Slip n Slide n Urgent Care

When you head out for a family adventure, you rarely imagine that the day ends up sitting in a very warm exam room at an Urgent Care center. And it is even more out of the realm of your thoughts that the patient would be your nine-year-old daughter.

We spent part of the day on a recent Sunday at Three Bear Acres in Creedmore North Carolina. The converted farm is wonderland for kids and active fun. Ninja Warrior style obstacle courses, a giant bouncy pillow, an awesome tree house and much much more. It was a hot day, so we spent very little time near the giant bounce pillow and retreated into the woods where there is this great slide. The slide which resembles a super-sized pine-wood derby track, runs down the length of a hill. The riders drag snow sleds retrofitted with skateboard trucks and wheels. Doesn't look super safe, but looked super fun. I saw how fast 60 and 80 under children were flying down the course, and decided that the wall of tires probably would not have stopped my momentum.

My daughter who is prone to overheating, wanted to check out the slip-n-slide. It was hot out and i figured her clothes would dry. So let's go for it I said. We walked over to the waterfront and along the side of hill of clay was the slip-n-slide. They had dug out two tracks and laid out the mats. There were hoses and sprinklers going down the length of the track. My daughter then son, took turns sliding down the bumpy track. There was laughter and squeals of joy. And then I hear a scream. “DADDY!” I see my daughter crumpled on the ground half way down. I run towards her, fearing the worst. Trying not to slip as I ran down the damp grassy hill. When i get to her she says her ankle is hurt. I ask if she can stand. She doesn't know. I helped her up. She was able to put a little weight on it. And knowing her pain tolerance, her ankle was probably not broken (but I'm no doctor). I picked her up and walked here over to a bench. She was pretty hysterical. Her brother kept sliding. 

We looked at her ankle and it seemed a little swollen. The staff at TBA brought us over some ice, and when they saw I was going to carry her back to the parking lot, they offered us a ride in one of the Polaris off-roaders, which was awesome. We headed back and my son stayed with his grandmother and my wife and I took Nugget to a local urgent care. They were so super nice they put her into a wheelchair and we watched Disney Channel as we waited to be called in. 

We wheeled her in. And the staff was so nice to us. The nurse, took all her vitals and we waited for a doctor to examine her. Now we waited and waited. We had to explain to her that at Urgent Care center’s the staff has to prioritize the patients by the seriousness of the illness and injuries. Eventually the nurse practitioner stopped by, she examined Nuggets foot and ankle. We would need to get some x-rays. They brought us some beverages, since we had been waiting so long in seemingly the only non-air conditioned room in the facility.

The x-rays didn't show a break, which is a good thing. But there was a sprain and bone bruise. They wrapped Nugget’s foot with some ace bandages and fitted her for crutches. She will be off her feet for a few weeks, so Fall tennis is probably out of the equation this year. But she will be ready to walk around comfortably by pumpkin picking season.


As bad as it was, she remained a trooper and we stayed calm for her. It could have been much worse. And luckily it was not. When we got back, her little brother was the perfect little guy. He moved her crutches when she sat down to eat, and brought them back to her when she needed to get up. We raised some good kids.

Split Rock

A few years ago we went to a wedding in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania. We stayed overnight at one of the many great resorts there. Our kids went crazy for the place. And begged us to come back. Over the next year or two we went back several times trying out new hotels and resorts.

This past winter recess we spent a few days at the Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony PA. We had been to their indoor water park H2ooohh before but this was our first time at the resort. The property is massive, with two main hotels and a "village" of townhouses, along with time share and owned property.

We checked in and drove over to the parking lot nearest our room. At first I was not very impressed. The hotel was clean but looked old. However our room was nice. It included a kitchenette, a pullout sofa and a queen sized bed. Even with all the positives it still looked old. It was comfortable but they could use to update it.

The kids were not so critical as they bounced on the bed and played with the sliding door that separates the bedroom from the living room. Soon we got ready to go to the water park.

If you have never been to an indoor water park H2ooohh is fantastic. But if you have, you can see that it is a little lacking. Seriously who doesn't have a lazy river. Though I did not hear my kids complain about it. They had a great time in the wave pool, riding the slides and getting water dumped on them by the giant bucket. The benefit of staying on property is you can take a break. Go back to the room, take a nap, swim in the other pool, or eat something.

As we left the water park Split Rock began to grow on me. There were so many activities included. That evening my son and I took a walk around the property, played ping-pong and pool as well as unsuccessfully tried to sign up for laser tag (which is included). The next day we were able to play laser tag.

The kids did a crafts the next morning as I went to the grocery store to pick up supplies. They also bowled before the four of us went to play laser tag. It was so fun, we were equipped with converted paint-ball markers and let loose in a large room with a bunch of inflatable obstacles. By the time our 30 minutes was up we were beat.

When we are in a natural setting I enjoy seeing some of it. So we drove up the mountain to see the Split Rock. This beautiful formation sits on top of the resort overlooking the lake and the ski slopes. And we were told that the view from on top is simply amazing. Unfortunately the wooden staircase was under repairs. But still it was breathtaking. We checked out the lake, which was described as being as perfect as a painting.

 

We headed back and spent the rest of the day between the pool and the water park. We had a nice dinner that Mrs GMIBP prepared for us. Then the kids watched the Disney channel for way too long. Well Nugget did, like the night before the little guy passed out where he was sitting.

