Do you remember being a kid and playing outside for hours? I have fond memories of riding my bike fast and feeling the wind against my face. I remember playing in the snow until my cheeks were red and my fingers started to shrivel up. I enjoyed building snowmen and tobogganing with my plastic crazy carpet.
I don’t remember at what point I stopped enjoying all the fun things. I don’t remember at what age I let self-confidence and fear overpower my sense of excitement.
I am turning 50 this year and a part of me is determined to let go of the fear and rediscover my self-confidence and sense of FUN.
When I found out a trip to Horseshoe Resort was on the itinerary for the Let’s Go Maple retreat, I was thrilled! I was determined to enjoy all the activities despite the negative voice in my head. I went to the store and bought splash pants, a new hat, and some waterproof gloves. I was all set to conquer the activities planned for us!
Horseshoe Resort is located near Barrie, Ontario. It is a top Ontario ski resort that offers 29 alpine ski and snowboard runs and 45 km of nordic trails. During the winter months, Horseshoe Resort offers many fun activities including snow tubing, fat biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Being with an amazing group of bloggers made me feel comfortable and excited for the events. It was time to kick fear in the ass and have some fun!
First thing on the agenda was fat biking! Fat biking is riding a bike (with fat tires) on the snow. Sounds fun, right? It is! It’s been years since I was on a bike, so I needed a few minutes to familiarize myself with the gears, brakes and handling a bike on ice and snow. After a few minutes, I was comfortable and started riding my bike! Within minutes, I felt all the fear and anxiety leave my body. I felt the wind hit my face and I was transported back to when I was a child, riding my bike in the wind. I felt free in the woods, ready to take on anything that came my way.
Next up was tubing. I must admit, I was very nervous to go tubing. I don’t know why. Normally, I would be the one standing on the sidelines, watching the others have all the fun. I was determined that I would not be an observer but rather a willing participant.
Here is a video I created of the tubing experience at Horseshoe Resort. You could say that I had some fun!
I must admit, I was terrified when I stood at the top of the hill, getting ready to go down the first time. But I decided to just do it. Everyone else was having fun and I did not want to be disappointed in myself….plus how else was I going to get down 🙂
After I reached the bottom, I could not stop smiling. The experience was a jolt of adrenaline and I could not wait to do it again. As I got off my tube, a young boy came over to me and asked me if I was scared going down the big hill. I said I was scared before I went down the hill but I had so much fun that I was going to do it again! He looked at me and gave me a huge smile. He turned to his dad and said: “Dad, I want to go down the hill.” I watched the young boy and his dad go down the hill and then asked him if he had fun. He looked at me with a huge smile and said yes and he was going to do it again. I felt as excited as that young kid, and it felt good. In fact, I felt like a kid all day and it was amazing. Being a kid is a magical time and as adults, we tend to forget what it feels like to be curious, free of fear and full of adventure. I am so glad that I took video that day as every time I watch the video of the tubing, I am reminded of that feeling and the powerful effect of kicking fear in the ass.
Ann
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paula schuck says
Tubing is a lot of fun. We go at least once a year. I am super proud of you my friend. You are letting go of the fear. Good for you. It can’t and shouldn’t control you.
paula schuck recently posted…Visit Richmond, BC and Your Taste Buds Will Thank You #IFWTWA #RichmondMoments
Ann says
Thank you for your words of support Paula. That means so much to me.
Paula Parker says
Wow, I love this resort, the Horseshoe. It so close to skiing and multiple outdoor activities. Wow, what a 50th year adventure. You go girl!
Chasity L Boatman says
What a great place for some nostalgia adventures! We recently took our son to Colorado this Winter and he loved going up in the mountains and playing outside. Every time we make the trip we normally go tubbing and snowmobile riding. It’s always a great time.
Kiwi says
This look like a fun getaway with the family. I have never been to a resort with snow, but for people who enjoy colder weather it looks nice. I am so happy you all had fun and thanks for the recap.
Kiwi recently posted…Plan Your Next Atlanta Night Out: Nobody Loves You Musical at The Horizon Theatre
Jenn @ Best of Budgets says
Looks like a ton of fun. I love getaways that let you do stuff (activities). Nice photos.
Todd Hogue says
This would be a great getaway for my family. The kids would love to experience tubing.
Lisa Bristol says
I have never tried riding a bike in the snow. Those tires look like they can handle it. I think my kids would love a winter getaway like this. Horseshoe Resort looks like a fantastic place to stay.
Ali Rost says
As I sit here this evening we have our windows open (for the first full day this spring!). The kids next door are playing in the back yard and I see a family walking by on the sidewalk. I grew up on an Iowa farm and as kids we were outside all of the time. So many great memories! Good for you for putting yourself out there and this resort looks like so much fun. (ps: You don’t look a day over 29 if you ask me!)
Our Family World says
This is something I have to check out next winter. I can’t believe there are so many activities you can enjoy at Horseshoe resort! I have not gone snow tubing for the longest time and I would love to do it again. The fat bike would also be a nice experience. I’m taking note of this place and hopefully enjoy some good quality time with the family next winter!
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Bites for Foodies says
As much as tubing seems so fun, I would be so paranoid that I’d go flying off and hurt myself! I’m paranoid like that! lol!
Mars says
So cool. I wish I could do that even when I reach 50. You look great!