Spending multiple days up north in small BC towns with extended family over the holidays can bring on conditions like cabin fever. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, bursts of random laughter, intense boredom, paranoia, excessive sleep….the list of mental instabilities just goes on and on. On the flipside, embracing small town life outdoors, can make time spent in remote towns all the more interesting. Follow my journal style exploration on how to embrace a local’s way of life in Northern BC - a reminder to adventure-on when the cabin fever sets in and not go stir crazy.
Day 1: Redneck Toboganning
Join local residents and families at the Terrace tobogganing hot spot. Up on College hill there's plenty of hill space to mash, race and catch air on a series of well groomed sleigh runs. I forgot my inner tube and had to opt for the redneck way. Follow these instructions: Save and flatten your used 24 case from the previous evening bender and place it under your butt. Glossy cardboard does give a better glide and rides faster if you stay on a groomed track vs. carving your own line. This being a popular local activity and attracting lots of families, I had to dodge small out of control children and a few obstacles like rebar when losing control. The best part of redneck tobogganing is that nobody will question your ride, and its portable and easy to dispose of when the fun is over.
A little Canadiana:
Has the thrill of being hurled at mock speed off a toboggan ever left you wondering how on earth this crazy Canadian past time ever came to be? If so, here’s a bit on the history of tobogganing.
Since life in Canada is cold, rugged and burly …Canadians had to find a way to transport food and family members from igloo to igloo, so they created the toboggan. It wasn’t until the 1800’s that tobogganing became recreational.
It was actually the 19th century when the first competitive runs emerged, but not for long. Canucks preferred to keep it a fun, outdoor activity and it remained that way until the luge and bob sled made a comeback in 85’ at the Calgary Winter Olympics. It is now an official Olympic Sport.
From saucers and ski-doos to magic carpets, tubes and foam boards, the snow sled has come a long way. Empty a flat and get ready for some good ol’ Canadian projectile fun.
Enjoy this blog series inspiring good times in small towns.
