During my run today on the icy roads I couldn't help but think about how in one month I will be headed to a water ski resort. This trip is not going to be focused on laying on the beach or taking in cocktails, etc... It's all about working our bodies to the core and hopefully retaining some new skills to bring back to Long Lake this coming summer! We have no plans except to water ski and wake board. I'm sure once we are there we may work in a Disney attraction or hit the beach, but as of now there is only 2 thing on my mind… Water Skiing & Alligators. As I was working with the reservation lady I throw out the simple question… Do we need to worry about visiting alligators in the lakes or surrounding area by our villa? Her simple response was… "Well, we are in Florida, so yes I’m sure we have gators. We have never had any problems with them, they are more scared of you than you are of them". I broke out laughing when I read her response because I read it as… "Yes, there are gators in the lakes"!
Today I was emailing one of my friend's that lives in FL 9 months of the year and lives on Long Lake in the summer months. He is a competitive water skier. When I asked him about the alligators this is what he said "As for alligators, you really don't need to worry about them until they get about 5-6 feet long. Typically the ski schools will remove them when they get to about 4 feet. Most of the time as soon as they hear the boats start up they head in the other direction so you should be fine. If you happen to fall, try to stay away from the tall reeds along the shorelines. I don't think you will have anything to worry about. Just relax and remember to keep your hips and shoulders back". Again, all I could do was laugh and think… thanks for that suggestion about falling.
I met Mark (competitive skier) last year on a warm July evening. He was doing a slow cruise around the lake with his wife and the water was as calm as could be. I've admired Mark from a distance regarding his skiing because he is the best skier on the lake (well, duh he skies competitively at the age of 55). I was out on the pier enjoying the warm evening. When he went by he waved and I simply said "I'm surprised you aren't out skiing on a night like tonight". Well, all of sudden he was up against my dock asking me if I wanted to go for a ride. Without hesitation I grabbed my ski, his wife got out of the boat with her glass of wine and my son jumped in the boat to be the spotter! It was all a bit surreal. Mark is a serious guy and a total perfectionist. So of course before I knew it he was offering me suggestions on my ski technique which I loved. We had a great time and I learned a ton. When he dropped me off he simply said "I'll pick you up tomorrow at 7 a.m." and I said "okay". That night I had to call my husband and say "OMG, you'll never guess who took me skiing". He laughed. Well, the next morning Mark shows up right on time and off we go! I could not believe he trusted me to drive his boat which is a 20 year old Master Craft that he has restored & everything is wired to a tee from making sure he skies at the perfect speed to the throttle, it's sort of like a race car where you have to do certain things to get it to go. I don't have the terminology, but I was able to learn and drive it. Well, the next morning I look out and there is 3 ski boats down by my pier with about 7 guys. ALL the awesome skiers from the lake. I go down to the pier and Mark says "we are going to do the buoys today". I laugh and say "I think I'll just watch". Let's just say once again I was in awe of what I got to see up close. So that's how my relationship with Mark got started and from that day on he would show up at my pier in the a.m. and some evenings for that lovely ski run! Here is a quick video of Mark Skiing - Click here! Notice the ropes length - he is on the last loop! Amazing! I think he skies at 36 mph (I can't remember exactly)
Today I was emailing one of my friend's that lives in FL 9 months of the year and lives on Long Lake in the summer months. He is a competitive water skier. When I asked him about the alligators this is what he said "As for alligators, you really don't need to worry about them until they get about 5-6 feet long. Typically the ski schools will remove them when they get to about 4 feet. Most of the time as soon as they hear the boats start up they head in the other direction so you should be fine. If you happen to fall, try to stay away from the tall reeds along the shorelines. I don't think you will have anything to worry about. Just relax and remember to keep your hips and shoulders back". Again, all I could do was laugh and think… thanks for that suggestion about falling.
I met Mark (competitive skier) last year on a warm July evening. He was doing a slow cruise around the lake with his wife and the water was as calm as could be. I've admired Mark from a distance regarding his skiing because he is the best skier on the lake (well, duh he skies competitively at the age of 55). I was out on the pier enjoying the warm evening. When he went by he waved and I simply said "I'm surprised you aren't out skiing on a night like tonight". Well, all of sudden he was up against my dock asking me if I wanted to go for a ride. Without hesitation I grabbed my ski, his wife got out of the boat with her glass of wine and my son jumped in the boat to be the spotter! It was all a bit surreal. Mark is a serious guy and a total perfectionist. So of course before I knew it he was offering me suggestions on my ski technique which I loved. We had a great time and I learned a ton. When he dropped me off he simply said "I'll pick you up tomorrow at 7 a.m." and I said "okay". That night I had to call my husband and say "OMG, you'll never guess who took me skiing". He laughed. Well, the next morning Mark shows up right on time and off we go! I could not believe he trusted me to drive his boat which is a 20 year old Master Craft that he has restored & everything is wired to a tee from making sure he skies at the perfect speed to the throttle, it's sort of like a race car where you have to do certain things to get it to go. I don't have the terminology, but I was able to learn and drive it. Well, the next morning I look out and there is 3 ski boats down by my pier with about 7 guys. ALL the awesome skiers from the lake. I go down to the pier and Mark says "we are going to do the buoys today". I laugh and say "I think I'll just watch". Let's just say once again I was in awe of what I got to see up close. So that's how my relationship with Mark got started and from that day on he would show up at my pier in the a.m. and some evenings for that lovely ski run! Here is a quick video of Mark Skiing - Click here! Notice the ropes length - he is on the last loop! Amazing! I think he skies at 36 mph (I can't remember exactly)
So as I ran today I could not help but try to visualize myself skiing and to remember everything….
We have not told the kids about our upcoming trip. I'm still trying to figure out how to position it with them (smile). I think I will be focusing on the villa and the pool that comes with it and be careful how I word… "Oh, and the 5 man made lakes on the property are only for wake boarding and water skiing. You are NOT allowed to jump off the pier, dangle your feet in the water or swim in these lake. And when they ask why… "Oh, because there is alligators in them!!". Lord have mercy! And yet I'm super EXCITED to ski with the alligators in one month exactly!
- Hips Forward
- Shoulders Back
- Lean Way Back
- Straight Arms
- One Hand Reach
- Ski leads not shoulders
We have not told the kids about our upcoming trip. I'm still trying to figure out how to position it with them (smile). I think I will be focusing on the villa and the pool that comes with it and be careful how I word… "Oh, and the 5 man made lakes on the property are only for wake boarding and water skiing. You are NOT allowed to jump off the pier, dangle your feet in the water or swim in these lake. And when they ask why… "Oh, because there is alligators in them!!". Lord have mercy! And yet I'm super EXCITED to ski with the alligators in one month exactly!
Another fun day at the lake spent with the ones I love most in this world. I love being here because I have no reason to leave my home. What more could one want than to dig snow tunnels, sled, play basketball and football on a beautiful sunny day in WI! Don't over complicate life. The best memories are made without spending any $$ and being outside!
Simply Julie and her rambles
www.longlakelifestyle.com
Simply Julie and her rambles
www.longlakelifestyle.com