The wilderness beckons

What Awaits at the Cabin?

It was the winter of 1993. I lived in Oregon, far from my grandchildren. My daughter, Chris, flew from Iowa with her family for Christmas. Brent and I, with her brothers, Bob and Paul, looked forward to our reunion.

How can a long distance grandparent create a lasting memory?

The Mt. Hood wilderness had received a great deal of snow. Former campground roads were sealed off and converted to groomed nordic ski trails. Summer resident cabins were available for rent during the winter. An idea took shape in my mind.

I planned an unforgettable escapade. My grown grandchildren recall that experience with fondness today. You have to understand. We’re not your typical family. My passion is mountaineering. Our three children are outdoor sports enthusiasts.

“Why not rent a snowbound cabin and nordic ski into it?”

A negative reaction to our Christmas surprise!

Chris looked at her 14 month old son, Eric. “Mother, you’re crazy!”

Kathy, age 10, and Chad, age 8, were eager. Randy, her husband, just rolled his eyes.

“Where’s your sense of adventure? It’ll be fun.” I replied, “Trust your mother.”

Our nordic ski trek began at the side of the Snopark.

Bob and I taught Kathy and Chad how to handle their skis. We had to ski down a spur trail before reaching the groomed road. We used the snowplow technique to descend a short hill. Everyone did fine. The adults wore backpacks loaded with food and clothing.

Chad had difficulty on the gradual downhill run that followed. He solved this by sitting on his skis, toboggan style. I thought, “Clever boy. Any which way you can.” I trailed him with an attached puck that transported Eric safely. (A puck is a sled with handles, secured to a waistbelt.)

At the cabin, Chris stayed behind with her children. The rest of us skied back to the station wagon for more gear. Night fell quickly. After a filling spaghetti dinner and garlic bread, we played board games. No TV, this was an old fashioned Christmas.

We spent three glorious sunny days taking short ski trips. Our grandchildren became more confident. Chris relaxed and enjoyed herself. Eric fell asleep every time he rode in the puck. Brent and I felt the vacation was a huge success.

Lori, Bob’s wife, relished the outing. Her family never did crazy trips like this. Our sons, Bob and Paul, frolicked like brothers do. Even Randy lightened up and started throwing snowballs. The kids built a snowman and my sons showed them how to construct a snow cave.

We enjoyed picnic lunches beside a frozen lake with Mt. Hood in the back ground. Eric was free to walk during breaks. Other cross country skiers spent the holiday on the trails also. Beautiful weather and exhilarating exercise added to great camaraderie among all outside.

Memories with grandparents can have long lasting effects

Grandparenthood is a unique privilege. You have the time to devote extra special attention to grandchildren. You’re not burdened with the daily responsibility of raising them. Disciplinary practices and enforcing chores fall to the parents. You’re able to enjoy your time doing activities in a carefree manner.

Brent and I devised many adventures with our grandchildren over the years. We visited historical sights in our RV without their parents. Skype and Zoom features on computers or cell phones didn’t exist then. Maintaining regular contact is easier for long distance grandparents now.

It is so important to forge bonds with grandchildren before they become teenagers. Devise special outings that cater to their individual interests. Each child is different. They will give you clues that appeal to their unique personalities. You have no idea how your interest will influence their future lives.

“Grandma and Grandpa, tell me a story and snuggle me with your love. When I’m in your arms, the world seems small and we’re blessed by the heavens above.”— Laura Spiess

I was inspired to write this article after reading a post presented by Katie Michaelson.

I’ve always loved the snow, since early childhood. It brought forth the memory I wrote about here. Then I realized the importance that unique experiences can have on grandchildren. You can come up with your own ideas. Hope you enjoyed this post. Thank you, Katie, for prompting me to write.