Lake Ripple is one of Eric’s favorite places in Grafton. For years I’ve been meaning to get him out onto the frozen lake, but I never seemed to get around to it. Part of the reason is because I’m paranoid about water. Not for myself, but for Eric. Putting a kid in a wheelchair on water is like attaching an anchor around his waist. If anything bad happens it would be just about impossible to save him. We took him out on a schooner last summer. He loved it, but I was just glad to get him back on land!
Yesterday was the annual Grafton Community Ice skating Party on the lake. Since it has been extremely cold recently, I thought this would be a good and safe time to take Eric out on the ice. The biggest challenge was the rather big, steep hill we had to climb down to get onto the lake. Aaron and I made it down OK, but halfway down I was thinking, this is really dumb, how will I ever get him back to the van! But there was no turning back at that point… Luckily, there where plenty of people around and when I was ready to leave, I asked three strong guys who were hanging around the bonfire if they would help me out and they did. I had Eric in his jogger, which made it easier. Each one took a wheel and dragged him up the hill. It was worth it though as Eric was so excited to go “on” Lake Ripple and he will be talking about this for days.
Here is a photo of the twins. Aaron calls that hat his “Fargo” hat! Of course, Aaron has his video camera with him in order to get some “stock footage”.
Eric could not believe that he was out in the middle of the lake!
A nice bonfire provided by the Grafton Recreation Department. OK, this fire did make me nervous. Why doesn’t it burn through the ice? I went over and asked one of the guys tending the fire and he said, “I have no idea!” That was not very reassuring. However, I knew that they did this bonfire thing every year, so I could only assume that we were safe… I tried googling it when we got home, but couldn’t find an answer. If anyone knows why it’s OK to light a fire on ice, please leave a comment.
Getting dark and cold! Aaron warming up by the fire.
I’ve been thinking about this bonfire thing. I assume that the rec department had to have permission from the fire department to have a bonfire. I wonder if that part of the lake is frozen solid? As I recall from times when we’ve had little rain, that area of the lake is shallow and the fire was also close to shore.
Aww, he looks so happy to be out there!!! That is very cool.
And I had to laugh at Aaron’s Fargo Hat, because that was exactly my first impression when I scrolled down and saw it before even reading what you’d written!
As for the bonfire thing…I haven’t the faintest idea. :-/
Love,
Nick
Eric looks very happy and Aaron … love the hat 🙂