“Going the distance.”
~ complete a difficult task or endure an ordeal. Go the distance is a
metaphor from boxing that means, when used of a boxer, “complete a fight
without being knocked out.”
An artistic view of the new “Get
Distant On The D&L” sign along the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage
Corridor (D&L Trail) against the backdrop of the Kittatinny Ridge under
bright spring skies on an early April 2020 afternoon at Lehigh Gap.
Being
able to enjoy the beauty of the D&L and other trails and parks – while
still observing social distancing – is a true blessing to me and many others
during the novel coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. The fresh air, sunshine and
watching the rebirth of life in spring blossoms and newborn birds and wildlife
in God’s creation is a wonderful reminder that the United States and the rest
of the world are “going the distance” to triumph over this insidious pandemic.
In
the shadow of the Kittatinny Ridge, also called Blue Mountain, The Lehigh Gap
in Slatington, Pennsylvania, is a crossroads where the Lehigh Gap Nature
Center’s trails connect two historic trails – the Appalachian Trail and the
D&L Trail.
The
Appalachian Trail, a foot path, follows the ridge on both sides of the Lehigh
Gap, running 1,245 miles south to Georgia and 930 miles north to Maine. Running
from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol, the D&L Trail passes through the Lehigh and
Delaware rivers and their canals in Pennsylvania.
This
sign is one of a number of signs now found at different trailheads to caution
trail users to practice social distancing in light of the COVID19 outbreak.
Underneath
the top design featured in this image, the sign includes trail etiquette for
times of social distancing, such as don’t recreate in groups – limit
interactions with other trail users; be safe – our medical systems are at their
limit, do our part to limit the need; don’ t touch public services like benches
or water fountains unless necessary, and if you must, wash your hands/sanitize
thoroughly before and after; avoid touching your face, eyes and nose; and cover
your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a flexed elbow.
It
also cautions to observe distance of 6 feet from persons at all times.
The
sign encourages trail users to always share the trail and be friendly – a
smile, wave or hello can go a long way. And that’s good advice for any day!
