Learn to Fly Extravaganza

At the start of the Olympic Games two weeks ago I had asked Drew, "If you could start your life over at the age of three and start training for an Olympic sport, what would it be?" He thought for awhile and finally replied, "Ski Jumping." If he had grown up here and not in Central New York, that could have been a possibility. Our six year old friend Ruby is lucky to have a Mom that allows her to try out a variety of activities and last week it was Ski Jumping. She had so much fun and couldn't wait until the next time she could practice her jumps.

Last night was the last of NYSEF'S Learn to Fly Series and ended with a kid parent competition. Unfortunately, Ruby's dad has been out in Colorado for the month and so Amy was scrambling to find a surrogate parent. Drew was the lucky one and got to partner up with Ruby in the Learn to Fly competition.

Ruby coached Drew on how to stay low and spring up on the jump. She showed him how it was done on her Sponge Bob Square Pants skis. This girl has no fear.

After practicing, Ruby told Drew, "You better jump far!" Of course in the excitement of it all, I messed up on my videography duties. So, either tilt your head to the left or if you have a laptop turn it clockwise 90 degrees to check out Drew's massive 9 meter jump on the 16 meter hill.

They made a good team and finished in 21st place! Ruby was a little disappointed that she didn't receive a ribbon, but as we walked out to the car, she started to realize she did pretty darn good since some boys didn't even go off the jump and that was only her second time.

Winter Olympic Gargoyles

Gargoyle John has put on his winter hat and is rooting for Team Canada and USA in the sliding sports.

Gargoyle Lance has wrapped a scarf around his neck and is looking forward to watching both Nordic Skiing and Ice Hockey.

Lake Placid Toboggan Chute

One of my all time favorite activities in the winter is tobogganing down the chute onto Mirror Lake. This is always a hit or miss activity because it is so weather dependent. February is usually the best time to go when the lake has been frozen for a few months.

A couple years ago in March, my friend Emilie and I stumbled upon the Lions Club race that had been delayed due to weather conditions. We had so much fun, but got completely soaked because the top layer of Mirror Lake was turning to slush. Strangely, we received second place for women and walked away with a Genesee Beer trophy that now resides in my garage.

That trophy really means something to me because as a child my sister and I were in a sledding accident and we ended up with one black eye and a swollen jaw. Surprisingly, we took a chance at the Toboggan Chute together a few years back and the only mishap was a pair of torn snow pants.

This is not an activity for the faint of heart. There is a large warning sign before you climb the structure discouraging expectant mothers and others with heart conditions. They also let you know they are not responsible for damaged clothing that might get torn from extreme friction.

My husband had never been down the Toboggan Chute and so after grocery shopping we went for a few rides. I think the following videos will show that I have gotten over my fear of sledding.

I love it when you spin on the ice at the end!

How can something be so scary and fun at the same time?

If you've never been tobogganing, this could be your week. The conditions are fast and this Saturday, Rock 105 will be hosting the Adirondack International Toboggan Championships where there are lots of prizes and the funds raised go to the USA Luge Team. I'm sorry to say there won't be any beer trophies handed out at this event, that was last weekend and I missed out on the event. So, for another year, our beautiful beer trophy will be the only one on the tool shelf.

Gargoyle Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

Black Diamond Burrito Bar

Whiteface Mountain added the Black Diamond Burrito Bar this year and let me tell you this is a huge step up from the usual cafeteria offerings. I ordered up a Vegetarian Burrito that came with cilantro lime rice, black beans, and all the fixings you want including guacamole.

This was way better than frozen chicken tenders and fries. Way to go Centerplate for making my belly very happy!