The hills are alive

I had everything I needed for my trip to the sled hill yesterday — a fresh layer of snow, boots, mittens, and a variety of sleds.

I just needed some kids to race me down the hill.

So, I borrowed some from a friend of mine and we celebrated the first day of March in style.

It had been a while since I hauled a pair of squeaky voiced cherubs up a hill and whizzed back down with my arms in the air. Happily, sledding requires very little skill.

You just haul yourself to the top, and hurl yourself back down, leaning a bit to steer one way of the other. The mechanics haven’t changed since God first made snowy hills.

The equipment hasn’t changed much either. We used an old black toboggan, a blue saucer, and an orange plastic sled.

But, I’m telling you, there’s something about sledding that I’ll always love.

There’s the hard hike up the hill, where you slip a little with each step and risk skidding back down on your bum. Then, there’s the strategic positioning of bodies and limbs to minimize wind resistance and control snow spray, the scooching forward of the sled and the tactical decision to accept a push or go it alone.

Then, you fly and, for a few minutes, maybe you even catch a little air, always aiming for a faster run, and a farther slide.

Maybe, you look up a bit at the fresh, frozen sky when you land, catch your breath and pause a moment to revel in the thrill of another sweet ride.

Then, you roll over, hoist yourself up, and head back up the hill.

I hope I never let a winter pass without at least one trip to the sled hill and I thank my little companions for making yesterday’s so very enjoyable.

As for the rest of you, winter is waning. Get out there and go!