A Chip off the Ice Block

How much we love the natural ice!

2011-11-27T09:02:00.000+13:00

Some bits of unused video from last season on the Manorburn Dam. 2 Daves having fun on the ice.

Because I could...

2011-08-30T20:11:00.001+12:00

Had a quick look at the dam on the way home to see how it had fared over night. It was in fast meltdown with warm winds eating into what was left but decided to put the skates on one more time...... because I could! 30th of Aug is the latest I can remember having skated on natural ice in NZ.
Ice was a bit limited and needed careful checking but was able to have a small skate and pull a few very careful turns!

bit dodgy.....

hanging up the skates for this year....

...another chip of the ice block……. I am sure it is the last this year!…..

2011-08-29T18:39:00.001+12:00

Well what a surprise! Headed up central for work today and dropped by the Lower Manorburn at lunchtime just for a look. What a surprise to see a big pad of ice, despite the warm temps, in the shade at Rushcutters.

Luckily I had thrown in my skates …. just in case…… Had to pick a spot to get on and found enough smooth ice to put in a few turns and have some fun. Surface varied from soft rough to smoother hard ice. What a novelty to skate in shorts and no winter gear!

Some bad old ice too ice but hey!

needed careful checking......

Rushcutters

Bad old ice!

Maybe one day...

2011-08-27T20:08:00.001+12:00

I followed up a comment on one of my posts and was treated to this set of pictures

Great shots from nordic skating in the north! Link HERE

The natural ice looks great.

Maybe one day.........

one more for the road....

2011-08-23T19:55:00.008+12:00

Managed to fit in one more skate early this morning - the last for this season as temperatures and wind are expected to rise over the week.

Skated from the gorge down to the main basin but wasn't willing to go out very far as the snow ice did not feel that stable. Ice was hard and a little bumpy in places - but already going off after a light frost.

Season has been better than expected despite the late start and the snow dump!

Last sunrise on the ice...

Golf- not snow - balls!

2011-08-22T18:55:00.001+12:00

Early this morning was treated to a good skate on snow ice on the Lower Manoburn. Skated from the gorge, down into Rush Cutters and surprisingly good considering the warm weather.
Someone had been having fun hitting golf balls out into the main basin! Quite a collection out there.

Some new black ice in some places but not thick or strong enough to skate on. Bumpy in the shade but smooth elsewhere. Wouldn't try it without a good frost!
Think this will be pretty much it for the season. Longer days and warm temps are here and the snow ice becomes soft and weak in the sun.

Not snow balls.......

Out into the main basin

Bumpy skate!

2011-08-20T20:07:00.000+12:00

Checked out the ice on the way home this afternoon. Lower Manorburn had snow ice on top of what was left of the ice in the shaded areas. Some new black ice but not thick enough for a skate. Snow surface had gone off in the sun but would have been an ok skate early in the morning. Had a skate in some of the shady patches (Gorge and upper basin). Surface bumpy but hard and dry.

Decided to come back via Coalpit for a look. (note - a lot of snow in the hills around Poolburn). Coalpit was more like snowpit! Snow ice over the whole pond and still hard enough for a skate on the shady side. Good fun though a bit bumpy. The ice would be risky in the warm - made that hollow rumble and particular cracking that thinner snow ice makes. Track in had about 15cm of snow.

Gorge with old ice and new black ice

Looking down to the neck

Fun skate on Coalpit

Snowpit!

Diving anyone?

Poolburn gives one more!

2011-08-13T16:14:00.007+12:00

Fabulous Poolburn

Today reminded me why I love natural ice skating - you never quite know what you will find! After a string of good frosts since Tuesday I decided to check out the ice one more time.
Expected to find ice on the Lower Manorburn and was not disappointed. Had a skate in Rush Cutters on the old ice and a bit of the new. Rest of the main basin was covered - but not quite thick enough for a solo skate! Hunting around I found some other skate-able parts - in particular my first skate this season in the shady side of the upper basin. Some fresh black ice too! (Interestingly the fresh ice did not feel as strong as earlier in the season despite the hard frost - wondering if the water temps were up - or shorter freeze time?)

Poolburn was a surprise. Whole of the main bay was covered in a mixture of old snow ice and new black ice. The older ice was very solid and the new a bit creaky. Unfortunately I was not there early as the ice would have been safer. Had a great skate aver the whole main area and around the small island. Decided not to skate the big island because the day was warming up and could not guarantee conditions.
The great thing about Poolburn is it is always different each visit - and a huge area to skate.
Fab skate and hard to leave!

