I realize this is a total first world problem, but I have to let myself mourn this. My annual spring backpacking trip is scheduled for the end of April. Current epidemiology models for our state show the virus peaking mid-April to mid-May. So that trip is off. I need this trip every spring--it truly centers my soul. And this year, I need it even more. But it won't be happening. I am not even going to use the hotel reservations and stay in town and go hiking. Those small gateway towns are asking people to stay away and I get it. There is another trip in September and I can transfer to that trip. Sadly, I don't know if the 3 friends who were going to join me (I only see these people every other year or so) can make the September trip. And while the desert is nice in the fall, it isn't the same as in the spring with flowers blooming, etc. Sigh.
Then, we are going to cancel our June trip to Scotland. Again, if the virus peak ends in Mid May (or even starts then) we will not be in a space to travel internationally. I spent months planning this trip and now I have cancelled the hotels and car rental etc. We can do the trip again next year, and all the info/itinerary stuff can be used. It's just sad. For the VRBO and AirbnB places--they are only giving full refunds if your trip is scheduled for mid March to mid April. Fortunately, I can cancel 2/3 of the places by the end of May and still get a 50% refund. I am hoping they extend the full refund time period as the virus spreads. And I will see if I can't just reschedule for next year and thus not give up the deposits. We may be able to go somewhere in July, but I don't know--depends on if DH can get that time. sigh....
Add in the earthquakes last week and the fact that my poor dog fainted at the groomers and I had to rush him to the vet on Thursday, this is not the best week for me. They think he has an arrhythmia on top of his heart valve issues. The last few years of a dog's life are hard. He goes in for a heart test on Monday.
And, yet, I am eternally grateful. DH and I have jobs. We have savings. I can afford the dog's care. So far, we are all healthy. I have teenagers who are able and decently motivated to learn online and they can be left at home without supervision. I have access to real-time health care info on the virus (blessing and a curse). I get to go into work every day and self-isolate in an office yet still talk to people from 6 feet away. We are all having a hard time in different ways. And then I think--well, it's not like we are Belgium in WWII. Buck up!