Early Summer in Post Quarantine California

June 4, 2021 

New cases: USA 17,800; California 1,168; UK 5, 274 (going up); South Africa 5,360 (going up)

The India variant dominates in the UK and is the most worrisome strain currently.

The White House is going all out to push the unvaccinated to get their shots. The goal of vaccinating 70% of American adults by July 4, though achievable, will require huge effort. Future generations are going to view this period with amazement. How could the public health situation become so politicized? A cluster of "red" states in the South have a long way to go to reach President Biden's goal. Why are so many people apathetic to the situation?

Our region is doing remarkably well. On June 3 I visited my favorite hair salon for the first time in over a year. Everyone wears masks in this transitioning time, but I was perfectly relaxed as my upbeat stylist colored and cut my overgrown, "badly in need of attention" hair. After all these month I smile rather than cringe when I look in the mirror. How wonderful it is to have no anxiety about shopping at stores or dining at restaurants. A week ago we took in the vibe at Hollister Brewing Company over craft IPA and pizza. Last night we scouted out the Funk Zone and settled for craft beer, Impossible burger, and cauliflower tacos at the very popular and atmospheric Finny's. 

This week the fog returned after a one week break. Comforting to see a return of May's typical pattern of grayness which was broken in the last 8 hotter than usual years. On a gloomy, chilly Tuesday morning I sucked in the briny air of Goleta Beach as I jogged on the damp, compact sand. A guaranteed mood booster - a discovery I made under quarantine. Two days later I went on a 20 minute run at Stow Grove (I do miss the beautiful trees and birdsong of this park), and followed that with my gym routine. I'm pleased with my fitness level. 

June 10

A hot sunny day today after a spell of chilly, foggy weather, broken fortuitously on Sunday when we experienced a "before times" day in the company of about 70 people at a wedding. Under a clear blue sky on the coastal cliffs of Dos Pueblos Canyon, Jennifer and David exchanged vows in a magical setting. What a special occasion to usher in our entry into post quarantine life! The reception in glass hothouses that were built to cultivate orchids decades ago added oodles of charm. The guests, too, were loads of fun. Most fascinating were friends of David's dad who had worked on the creation of the Lunar Rover 50 years ago. It was a beautiful day and well deserved since the pandemic forced this lovely couple to cancel their original date. The celebrations continued the next morning at Jennifer's house over a brunch feast prepared by Premi and Sri. What joy to revert to social practices that tether us to community.

That's not to say the pandemic is history. Covid numbers are climbing steeply in the UK and in South Africa where the anticipated winter surge has the country on edge. Here, in the US, experts are beginning to warn about the Delta variant (from India) which appears the most virulent strain currently. Vaccination efforts have stalled and a cluster of Southern states could avoid disaster if they followed the science. Between 15,000 and 20,000 daily new cases in the US recorded this past week. Daily deaths around 300.However, since Florida and a handful of other conservative states have stopped submitting daily reports, it's hard to discern progress.

June 15

A hot spell is upon us. Not welcome in our parched state. We fear a summer of wildfires. But, on this big day in California, everyone is smiling. Our economy is just about fully opened for the first time since March 19, 2020. Good-bye color tier system, mask mandates (except for specific circumstances which are federally mandated) and other Covid restrictions. Hello live concerts, movie theaters, nightlife, restaurants! How amazing to have arrived at this point! Over 70% of adults in the Golden state are at least partially vaccinated. Remarkably, our progress has been steady since January. 

The pandemic story is far from over though. While wealthy countries are well on the road to returning to normal, the rest of the world struggles on. The Delta variant is on a rampage. It's the reason Daryl and I made the decision to cancel our August flights to London. Covid numbers in the UK are still rising. South Africa is back under semi lockdown. India's numbers are coming down, but they are also battling a new disease called Black Fungus.

So, each new day brings good news and bad news.

June 21

For a full week a heat wave scorched the west. Luckily for us on the coast, it wasn't unbearable. Mercifully, the fog rolled in days ago, bringing in cooler weather. Out and about on the weekend - to farmer's market, beach walk, stores - the world looked normal. A small percentage of people still stay masked, but everyone else has reverted to pre-pandemic behavior.

Two big concerns dominate Covid news in our part of the world. One is the challenge of persuading the unvaccinated to get their shots. When President Biden first announced his goal of 70% of adults vaccinated by July 4, it seemed perfectly within reach. Now, nobody expects that goal to be attained. I'm pretty disappointed about that and trying to understand what the government could've done about it. Could they have educated the public better? Should there be daily CDC messages that are broadcast widely? Are they addressing the questions individuals still have?

The other Covid concern is the Delta variant. Experts are now warning that case numbers are likely to go up in regions with large numbers of unvaccinated people. The nation's progress is about to hit another roadblock.

On the bright side Daryl and I will be on vacation for the entire month of August. Vacation! Something we could only dream about a year ago. This year we have the opportunity to do something unusual - domestic travel, specifically, a road trip up the Northwest, all the way up Highway 1 to the Olympic Peninsula, then turning back south through the Cascades on our return. Nature and scenic wonder are the focus of this vacation, which is why we won't stop in Seattle or Portland even though they are on our route. We spent 3 intensive days planning a route and booking accommodation. National Parks are already fully booked through the summer months. Our lodgings for the month will be a combination of friend's homes, tent camping, hotels, lodges, cabins and an Airbnb. Though I can't wait to get started, I'm just as eager to enjoy summer at home. Al fresco summer fare with friends, daily swims, evening strolls, beach walks - so much to enjoy.