Ray (webmaster) on 8/4/2021 4:14:05 PM:
Personally I would do it now, just because:
- You have almost zero chance of picking up the virus while out on the trail
- You have to interact with people to get food, but if that makes you nervous, it can be minimized
- if you're just worried about whether businesses are open during times of COVID, most of them ARE still open and would truly appreciate your business. But I would call ahead to be sure about hours of operation, etc.
- MO DNR has been working to repair trail damage, and it should be in decent shape well before mid-September. An exception is the detour by Rocheport, but that might still be an issue even next year.
- every few years we have a big flood resulting in closure of trail sections; the last one was two years ago. If you postpone until next year, and then next year turns out to be a big flood year, you'll wish you hadn't postponed.
But like Gary said, every person has to make their own personal decision - weighing their own goals and concerns. Good luck with making your decision and good luck with your trip, whenever you decide to do it.