Powell’s—please do so!) You can still get outside and enjoy nature… just keep your social distance.

                Thankfully, spring time in Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas is a great time to be outside. With this lockdown and quarantine, though, it’s necessary for sanity! But, fresh air and exercise are also good for the health and stress and keeping healthy is vitally important right now. There’s the joke going around about the Quarantine15 but it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s still plenty of ways you can get ad stay fit during this trying time.

                The Columbia Gorge is growing back nicely. An hour form Portland, hop in your car, hop east on 84 and enjoy all that this natural wonder has to offer. Windsurf, hike the falls, hike many of he trails available, or simply drive with your windows down and enjoy the fresh air. Just make sure you bring your own food and drinks because you won’t be able to enjoy the usual culinary hot spots.

                Or, take a walk around downtown Portland. With the closing of most of all of the shops, foot traffic is minimal. Taking a walk downtown now is both eerie and refreshing. People aren’t rushing around trying to get from point A to point B. It seems that people, in the sporadic times that they are out, as just enjoying the slow pace that many of us have forgotten about.

                Go outside and shoot hoops, mosey on down to Sellwood Park and take a dip in the river. Not working on working from home? Drive. Anywhere in the state desserts, beaches, mountains—we have it all and, keeping your six feet of social distance, you can still enjoy it all. Who knows, maybe when this virus is all over, you’ll have a renewed vision of this great state of Oregon. Maybe you’ll slow down and take the time to smell the roses. Maybe you’ll make supporting local a priority. Maybe you’ll rediscover your love of hiking and biking.

                Remember, this will pass and life will return to normal. Make the best of it. Going outside and exploring Portland, Oregon and the rest of this fine state is a great place to start.