Looking down to the neck from the upper basin

Checking the ice in the trees - upper basin

Mix of snow and new ice

Always something new to see

Looking out in the main bay

The ice man is back!

2011-08-11T16:46:00.002+12:00

A bit more video of Ice Man Dave (P) and his experimental swimming under the ice - with a bit of a twist this time! At the end is a piece of video from before but worth seeing again.
Enjoy!

Last lump of ice!

2011-08-09T20:46:00.001+12:00

One the way home this evening I checked the Lower Manorburn to see what was left after yesterdays warm wind. There was still a large lump of ice in Rush Cutters - about the size of an ice rink - and a few unreachable bits elsewhere in the middle basin. The lump in Rush Cutters ranged from over 100mm in the shade out to about 50mm where it ended in open water.
There had been a frost over night and the edges where solid. Surface bumpy in places but hard and dry so a fun skate - more enjoyable than yesterday. I think this is pretty much it for the season.

Last lump ending in water

Last marks of the season - dry hard ice....

Same shot as yesterday - ice gone!

Last moves!

One more for 2011?

2011-08-08T21:14:00.003+12:00

Despite the warm and windy weather I decided to visit the Lower Manorburn this morning and was surprised to find quite a bit of ice in the main basin. There was over 100mm of solid ice right in the shady corner of Rush Cutters, thinning out into the main basin. Unfortunately the wind was blowing hard through the gorge and blowing from open water onto the ice, hastening the thaw. Large areas of water elsewhere in the main area.

Despite that I was able to walk on and have a skate on hard wet ice - but had to pick my spots because of the rubbish and weed weakened ice. (Weed may be a real problem in this area next year) Solid close in but creaky as you went further out so I didn't venture far outside Rush Cutters.

It really felt like the last of the ice for this year - and very warm.

Ready for the last skate

Testing the strength of the ice

Weed problems

Wind thaw

Pier-ing at the ice..

2011-08-02T19:05:00.000+12:00

Lower Manorburn Dam (7.30am) - middle basin was much the same as yesterday but faster ice due to a disappointingly light frost - but a good skate. Finished off with a fun skate in the first basin out from the pier (near the dam) on a good pack of smooth hard ice. Very warm when I left Alex later in the day - will need a few frosts to keep the ice.

Skating out from the pier (no diving!)

Middle basin looking into Rush Cutters

Early Morning Skate

2011-08-01T16:41:00.000+12:00

Managed to fit in an early skate this morning at the Lower Manorburn. Was surprised to see the thickness of the ice since Saturday. Over 100mm right in Rush Cutters down to about 40-50mm on the other side of the main basin, thinning out to water as you head up to the neck. Surface was bumpy in places because of the snow but if you picked your spots some good skating was possible. Ice was hard and silent. Had fun just cruising the good bits and skated up towards the neck on a thick ice shelf - care needed to keep in the shady areas!
A bit of rubbish and broken on the ice from visitors and the wind. Forgot my ice stick so had to drill a bit more than usual.

Checking the depth

Ice shelf heading up the gorge

Snow effected and rubbish on the ice

Sunny skate

2011-07-30T20:19:00.004+12:00

Went by the Lower Manorburn today on the way home and although it wasn't the best time (afternoon, sunny and warm) I had a skate in the main basin on bumpy hard ice. Thick in Rush Cutters and thinning out into the middle. Bit creaky in the sun. Finished off with a good skate in the gorge (near the neck) on hard, smooth solid ice - but had to keep to the shady side as there was water further out!

Decided to have a look at Poolburn Dam to see how it had survived the snow and warm temperatures over the week. The track was fairly muddy in plsces and definitely need 4wd slthough would have been better when frozen. Was surprised to find so much ice still there. The ice was snow effected and was rough in places. Had a bit of a skate but care was needed as the ice had holes with water showing through. Variable depth but solid enough considering the conditions.

Good to skate though!

Manorburn in the sun

Poolburn - bumpy

Manorburn ice

Water holes at Poolburn

Ice

2011-07-29T19:54:00.000+12:00

Checked ice on way to Queenstown this arvo. Coalpit - snow ice on clear ice. Has a bit of a skate but surface soft. Idaburn - a bit of ice floating in water. Lower Manorburn thickish ice in main basin. Has been curling. Had a good skate on hard bumpy ice. Curlers had cleared lanes. Will be good if frost comes but lots of wind on ice. Emailed from night ski chairlift.

