Well, this year just keeps sucking more and more. The local fair that the girls usually have off the week for has been cancelled because of Covid. In all their wisdom, the school district has decided that they are now going to have school that week. They have also warned that they know people take vacations that week, and in the interest of health, are mandating attendance that week. Students must have a medical excuse for absences that week. Soooo... looks like we will not be in Vermont this year. I cannot type the words that I would like to say at this point, but it won't help anyway. I considered coming without them, but they are very upset about this as well, and I don't feel right going without them. I will miss you guys. Hopefully this Hell of a year returns to some normal state by next year, and I will get to see everyone again. I hope you have a great time. I will be canceling my reservation in the next day or so if anyone wants it.
This makes me profoundly sad. I'm at a loss. My girls have school that week too. But I've bought (should be delivered in time) a long range 4G WiFi router. I'm hopeful that it will work and they can do their classes during the day from the camper. If it doesn't work Emily is prepared to drive into cell service range and they can do their classes from the truck. It sucks, but it's our only choice other than Emily and the girls coming up Friday night. That would break Maddy's heart. I'm not looking forward to telling her that she's not going to see your girls this year.
Trust me, I thought of this as well, but I just don't trust we will get a good enough signal, especially on the back end of the South side. Plus, we have a full days drive up there, and we have tried running two zoom sessions off of my cell hot spot. It doesn't work real well. If it helps, Emily is crushed that she can't see Maddy either.
I have my fingers crossed that the WiFi router works. IF the signal is too weak I can add honkin' external antennas. But I won't have them with me in VT. It's a crap shoot right now. We'll see. I did a ton of research to find the best 4G/Wifi solution and came up with the same system in this video.
Under other circumstances, I would say scr.. defy the ‘attendance police’, and go anyway. However, it’s more important to keep the girls and your mom safe. “We isolate ourselves now so that when can we get together again, no one is missing.”
As for me, I have no choice but to cancel as well. the border closure—which is reviewed monthly—has been extended until at least Oct 21st. From CBC news last night: “A source with direct knowledge of the situation, told CBC News that the federal government is waiting to see evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States is being managed efficiently before the government considers opening up non-essential travel between the two countries. The border has been closed to non-essential travel for months. With caseloads still high in many U.S. states, the two governments have mutually agreed to continue restricting movement across the world's longest international border. The source told CBC News that Canadians should get used to these restrictions for the foreseeable future.” I can’t believe that I won’t see any of my US camping family until next year. Honestly—at this point—I’m just crossing my fingers that I’ll be able to see all of you at the Schodack and NEPA rallies next year. I’ll be cancelling my reservation for Site S72 today.
I’m sad. Just sad. Camping with ALL of you is my sanity. I know we will all get through this and this will pass but it has not been easy. I consider myself a relatively positive person and this is starting to effect even me!
I’m sad too, Steph; but I’d gladly give up camping, if it means that everyone remains safe and well. Keeping in touch via messenger—with all the usual banter—has really helped. “We isolate ourselves now so that when can we get together again, no one is missing.”
As were mine Jim. This really sucks, I know. I have had just about enough of this year. It can't be gone fast enough. I just hope next year works out better, OR I AM GOING TO LOSE IT!
