Written by One my best childhood winter memories is waking up to a lot of snow on the ground. Not only did it mean that school was likely to be cancelled, it meant that there might be a trip to one of my favorite places – Sled Hill. This was a large hill in town that was was famous for sledding. Kids and their parents would flock there on a snow-covered day to experience the thrill of sliding down fresh powder. Wooden sleds like this one were a blast, but were soon replaced by little plastic trays. Those didn’t have the steering capability that these did so you just pointed them in a direction and hoped for the best. The lack of control made the trip evening more thrilling. Sailing through the snow on any type of sled was such a blast and something I haven’t experienced since I was a kid.
On a sunny day with an impossibly blue sky, the snow was blinding as though it were lit from within. I loved these days and although it was freezing outside, the sheer thrill of sledding kept me warmed with adrenaline. As much as I loved zooming down the large hill, the only way to repeat the experience was to grab your sled and make the trek back up the hill. That part was always exhausting, but worth it for the experience that awaited. I still remember the screams of joy from all the kids, echoing through the thin air, sounding like they were miles away. The day would always end with some form of hot drink and a little time in front of the fireplace. I loved it all!
Though the snow felt almost dry as we were sledding through it, the return home was always a sloppy mess. Gone was the bright, brilliant white and in its place were clumps of brown. Looking back, I realize it was my mother who ended up dealing with the mess. We had moved on to hot chocolate and were still giggling about the events of the day. It was as though we’d been on an incredible adventure that nobody had ever experienced before. It was our perfect day, with thrills and chills that only came once a year. Just a group of kids, made happier from the simplest little thing to do on a winter day. That magical time that was simply called sledding.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Indian Yellow, Burt Sienna, Ultramarine Deep and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with black ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop. |
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Whether swimming or sledding, it’s usually the moms who clean up the mess. But we do it so our kids can have wonderful times they’ll always remember. Your sled painting is terrific – the classic wooden sled made famous in movies and books.
Thanks so much, Sharon!! 😃💕Yeah, moms are amazing!! Such great memories they make possible for kids!
I have great childhood memories from sledding too, Charlie! 😄❄️ So much fun! Awesome sled Doodlewash today! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks so much, Jill!! 😃💕 I could see you sailing down a hill today even!! Hehe…if we lived closer, I’d make you go sledding with me!! 😉👍🏻
Oh yes what a memory, the old wooden sled 😀For me Living in the forest was wonderful during snow days, so many hills to sledge down. I recall waiting at the school buss stop, if it didn’t turn up we presumed cancelled ( no internet in those days to let us know before waiting ) freezing we would run home, change out of uniform and dash to the slopes that the forest provides. Unlike your lovely wooden sled, we used old horse feed bags, plastic sort, and tough! They were fast, you could sort of steer by holding the two front corners like ears, but watch your bum! You can feel every uneven lump and bump on the ground. Thank you for the memory blast, I am smiling and giggling at some of the moments had…sadly we don’t get snow as good these days, so my daughter has only had a couple of similar experiences. 😀
Oh wow!! I can’t believe you just had to wait and see in the cold!! We watched the news and waited to see if our school was listed. It was thrilling to see it show up. Sounds like you had a lovely scene for sledding. Fun!!
We don’t tend to get that much snow around here, Charlie, so sledding is something I have never done. It sounds like fun, but I’m so clumsy I’d probably spend more time out of the sled. I like your painting – looks very traditional.
Thanks, Tom! 😃Hehe…I spent a LOT of time tumbling down the hill sled-free, but that didn’t make it any less fun! Lol You should totally try it some time. It’s not too late! 😉
Adore it so much ❄️like an instrument on the ice
Aww thanks so much!! 😃💕
Beautiful sled, Charlie! This all just makes me inordinately jealous. We’ve never had the snowfall around here really to justify sledding, and I’m not sure it’d be all that on the perfectly flat Norfolk landscape anyway. I’ve always wanted to go sledding with some huskies, it looks incredible!
A friend of mine once got pretty heavy sunburn in January thanks to that blinding snow. Be careful! 😮
Thanks, Jacob! 😃 Yeah, the sun in blinding but I’m usually bundled up. I’m sure you would love sledding though!! It’s a thrill! I haven’t done it as an adult, but I wouldn’t be above trying it again given the opportunity!! Hehe
Ah yes, how well I remember those delightful days on the snowy hill. Great looking sled. ❤️
Thanks, Teri! 😃💕Such fun wasn’t it?!! Hehe
What a beautiful sled! Another great childhood memory. As I read this post a song popped into my head – Bob Hope singing “Thanks for the Memory” !
Awww thanks so much! 😃💕 Hehe… now Bob Hope is in my head! Hehe
I had one exactly like this one as child some sixty years ago, can’t remember if it was made in USA or Canada.
That’s awesome Mike! 😃 I definitely loved these more than the plastic ones!