E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R
Mikaela Judd , Editor
Physically Distant and Filled With Love
IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS , I ’ ve traveled a lot . Just not in the way I expected . I ’ ve gone miles upon miles over dirt paths and gravel roads . With my 26-pound ( and growing ) 10-month-old , I ’ ve stomped through mud puddles and creeks . We ’ ve clamored over fallen trees , spent many an afternoon crawling through the grass , and often enjoyed physically distant visits with the neighbors .
Sure , my love affair with hiking blossomed in years past . But with the ongoing pandemic , our daily adventures have become a lifeline . And I think that ’ s the case for most of us . The simple things we took for granted ‘ before COVID ’ are suddenly luxuries .
Neighbors have become friends . Trail shoes have become a wardrobe staple . And a really good at-home treat has become a necessity .
As times have changed , I can ’ t help but wonder what kind of stories we ’ ll tell of COVID years from now . My hope is they are filled with love and community . I pray we hold onto the lessons we ’ ve learned about how heroes can be found in any station and friends at every home .
Like the 6-year-old who lives across the street and keeps donating his old toys to my daughter . Like the family who gave us eggs and helped us eat our
abundance of blueberries . And like the couples , young and old , who let us walk their trails .
It ’ s pretty easy to point at the folks who are mean and the moments filled with hate . It can be overwhelming to be burdened with health issues and financial issues . The political climate . The absolutely horrific acts our citizens have had to endure .
To pretend those don ’ t weigh heavy would be false . But oh , to let the love of others wash over us . To let ourselves revel in the littlest of moments . Now that ’ s a beautiful thing indeed .
Does traveling look a little different these days ? It sure does . Physically distant — outdoor — activities are ruling the day . Which is why electric bikes ( p . 27 ) and trail running ( p . 28 ) are some of the best ways to explore a destination .
Whether you ’ re getting out on the water , like Hugh Harris did during his epic kayak fishing excursion ( p . 34 ), or you ’ re cuddling up by the fire ( p . 46 ), remember to take a moment and enjoy the little things .
Savor your cup of hot chocolate . Celebrate a virtual date with your friend . Lace up your shoes and go for a hike . As hard and crazy as life is — there ’ s a lot to be thankful for . Not the least of which is you .
Thank you for sharing and celebrating the simple pleasures . If you have a story you ’ d like to share about a fun outdoor activity , fabulous island bite or local hero , send me an email : mikaela @ makinglanguagecount . com
I ’ m always looking for chances to add more joy to the magazine , and life .