Winter fun for me is riding in a one horse open sleigh and yes, I have the horse and sleigh with the sleigh bells on the harness. Often we go out on the cove after it is frozen and exercise the horses, even do a little racing, since all of the horses are ex-racing steeds.
It is always necessary to be careful, because the cove generally has skaters and the hockey players who are out practicing for their next figure skating show or their next big game.
Other times, we drive the sleigh around the sand hills and down through the forest paths, across the cranberry moors and around the lakes. The scenery is always changing when we are out with the horse and sleigh because of the speed at which we normally go. Because of the length of time we are out, we wrap ourselves in warm blankets and drink hot chocolate from thermos bottles.
Usually while heading for our destination, we run across several groups out, some on their all-terrain vehicles and others on skidoo's. Some come on skis, while others on snowshoes. We all meet down at Big Pond and have a campfire. While there, we bring out an old washtub from one of the hunting cottages and a clean metal bucket that was used as a lunch can. Someone always has rock salt and all the fixings to make homemade ice cream. We chow down to hotdogs and hamburgers, finished with marshmallows and ice cream. Inevitably, someone brings a guitar and plays while we sing songs that bring back memories of days gone by.
Eventually, the time comes to return home and it is usually after dark. Those who are on skidoo's and 4X4's and in horse pulled sleighs always help those who came in on foot. Those of us with horses, strap flashlights to the harnesses and make our way back, still singing, laughing and having fun.
Summer is rushed on the islands with ten times more tourists then islanders, all wanting a little piece of an islander's time and energy. Winter here is an enjoyable, slow time of the year, when there is time to enjoy the simple things in life, like sports, song, good company and better food. It is where a card playing party can rapidly turn into a lively dance, or a simple sleigh ride can turn into a special dream.
