This time of year we start to think to ourselves that it’s time to move to a warmer climate. We start thinking that maybe this global warming thing isn’t real but wish it was. Whatever goes through our minds. We start getting sick of winter and snow.
Now for people with snowmobiles, this probably isn’t a bad thing. They probably like the fact they can go out without worrying if the snow’s all gone.
If you like ice skating, you might be happy the temps are not getting above freezing. And the rink stays open a bit longer.
And if you like skiing, the promise of the next snow storm may make you jump for joy. For the rest of us, the winter may start to suck a bit. This wasn’t the case when I was a kid.
So I’m going to reverse the clock a bit. When I loved the new snow. When the first thing I would do when I got home from school was grab my snow pants and my sled and get out the door as fast as I could.
About two blocks from my house was a hill. It wasn’t a normal sledding hill like you would think though. About three quarters of the way down the hill was a half moon shaped ramp. I think it was an old worn down cow path. I’m not sure we ever really knew though. What did matter, is that going down the hill, you picked up speed and then ramped the last part of the hill. This was the beauty of this particular hill.
It seemed to breath excitement. The land owners didn’t really mind. And it was close enough that a lot of the kids in town would head there.We started having contests to see who could get the most air. We would figure out new ways to gain more speed and more height.
You were cautioned highly by those of us who frequented the hill to not use what we called the “suicide sleds” down the ramp. The suicide sleds were the circle sleds that you couldn’t steer. Or the metal rail sleds. Both for very good reason. The circle sleds were very hard to steer. So if you got off a little bit, you could end up hitting a tree or worse. The metal rail sleds were for good reason as well. Imagine jumping into the air and going back down on solid wood and metal. It would bust the sled and peoples butts that tried it. There was a nice clear spot that was next to the ramp that did work perfect for these style sleds.
This was a ton of fun for a kid in the winter months. And I’m not sure why, but other hills didn’t compare to that one. It was like the hill had a magic all too it’s self.
Meeting my friends there after school was part of it. Getting to hang out with them outside of the class room was always a better choice. Challenging one another to go one step further with our jumps, speed and tricks.
The winter will be winding to an end. I hated that fact when I was a kid. Thinking back, it was an amazing time. And I had a blast. Cold nose, and toes an all. I didn’t care. Cause I was counting down the days until next winter.
Lastly, I would like to invite you to check my music as well. With a rock/country feel. Here is my first single with much more to come.