barriers 114/366

The other day I just needed a minute away,
you know?
So I drove out to the lake.
It's a great place to be alone.
It's a great place to listen.

I was surprised, but not alarmed,
to see the gate closed for the road that takes you below the dam. 
I turned in to the road above the dam,
the area I most commonly visit,
and saw caution tape out of the corner of my eye.
I thought "Oh, they must be working on the playground".
Again, I was surprised, but not alarmed.

Evidently, 
these days while I am living under my rock, 
I am also becoming slower at catching on to things
because when I saw the way to the first picnic area blocked, I shook my head.
It wasn't until I saw the barriers preventing me from my destination that I caught on:
COVID-19 has changed even this.
I should have known there'd be barriers to prevent social gatherings. 

I could have parked in the lot boaters use
and walked to the gazebo on the point. 
But I was by myself and there is no cell service out there.
My car would be too far away if I needed to return to it quickly.
That didn't seem wise
so I heeded the caution warnings,
turned around and headed home.

I struggled and wrestled with anger and frustration as I drove.
Why was it all blocked off ? 
Well, I know why, social distancing to promote health and safety.
I've been practicing it, but I was sorely tempted to ditch it Sunday.
Why?
Having my "escape/think/regroup" place out of reach threw me off my game.
I've regained my equilibrium, but I'm not going to be sad when the barriers disappear.