Due to the mild weather conditions it was not optimal for any winter sports. But maybe next time. It was nice that there were things to do that you didn't have to pay for. Other resorts nickel and dime you to death, but it's really affordable to bring your family to Split Rock and have a really fun time.

Do I wish the water park was a little nicer? Yes. Would it be nice to have a more modern look? Certainly. But for your dollar are you going to pack in more in the region? Probably not. Will we be heading back to Split Rock? Signs point to yes.

Note: We were not compensated for this review, and as always the opinions are strictly my own.

HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR INDOOR WATER PARK VACATION WITH KIDS

Many ski resorts have looked for ways to make their facilities a year round attraction. Many of them use their slopes as a backdrop for outdoor adventures and many are building indoor water parks that make their resorts a destination every day of the year. Going to one of these resorts with your kids can be extremely fun, but our good time can be ruined by lack of planning. Here are a few tips to keep the good times flowing (like a lazy river).

EARLY CHECK-IN: Many place will allow guests to check into the resort several hours before their room is ready so you can use the facilities for longer. Each resort has different policies, but three to four hours of bonus time at the beginning of your trip is a great trip after a potentially long car ride. Also check out about the policy for usage on your last day. During a recent trip we checked out of our room at 11am but had access to the water park and all the attractions at the resort until 10pm that night.

LEAVE FOR FOOD: Like an airport a resort will kill you with their exorbitant pricing on dining.  Basically they think that people will be too lazy to leave the place to search out cheaper alternatives. But with the free parking available at most of these facilities, it is very convenient to dry off jump in your car and bring back any number of choices of food. While you may have to eat in your room, since outside for and drinks are not allowed inside the park. It helps break up the day and give parents a few minutes of rest time when they are not ankle deep in water.

ARCADES ARE NOT CHEAP: It is a fact that arcades are expensive and your kids can blow through a huge chunk of change (usually loaded on a card) in the pursuit of prize tickets. They will see someone who just won a jackpot holding an obscenely large pile of tickets and want in on the action. Put some money into your trip budget for playing in the arcade and stick to it. And remember that that off brand slinky and finger skateboard was well worth the $30 you kid used to earn them.

DON’T CHANGE SWIMSUITS: Even if you are staying for a new days, I recommend keeping your whole party in the same swimsuits. It makes it easier to keep track of your kids, especially for those of us who aren’t wearing our glasses into the water. If you get separated it’s better to describe your kid as a six year old boy with sandy hair wearing a white, yellow and orange bathing suit rather than he is a six year old boy with wet hair.  Most resorts have laundry facilities but if they don’t a quick rinse in the shower and hanging to dry will make them good as new.

TOWELS: If the resort doesn't have water park only towels, bring your towels from home. You will not want to use your room towels for drying off. Because all of a sudden you have no towels to dry off with after showering.

IT’S A MARATHON NOT A SPRINT: With all day access you don’t need to be in the water all day long. 10am till 10pm is an awful long time and eventually everyone will get bored. Take a break for a few hours, go find some local sites. Hang out in your room and take a nap. On our last trip, we went for three hours. Broke for lunch. Another two hour or so. Dinner. And finally I took one of the kids for another two hours until they closed up, while my other one hung out in our room and watched Nickelodeon.

The great outdoors

For the past few years I have shared my love of camping with my family. In previous years we broke out the tent and headed to a KOA camp in upstate New York. The kids always want to stay longer. So this year we went for two nights, in a small cabin at a different KOA location (Newburg NY).  

From the moment we arrived we were very impresssed with the facilities. There were two pools, a bounce pillow and playground right near the main entrance. I checked in, and for less than the price of a Days Inn we were good to go. 

This campground was mostly cabins and RV hookups, while there were some tenters. Our cabin was a simple one roomer. It had a bunk bed, a full bed and a small desk. There were plugs, which are essential when you travel with kids and their (and our) electronic accessories. We were smart enough to bring a fan which was a lifesaver. Right outside there was a wooden swing on the deck. 

In past years I went with very elaborate menus. This year we went simple. I went with things that could be easily made on our propane stove and over grill. Over the weekend we had eggs, bacon, ribs,Italian  sausage, rice, mac n cheese, baked beans, hotdogs, bratwurst and brisket. The ribs and brisket were premade but so good. The camp provided free pancakes which was nice of them, and they were very fluffy and delicious. This is coming from someone who dislikes pancakes. 

Taking an extra day gave us a chance to take a short ride into the lovely Beacon NY, for some quality coffee and a growler of great beer. When we returned from our excursion we were back into the pools (both the cold and warm one). 

There is so much to do, including bike rentals, horseshoes and mini golf. For thr   grownups they even have an onsite wine seller "The Grape Outdoors."

This past weekend was Christmas in July at camp so as I made dinner the family watch The Santa Clause 3. Which despite what I said, my daughter said was really good. I brought the food out to them and it was a really nice way to spend an evening, sitting on grass under the stars while enjoying some delicious food with loved ones. 

Saturday night, as everyone was asleep, I sat on the swing chair watching the fire and sipping a fine beer from Rhode Island. I was drifting in and out of sleep. I opened my eyes and see a skunk walking right past me on our deck. Yikes.  Not wanted to frighten it and risk getting sorayed, I waited till he was past the door and ran inside. I left the rest of my beer to get skunky ironically enough and nestled into a bunk as both kids were in the full bed with my wife. 

I can't wait till next year to go back again. 

Note: Despite my best efforts I was not compensated by KOA or their representatives. But KOA offers a great "camping" experience for the whole family at a good price.