A Charlottetown man is offering to take Islanders stuck in self-isolation on a virtual walk outside.
Steven Balderston created a YouTube channel called BuzzSailing a while back but never paid much attention to it.
Then, when the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic crisis began to unfold, he thought his YouTube channel might be a good opportunity to reach out to people who are either staying at home by choice or necessity.
“It’s something I like to do, and it makes your day better,’’ Balderston said. “Get out there and get some exercise and smell the fresh woods. You can’t have a bad day after that. Now, with the whole COVID thing, I wanted to do something that could help during this time.
“A lot of people are dealing with anxiety and fear, and I thought to myself, “I’m in a good spot (mentally)’. I wanted to know how I could share that and bring anyone who wants to come along with me.’’
Balderston said he has suffered from depression in the past and knows how even in the best of times things can seem pretty dark. Now, he’s at a point in his life where he feels more confident and courageous enough to host these virtual walks. Some of his video posts have had more than 500 views and he’s heard from friends who he hasn’t spoken to in 30 years.
“This is a time people need to see some honesty. I’m being authentic, but I’m far from perfect. (You just see) me being honest and true and this is what I think people are connecting to.’’
So, he decided it was time to start producing virtual hikes on his YouTube channel and try to bring some of that relaxing fresh air to Islanders who may be in need of a boost or a happy message.
Balderston said he has a number of friends who had travelled and are in self-isolation.
“Those people who are self-isolating, who are stuck in the house . . . I thought maybe I can take people out to the woods with me. I thought video was a great way to share my love of nature.’’
Balderston says he walks about eight kilometres every day, visiting places such as Winter River, Brookvale or Bonshaw with his dog, Penny, tagging along on every trek.
He’s hoping that by offering a self-guided virtual tour online that it might help a few people get through some challenging times.
“It’s the small things in life that can often make a big difference.’’
