sledding

I've mentioned before that if you're going to live up north you simply must find a way to enjoy yourself in the great outdoors. Sledding is a fun activity. Not the sled of your childhood, but a very fast grown up sled.

We sold ours off last year. Snowmobiling around here is not very good around here because the truth is, we don't get enough snow. That's right. We would take our sled up to Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, where there was always plenty of deep snow and safe, groomed trails. There's nothing in the world like flying over a frozen lake at night, the moon lighting the path.

One afternoon we decided to take off on a new trail. About two miles into the ride the trail took a gentle curve to the right. A breathtaking sight lay just around the bend. Thick evergreens lined up on each side, heavily laden with fresh white snow which bent the branches. They looked like courtiers bowing as a royal entourage passed by. Heavy snow deadened the sound of the machines and we literally crawled through the green and white tunnel. On the other side we let loose the powerful sleds and headed towards the tavern.

........the trails don't actually lead anywhere, just lead you from tavern to tavern - warming sheds with food and drink.