Picture: Meggie on Ice
Our training for Finland continued this week as we took a few hours gliding smoothly and professionally around our local ice skating rink, Ice in Paradise (rated #1/1;) At least that was the plan. The reality was 3 rigid scarecrows clawing their way around the torturous ice trying to avoid small children who seemed intent on hurling themselves to their doom under our dull blades. I say 3 scarecrows only, because Robyn seemed to have remembered her ice skating youth and so moved gracefully in and around the throng while actually smiling. The nerve!
I was more than a little worried that one of us (well, me mostly) would fall and break something necessary for our upcoming trip. This feeling was elevated when we noticed a small crowd gathered on the ice while we waited for our skates. Then a wide-eyed person said that there’d been an accident. Robyn urged me out to take a look as my EMT training sometimes comes in handy. Slithering over on my street shoes, I followed the young supervisor to the center of the rink where a prone figure lay still. Turns out the teen had fallen on his face and blacked out. Another person with medical training and I talked to him and I soon saw that he hadn’t broken anything obvious and that he thankfully had all his teeth. Soon after the first responders arrived and we faded into the background. Phew!
So, yes I was sure that I would be the next person to impact on the ice like a rotisserie chicken thrown from a rooftop as I’m at that age where people seem to end up on America’s Funniest Videos doing something stupid. Luckily, we had friends of ours with us who have spent much time on the ice playing hockey and the like. Giving just enough relevant information to get us safely through the tough first hour and enough hope to go back for more, we owe much to Jason, Nick, and Naomi Perl. THANKS!
As it turned out, it did become much easier for us all as we stuck at it. In fact, I noticed that we were beginning to enjoy it much more by the end. As it seems to be a daily pastime in Finland, we really do need to become more comfortable on blades, especially as there is an unlimited supply of ice this time of year. But, could I please wear a helmet?