Sometimes getting outside isn’t about finding a new activity or reinventing the wheel for that extra jolt of excitement. When your in the middle of the winter in Maine and your energy levels are getting lower each day, sometimes all it takes to get you outside is a past-time that you haven’t done in years. For me this week, that past-time was sledding.
But what to do when you’re 22 years old and haven’t owned a sled in over a decade? You grab the closest thing out of your storage shed and hope it’ll hold up. I actually lucked out and found a snowmobile cargo sled, disregarding the high walls that could potentially turn it into a death trap that’s impossible to bail out of.
I went to a few different hills around the area, places that will remain a secret for now. That’s half the fun of sledding in my mind, seeking out that perfect spot that feels like it was almost built to be slid down. I’ll leave it up to you to find your own spots so you can enjoy the experience in full.
With our latest snow storm bringing a bit wetter snow to the area, and the subsequently warm weather the past few days, the snow is perfect for sledding right now. Unlike the powdery stuff we’ve had most of the winter, the current conditions make for a good pack and a much quicker sled. I’d also recommend waxing the bottom of your sledding vehicle, especially if you’re using a metal object, as this will make your ride even more thrilling (think “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”).
The greatest thing about sledding is that it is probably the cheapest winter activity you can take part in. Sleds are relatively inexpensive, and even if you don’t want to shell out the cash, you can likely find something sled-like around the house. A bit of ingenuity goes a long way. Just get out there as soon as you can, as we’ve turned the corner and we’re heading closer and closer to spring.