In the Midwest, snowy months often outnumber summer months. There have been years when the lawn does not become visible again until well into April. We have to find a way to enjoy the snow or risk a severe case of cabin fever. Recently, after a snowfall, I retrieved the toboggan and took it on a run down the snow-packed driveway. I was reminded of our childhood sledding “mountain.”
Mt. Pizby wasn’t much of a mountain, but when you live on the Great Plains, you work with what you have. The name Pizby derived from Mount Pisgah mentioned in the Old Testament. I’m not sure if a family member thus named it or if the name predated my great-grandfather’s purchase of the nearby farm. As children, we sledded during daylight hours. It seemed immensely steep as our short little legs struggled to the top. Once we reached high school age, its height mysteriously shrank. However, nighttime sledding with friends rekindled our admiration of its sledding qualities. Now I recall it even more fondly thinking of the four generations of our family who found winter fun on Mount Pizby.
Sledding by moonlight is magical. Alpine sledding by torchlight is what the here-after will like to be if it is up to snuff. How can anyone not be filled with wonder and delight while sailing down snow-pillowed mountains, snowflakes gently falling, and torches lighting the way?
To learn how we made the marshmallow sticks and log holder, see Sweet Saturdays on top bar
Even if a trip to the Alps is not an option, sledding on any hill can bring out the child in us. Adding hot chocolate and snacks to the mix makes it an event to remember. A sled makes for easy transport of snacks.
If a bonfire is not an option, an easily movable tub of candles provides light and magic. Fill the tub with snow which holds the jars in place and helps reflect the candle light. (We use canning jars that withstand fluctuation in temperatures.)