Tuesday 17 July 2007  -curling in an amazing hoar frost

We drove from the Lodge through the Maniototo covered in amazing hoar frost - a magnificent white wonderland to Naseby.

At Naseby is New Zealand's highest indoor and outdoor curling rink. We had a great fun learning to curl. The younger members of the extended family aged 9 and 11 could play equally as well as the adults, so we divided into 2 teams and learnt this arcane Scottish sport of hurling 20kg polished granite stones on the ice.
Then by a wonderful stroke of timing we drove to Idaburn pond near Oturehua which had just frozen over sufficiently for a major event - the Bonspiel to take place. This outdoor curling event only takes place rarely (the last time was 10 years ago) when the pond freezes (the area has been experiencing up to - minus 17  centigrade so it was on). What a sight!
I particularly loved the tam o'shanters and matching jumpers in team colours - beautifully hand knitted and the unique sleds each team of 4 men had for their refreshments during the day - plenty of Green's Ginger wine, Speights ale and at least 4 bottles of Scotch whiskey!

 

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