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THE SUN IS SHINING - finally!

Thomas Smugala

After weeks of rain and self-quarantine, a sunny day was a great relief. We, the editor and the publisher of 573 Magazine, headed out to get some exercise and discuss post-virus strategies. We went over to one of our favorite paths: the 11-mile walking and/biking trail at St. Joe State Park. It is one of the region’s greatest parks for hiking, riding bikes, camping, dirt biking, horse riding and much more… St. Joe truly has it all.

...people were just sick of the virus and wanted sun on their faces for a change.

Several pictures of happy people

The first thing we noticed when we entered the park was the obvious lack of parking spaces. There must be some sort of event, we speculated. A large gathering would be a total no-no because of the virus, though, so what was going on? Well, we came to find there was a very simple explanation—people were just sick of the virus and wanted sun on their faces for a change.


A picture of two ladies smiling as they lean in to the shot
When we hit the trail we were met with joyous, smiling faces.
A very happy family excited to be out and about

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Everyone we met had a happy “Hello!” or “Isn’t it a great day!”
Two ladies with biking helmets, smiling at the camera
To see so many people back to enjoying life was not only invigorating, but intensely hopeful.
A man with a biking helmet and a backpack smiles at the camera

When we hit the trail we were met with joyous, smiling faces. They were walking, running, biking, skating and holding hands. Everyone we met had a happy “Hello!” or “Isn’t it a great day!” To see so many people back to enjoying life was not only invigorating, but intensely hopeful. Like the old saying goes, “This too shall pass!” It will—so get out there!


pics & words t. smugala


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