Wheeeee!
Remember sledding when you were a kid? That hill back of the school, or behind the barn, or at the end of your street? The long trudge up and the thrilling reward when you finally reached the top and pushed off, speeding down that hill so fast the wind whipped tears from your eyes?
Where’s that old sled now? Gathering cobwebs in your shed? Well, if you live where there’s snow it’s time to dust it off and polish up the runners. Because I have good news for you. Sledding isn’t just for kids. In fact, if you want to save gas and your back, your old Flexible Flyer could turn into one of your most useful wintertime homestead tools.
How many times have you fired up the four wheeler in order to carry a load that was just a little too heavy or awkward to haul around in your arms? A sled lets you pull a surprisingly large load with little effort, without the use of fossil fuel. It’s great for bales of hay and straw, hauling firewood, and of course for that little spruce tree you cut for Christmas, or for hauling home that prize buck.
Nearly any kind of sled will work. Runner sleds are great for hauling along packed roads or trails. The plastic toboggan type is better for bushwhacking or deep snow. Look in sporting goods stores for heavy-duty ones made for carrying a load.
Of course, once you have your sled, it never hurts to indulge your inner child. No one’s looking. I dare you. Go to the top of that hill behind the barn and push off hard.
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…
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Old car hoods work really well.