Dave and I made one last visit to Poolburn this morning to enjoy the unexpected ice so late in our season. Frosty and cold for the time of year and fabulous ice. Ice no thicker than yesterday but superb skating on smooth ice. We skated into the main bay on sketchy ice then skated around to the big bay on fantastic ice. Very hard to leave. The track was mostly frozen so made easy driving out.
Good time all round and the best end to the season we have ever had.
Up early this morning to meet Dave and Inge at Poolburn. Beautiful clear frosty morning. We were treated to a couple of hours of great skating. Ice much the same as yesterday - smooth and hard - thick enough but not that strong. We were ableskate outside the bay before the ice thinned out. I did one run out and around to the main bay. Fabulous way to finish the season.
After a very cold week (unusual for August) I decided to head to Central last night to see if any ice had formed. I checked a few skating spots on the way and decided the Lower Manorburn was the most likely for a skate. Got there in the moonlight this morning and was pleased to find the ice had set in enough for a skate in Rushcutters. Great to be on the ice again even though it cracked the whole time. Good - but careful- skating! Then off up to Poolburn on the off chance something had set in. I was expecting the track to be challenging because of the snow but it was mainly clear - but rough. Surprised to find skate able ice in the small bay and main bay. Fantastically smooth and a pleasure to skate on. Most of the dam was covered but I did not need to venture far for good ice. The water has risen about a metre since I was last there. The ice started weakening by mid morning. Fantastic skating so late in the season - and maybe one more tomorrow?
Was hoping for one last skate so checked out Rush Cutters yesterday afternoon. The ice was a real mess and very weak with water at the edges with lots of debris and broken ice. I managed to stand on it via a plank but did not skate. Not much frost forecast but checked it out first thing this morning on the way home and was stoked to find enough frost to reset the ice and had locked it in enough for a skate. Used a plank but not really needed. Ice was hard and fast but spoiled by rocks and small stones in places. Had a fun skate despite tripping on a couple of small stones.
Can't see this ice lasting at all without frost. Last skate for the year I think.
