We did that when I was a kid, and while not well off, we were ok — a military family.
We also slid on an inner tube on long grass in summer and dry leaves in autumn – you had to watch out for sharp rocks, but they’re sturdier than you’d think on a smooth hillside.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they make inner tubes that are specially made for sliding (not that I imagine that’s what these two have). Besides, in case of a wipeout getting smacked in the head by an inner tube would be safer than with a sled; I’ve left a few red splotches in the snow in my time.
You can make your way down a snowy hillside on just about anything, if you’ve a mind to. Flattened cardboard boxes work well (except in “Peanuts”, I’ve never seen anyone do it sitting inside an intact cardboard box), but you feel EVERY bump…
Since 90% of our snowfall is on the mountains – yes, those ski hills are 30 minutes away by regular transit bus (the beach is a 10 minute walk depending on where you live) – when it does snow enough to slide – piece of cardboard works quite well.
My dad brought home a long, low mountain boy type sled—used. My brother learned to weld, keeping it together. We beat everybody’s socks off—in their NEW sleds.
SusanSunshine Premium Member almost 13 years ago
We did that when I was a kid, and while not well off, we were ok — a military family.
We also slid on an inner tube on long grass in summer and dry leaves in autumn – you had to watch out for sharp rocks, but they’re sturdier than you’d think on a smooth hillside.
Dr Low almost 13 years ago
And, the inner tube is much more fun. Bounces, not unyielding like a sled or a toboggin. Where would you get an inner tube nowadays?
fritzoid Premium Member almost 13 years ago
I wouldn’t be surprised if they make inner tubes that are specially made for sliding (not that I imagine that’s what these two have). Besides, in case of a wipeout getting smacked in the head by an inner tube would be safer than with a sled; I’ve left a few red splotches in the snow in my time.
You can make your way down a snowy hillside on just about anything, if you’ve a mind to. Flattened cardboard boxes work well (except in “Peanuts”, I’ve never seen anyone do it sitting inside an intact cardboard box), but you feel EVERY bump…
orinoco womble almost 13 years ago
Trout, you’re the one who usually tries to sink Agnes. Why should she help bail your water?
Hunter7 almost 13 years ago
Since 90% of our snowfall is on the mountains – yes, those ski hills are 30 minutes away by regular transit bus (the beach is a 10 minute walk depending on where you live) – when it does snow enough to slide – piece of cardboard works quite well.
tigre1 almost 13 years ago
Did the cardboard box down a grassy hill in SF Bay area. That’s what I was doing the day WW2 ended….yup.
wroady almost 13 years ago
flattened cardboard boxes also work well on grassy hills, no snow necessary!
peconpie2 almost 13 years ago
Truck tire inner-tubes are great, but watch out for those long valve stems!!
lin4869 almost 13 years ago
Wow, Tony. This is pretty deep.
claudskij almost 13 years ago
My dad brought home a long, low mountain boy type sled—used. My brother learned to weld, keeping it together. We beat everybody’s socks off—in their NEW sleds.
middyr1 almost 13 years ago
Obviously you’ve never tried it. Best sliding ever!!!