All official IOG events were cancelled during the restrictions required by the Covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Social distancing and isolation were very real challenges for all of us – particularly for those whose lives are all about outdoor activity, those who live alone and those who don’t have strong social media networks. With the goal of maintaining the rewarding social contact so many of us have found in the IOG whilst the group’s outdoor activities were suspended, small groups of friends kept up the traditions, meeting safely when they could to get out in the glorious Suffolk countryside. The “Living with COVID-19” category is a record of how we spent our days during this difficult time.
All “Living with COVID-19” newsletter posts are reports from our friends within the group making the most of their own private walks, abiding by the relevant coronavirus guidance at the time, NOT from official IOG activities.
Two groups of six met up in Saxmundham carpark for what was (hopefully) the last of the ‘rule of six’ walks. We greeted each other and then, separated by about 15 minutes, walked an eight-mile route around the Saxmundham area. Rain had been predicted and …
Text and pics contributed by Anni M. It was a Sarah and Simon’s post-lockdown, rule of six, Little Wenham and Washbrook Walk from Pinewood in Ipswich. Eleven-and-half-miles to stretch the legs, and reintroduce the facial muscles to smiling and talking to real people rather than …
Text and pics contributed by Sam Feeling the need to get out and about, Marie and I planned a Saturday outing, although the weather wasn’t promising. Luckily we ignored the forecast and had a lovely wander around Woodbridge, Melton and the Riverside Tide Mill. It …
Text and pics contributed by Christina Glen and I enjoyed a long weekend doing local walks. Since this last lockdown started around Christmas, we have resorted again to exploring the area around Pinewood, as far as our trained hikers’ feet can comfortably carry us on …
Text and pictures contributed by Ian R. This week’s walk marked the six-month anniversary of the formation of our bubble group, and it is the 27th walk I have led in this time. In the past six months we have found some new places and …
Text contributed by Gill, pics by Anni Each Thursday evening throughout the successive lockdowns, six of us have joined up for Jay’s Virtual Pub Quiz – well, more to have a laugh and share a virtual glass than with the goal of excelling, actually, although …