Traveling the world in my own backyard

I had an errand to run to the golf course and, as is my nature, I started up a conversation with a couple at the bar.

They were from West Allis and were here for a vacation, a chance to get out of the city. They were renting a place in Tilleda that they had found through an online website and were just hanging out, enjoying nature and a round of golf. Of course it fills me with great pride when tourists bring up the fact they also came to see the Walls of Wittenberg, before I can even slip the suggestion into the conversation.

I had to admit I’d never spent any time in Tilleda, but they made it sound so inviting that I can’t wait to take a little trip there for myself. I used to laugh at the people in the Twin Cities area who would brag that they’d never set foot in the Mall of America, even though it’s basically in their own backyard. Apparently I’m no better than they were, but at least I plan to put Tilleda on my bucket list.

It was such a pleasure to see our world through their eyes. We’re pretty lucky to get people from larger cities to come enjoy our corner of the world. In a way, I suppose we’re benefiting a bit from the pandemic. I would imagine people are taking more in-state trips, deeming it safer than traveling to other states that have a higher risk.

A few years ago, some friends of mine rented a recreational vehicle and spent six months traveling through the United States, absorbing all the sites and homeschooling their children. I thought about how fun it would be to be able to enjoy that kind of lifestyle. I wonder if other families started a similar adventure this year, only to be brought to an abrupt stop due to the pandemic, wild fires, flooding and all the other catastrophes that have overpowered our nation.

I find I have a little anxiety every time I see the daily results of positive COVID-19 tests in Shawano County but then, oddly enough, take comfort that the count is about a fourth of the number of cases in Marathon County. I suppose it will seem more real once there is someone I know attached to a statistic. Should we be optimistic that our numbers are lower compared to the hot spots in the nation? Or should we be cautious and vigilant in our washing hands and masking and social distancing?

I do know that once this pandemic is over I’m going to want to travel again. But for now, I’ve got my eyes set on Tilleda!

Miriam Nelson is the news editor of the Wittenberg Enterprise & Birnamwood News. Readers can contact her at mnelson@newmedia-wi.com.