Nature to the Rescue

Students Reveal the Best Escape from Boredom During Pandemic

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photo by Addy Bates

Milton Reimers Ranch Park is located in Travis County and allows for activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming and bike riding. Senior Mathew Minor has been participating in activities like these to take his mind off of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The lake has been a way to go outside and get fresh air without being close to other people,” Minor said. “I have been spending more time outside and on the lake than before.”

Addy Bates, Reporter

With school being over and graduation postponed, summer now begins earlier than expected and with entertainment facilities still being closed, students have been relying on nature as a getaway from the pressures from the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Because Texas parks reopened before restaurants and stores, places like Lake Travis have been the perfect way to escape boredom, according to senior Mathew Minor, who has been able to meet up with friends and family on the lake. 

“The lake has been a way to go outside and get fresh air without being close to other people,” Minor said. “I have been spending more time outside and on the lake than before.”

Along with enjoying the outdoors, the lake offers many activities such as wakeboarding and surfing. Senior Luke Ferguson said that he particularly spends time hanging out with his closest friends.

“I like going to the lake with friends,” Ferguson said. “I enjoy going swimming, throwing a ball, wake boarding or anything on a boat when I get the chance.”

Similar to Ferguson and Minor, Ferguson also said many seniors have been going to the lake as a way to get together before everyone leaves for college, while also quarantining away from public buildings. 

“Going to the lake gives me something to do outside of the house, so that I can keep my routine of actually going outside [during quarantine],” Ferguson said.

With routines and plans constantly changing, like graduation being moved to July, nature is a constant that allows people to have a sense of normalcy, according to senior Nick Orth. 

“[The lake] takes my mind away from the stresses of graduation and keeps me entertained,” Orth said. “My favorite part is going tubing and wakesurfing.”

Even though entertainment facilities like bowling alleys, skating rinks and bingo halls are opening up, Minor said the outdoors still remains a great way to avoid boredom at home. 

“It’s weird because you don’t really feel the urge to go outside until someone tells you that you can’t,” Minor said. “The outdoors have really provided an escape from boredom during quarantine.”  

For a full list of parks and lakes in the area, visit the Travis County Parks website.