Mankato weekend: Go ice-skating!

Living in the land of 10,000 lakes affords Minnesota's residents with plenty of opportunities to ice skate. This winter, higher-than-average temperatures and lack of snow have contributed to fewer opportunities for winter sports. However, many local lakes are frozen enough for ice houses, so skating shouldn't be a problem. "The important to budget travel is to prepare in front. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved trips and/or going to see new destinations we have never been before, the actuality of cost and budgeting is often in the back of our thoughts. Planning and consuming our travel budget carefully is a concern for most families. Lowering expending and expenses, while still savoring your vacation to its fullest, is the key to assured achievements and fiscal liability. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thinking regarding saving money while journeying is simple: Even if your personal finances is incredibly small, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or departing the homestead! Also thinking about that while traveling, whether on a resources or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a large vacation or travel charge!..". Higher temperatures also lead to more enjoyable excursions! Before you head out on your trip, here is a reminder of some safety tips for ice-skating outdoors:

• Always skate with a partner--it's more fun and you can keep an eye on each other.
• Avoid danger zones, which include ice covered in snow, slushy ice, older ice, and ice near bridges.
• The safest ice to skate on is blue or clear in color and should be 4 inches thick. Look for a lake or pond that is shallow and small.
• Carry a cell phone in case an accident does happen.

If you don't have skates, there are many places to find a cheap pair in the Mankato area. Play It Again, located near the River Hills Mall, offers great used gear at reasonable prices. Ebay is, as always, a great option, with prices as low as $10. Mankato Craigslist or the Mankato Free Press Classifieds may also have local used options available. Figure skates are the easiest to begin on; however, if you have experience with rollerblading or inline skating, hockey skates mimic these motions and are also a good option.

Once you are properly outfitted, you need to find a good location for your excursion. If you feel more comfortable indoors, the All Seasons Arena has open skating for a $3 admission fee. Skate rental is also available for $2; the schedule for open skating is available here. A list of public outdoor rinks can be found here (scroll down a bit to "Mankato Area Ice Rinks"). As an alternative to public rinks, you can skate at your favorite local lakes, but don't forget the safety rules and always be aware of your surroundings. Pack a thermos of hot cocoa, a bottle of water, a few granola bars, and enjoy your cheap adventure.

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