I picked up speed and immediately wished I were back home reading the Sunday paper. There is no directional control (sort of like a saucer sled) and I was soon going backwards. The end of the slide is about a foot above the pit of compacted sawdust, so I fell that far and then hit the ground backwards at high speed. I rolled backwards onto my head, feet up (literally heels over head) and flopped down – breath knocked out of me, neck full of pain.

Everything in my pockets – car keys, change, cell phone, sunglasses – as well as my hat, were scattered in the sawdust. I slowly got up, made sure I still had feeling in my hands and feet, and walked slowly away from the scene. My neck still hurts a day later, but it seems there is no permanent injury.

It is the absolute dumbest thing I have ever done. I could have broken my neck and spent the rest of my life in a quad wheelchair. So, if you are an adult – watch the kids, don’t try to be one again. I’m sixty-six, drive a Corvette, ride a motorcycle, fly a plane and this is the most hurt I’ve ever been. Live and learn.

Beware, wear long pants. The wood burn can be painful.

If you want to have some real fun, bring a roll of wax paper & use sheets to slide down on…so far the fastest toboggan I’ve seen — Note to ‘big people’ i.e. adults, just make sure all’s clear before hitting the slide for your fun — otherwise you’re kid bowling! )