Before “social distancing” was in our collective vernacular, taking time away from the daily grind was simply known as finding peace. With nearly everything closed in the state of Virginia while we work to fight the coronavirus by staying home, nonessential workers haven’t been able to do much beyond trips to the grocery store and some strolls around the block (with proper social-distancing protocols in place).
This photo, by local photographer Angela Pan, was taken last year at Hawksbill Mountain in Shenandoah National Park before Virginians—and all citizens of the world—knew what awaited them in 2020. The tallest peak of the popular tourist destination, Hawksbill gives visitors a vantage point to look down at the beautiful landscape below.
While right now isn’t the best time to jump in the car to head to a Shenandoah overlook, we picked this photo for this month’s SuperNoVA as a reminder that—wherever you are during this global pandemic—we can all take a moment to find some peace and quiet in these hectic days.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath and know that Mother Nature, including Virginia’s absolutely spectacular Shenandoah views, will be waiting for us on the other side.
This post originally appeared in our May 2020 print issue. For more on the great outdoors, subscribe to our Parks & Rec newsletter.
