Day 38: Going downhill fast

Inspired by the large quantities of snow and our recent purchase and tipped off by a local, we found a nearby 'sledding hill'. Exile #2 decided that it wasn't sensible for her to take part, except as child-supervision at the top of the hill. Both Exile #3 and Exile #4 had trips down with me, but Exile #4 found the snow thrown into her face during the high-speed decent hard to cope with and declined further trips. Exile #3 had a great time however, and found that going on her own from about two thirds of the way up was pretty much perfect. Despite being rather busy, the hill was pretty well organised, with self- and mutual-regulation ensuring that most accidents were self-inflicted. One grown man on what looked like a beach-toy hit a large bump and did a spectacular face-plant, but a good time was being had by all.

It reminded me of our sledging hill in my youth, which was very similar in size, but had the added excitement of a ditch at the bottom in which many successful sledging runs finished. The really successful runs, however, went through the ditch and down the next field which sloped gently and was normally covered in virtually untouched snow. Happy days. I wonder if that same hill is still a reliable spot or if climate change has taken its toll.

The only casualty of our trip was our confidence in the girls' gloves that have consistently been the weak-point in their winter wardrobe. We went straight from taking this picture to the local sports shop where the skiwear sale was in full swing and found the last two pairs of kids' ski mittens. By the way, thanks for all those who equipped us with various items of warm-weather wear before our departure, they have all been invaluable over the last few weeks.