My ankles are already wobbling in anticipation of hitting
the ice rink tucked into the Curry Village area of Yosemite National Park. Mittens,
hat, warm puffy jacket on, I head to the rental counter to grab my rockin’
rental skates. I’m feeling like a giddy, little school-girl with memories of
teetering around as a kid on frozen ponds in Vermont.
I lace up my skates by the rink’s roaring fire-pit and I’m wiggly
to get out underneath the gorgeous full moon that’s been ordered to light our
festive skating party tonight.
My first few turns are straight out of a slapstick video –
careen to the left, tip-toe-slide and skid to the right, ohhhhhhh nooooooooo. I
run into the innocent, wobbly-skater in front of me.
But then, the flow happens. Childhood muscle memory takes
hold, like riding a bike, and I’m able to sort of begin a more coordinated gliddddde
around the rink. Without taking out any of the other friends I’ve come with for
a change.
All of us outdoorsy types come to Yosemite for countless
winter activities, and what a treat that Yosemite has this glorious, little
rink for families and folks of any age. All you need are some feet and a little
bit of fearlessness and you too can be gliding around on ice skates in the
shadow of the world famous Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.
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| Brave friend Theresa rockin' the ice skates with me. |
After many, many spins around the rink to the point of
almost dizziness while we rock to the awesome tunes coming from the rink’s speakers,
I’m now following my friends off the ice and we gather around the huge fire-pit
that’s crackling away. Next up, the perfect après ice skating treat – S’mores!
Sticky marshmallow and graham cracker concoctions with
chocolate oozing everywhere are the perfect finale to a trip down ice-skating
memory lane. The shop has them right there, ready to buy with all the fixings,
and we’re all now a little goofy from the sugar rush.
Back onto the rink to burn it off like a group of
sugar-bombed second graders..... Could there be anything sweeter? I think not.
What a treat. Take a second and take a walk down memory lane
and create some magic for your own family.
Get out and skate. In Yosemite National Park. Yes!
–Outdoorsy Mama
More Info:
Ice Rink Dates: Mid-November through Mid-March. Weather
dependent. Be sure to check on conditions.
Hours: Rink is open for 2.5 hour skating sessions
intermittently throughout day.
Cost: $10 kids; $11 adults *2015-16 season
Skate Rentals: $4.50
Helmets? Available for free upon request.
Contact: Curry Village Ice Skating Rink or 209-872-8319
Where to stay?
Try the mid-range Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. More low key and reasonably priced with the unbelievable location - just steps from the world famous Yosemite Falls inside Yosemite National Park.
Where to stay?
Try the mid-range Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. More low key and reasonably priced with the unbelievable location - just steps from the world famous Yosemite Falls inside Yosemite National Park.
Disclaimer: Yosemite
DN hosted a media event however all opinions are absolutely my own.
