As we go into month-who-knows-any-more of this pandemic, it’s pretty clear things have changed. From a research point of view, myself and many of my colleagues do have limited access to campus throughout the week, so hands on work can start again (much to our relief). Earlier in the summer I took the opportunity to staycation, making my way from the furthest southeasterly point to the most northwesterly point in Newfoundland, with a few pitstops along the way. L’Anse aux Meadows, was of course on the list, along with Gros Mourn, the Tablelands, and Western Brook Pond. This place is just so breathtakingly gorgeous, I can’t help but plan my next destination already. The province as a whole seems to be shaking off its own self-isolation as we enter into a new season.
I myself am also shaking off my self-isolation after more recently traveling outside the Atlantic bubble to see my family. To distract myself from the cabin fever and berry-picking FOMO (fear of missing out), I took the opportunity to dive into work between my daily pace back and forth across the room and trips to the kitchen for more coffee. Specifically, I’ve been inventorying 18th century shipping records, something I love to do, but rarely have the time to get too in depth with. While I won’t say that self-isolation has been the hardest or easiest thing I’ve ever done, it’s two weeks of my time to ensure the safety of the community I’ve come to call home.
To new students, I welcome you; to other self-isolates, I commiserate with you. Take the time to enjoy this season in this gorgeous province while you can, because I can assure that winter is definitely coming, and it looks like it’ll be a rough one. Stay safe and wear a mask.
~Mallory