In this handout photograph taken Tuesday, March 17, 2020 and provided by Jack Hagan, Drew Anderson is shown on the top of Buffalo Mountain near Silverthorne, Colo. The outdoors has become a great escape for people as the new cronoavirus creates a wave of turbulent times. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing heath problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. (Photo Courtesy of Jack Hagan via The AP)

By PAT GRAHAM and MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press

Jim Klug’s office phone rings off the hook with anxious anglers inquiring about the status of their upcoming fly-fishing trips.

It’s a stressful time for the co-owner of a fishing travel company as he postpones and re-books international and domestic expeditions due the coronavirus pandemic.

The best way for him to slip away from the stress — even if for a brief moment — is to follow a bit of his own advice: Go fish.

Whether it’s reeling in trout, hiking, snow activities (until the snow melts, of course) or any other endeavor, the call from the wild delivers a much-needed respite in these turbulent times.

Typically open — although national parks are increasingly limiting access and more shelter-at-home orders are being issued — the great outdoors provides a natural way to social distance.

“They may close the borders. The may close the amusements and the sports stadiums and any places that lots and lots of people gather. But they’re not going to close the great outdoors and not going to close the rivers and streams,” said Klug, founder of Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures in Montana. “It’s something that always brings inner peace and calmness.”

In New England, where backwoods skiing and hiking to 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) are almost a way of life for hardier residents, the trails are more crowded than ever. Hikers report they are seeing plenty of newcomers who are hitting the outdoors due to gym closures.