Set off this morning with Dave P for our usual early season exploring session to familiarise and explore our usual ice skating spots. We took our skating gear but were not expecting to skate at all. Saw only the merest skim of ice at the edge of Coalpit and Poolburn but Idaburn had 10-15m out from the edge. We had planned to head back overland from Poolburn but the road was closed (early) - probably early due to Covid19. We decided to explore around the reservoir and ended up with a great early skate in a stream at the bottom of the dam. An unexpected surprise despite getting wet clothing walking through the frosty tussock. Great to get the skates on in May - a rare thing. -8 when we stopped at Oturehua on the way up - great winter feel.