Icy Plunge at Ida

2011-07-26T13:23:00.004+12:00

Usually I would explore the ice fully before skating but not last week at Lake Ida - to my peril! - I just went off for a circuit and ended up skating into the only thin ice and going through. I was wearing layered clothing and the cold shock was not as bad as I had imagined. With out thinking I turned back the way I had come and leaned on the ice while kicking my feet to keep my body up (wet through to nearly chest level). Leaning on the ice with my arms, the ice broke until I reached solid ice. Then I used ice claws to pull myself up onto the surface. I was holding a camera on stick and ended up dropping it in the hole - water about 5m deep. A skate back to base and a change of clothes! Time seemed to go very slowly during this incident - I was skating with others and they seemed to take forever to come closer.
At this stage I considered the camera lost but Dave (P) thought he could retrieve it. Dave has been doing a bit of cold water swimming in ice to practice rescue techniques and he had his wet suit in the car.
He managed to successfully retrieve the camera with a rock and some rope! Video below. Thanks Dave!! There is some great footage of Dave under the ice at the end..... beware if ever trying this!!

As good as it gets!- 23rd July

2011-07-25T07:54:00.000+12:00

Up early on Saturday morning and headed up to Poolburn to meet up with Dave, Ryan and Eddie who were camping there overnight....brrrr! Poolburn turned on a spectacular day - solid hard ice over the whole lake and beautiful weather and surroundings. Able to skate around any parts of the lake including around all the rocks. As good as it gets! A fabulous skate although I did manage to find the only bit of thin ice by trying to take a new short cut in a shallow part of the lake. Wet boots! (snow is due so we may have to wait for a while to get out again)

After a cold night....

Skating one of the creeks

More dam skating! July 22nd

2011-07-24T20:20:00.002+12:00

Big Ice - Poolburn

I did a post a few days ago with the title 'Last Dam Skate' thinking it might have been the last on the Lower Manorburn as the ice was melting. How the weather has changed! Dave P and I headed out there again after a string of good frosts. Ice had formed over the middle basin and lower basin with water in the connecting gorge. We had a great free skate over most of the main area without having to worry about ice thickness. We then headed to Poolburn Dam in the hope that the frost had formed ice there.
Wow - ice had formed over the whole lake and we were treated to a few hours skating over the whole area. Smooth hard ice ranged from 80mm down to around 40-50 - which did creak a bit as it warmed in the sun. Due to the height of the water (higher than last year) the bays were different and we were able to explore some new parts and skate into the far tail of the dam where water comes in.
Sensational skating on Poolburn made more picturesque with snow on the hills and rocks.

Frozen stream in the tail of the lake

Icicles on Poolburn

Publish Post

A break - a long way from the car

Ready for the Manorburn

Poolburn Rocks

Hard Water!

Idle at Ida? - not so! 21st July

2011-07-24T08:33:00.003+12:00

After a night at Clearwater we were disappointed not to get a heavy frost but headed down to the lake and had a short skate over a limited area. Dave P and I decided to head for Lake Ida. On the way we stopped by Lake Evelyn where we had an enjoyable - if somewhat creaky - skate amongst the tussosk at the end of the lake. Great fun.
We then drove to the inside gate at Lake Ida and walked in where we met up with Alan K and his friends Eki and Helena. The ice on Ida was superb - although a little wet in places. A great skate which unfortunately included me going through on the only thin ice on the lake. After a self rescue and Dave P's amazing retrieval of my camera from under the ice we finished off and headed back to Otago. Will talk more about the dip through the ice in a later post (along with a bit of video) and apart from that the lasting impression of skating on this day will be the clear nature of the ice over the whole lake - like skating on clear glass - fab!

Lake Ida

Lake Clearwater

Evelyn

Checking the ice on Lake Camp

I see clear water -20th July

2011-07-23T16:41:00.000+12:00

A lot has passed ice-wise since I last posted! This is the first part. Last Wednesday Dave P and I made a 'leaning on the car talking' decision and decided to head to Canterbury to check out the ice and catch up with Alan K . We left Dunedin after lunch and made Lake Clearwater after dark. Alan (and two of his friends) made us very welcome at his bach.

Alan and Dave accompanied me down to the lake and I had a creaky night skate in one area of Lake Clearwater. (no photo!)

Our plan was to skate Clearwater in the morning after what we hoped would be a good frost, and head to Lake Ida the following day.

Last Dam Skate for 2011?

2011-07-16T21:04:00.002+12:00

Headed to Queenstown today for the snow and on the way checked for ice at any spots I could find. No joy in the warm temperatures. On the way home in the evening I dropped into the Lower Manorburn Dam just for a look. Found a patch of ice that was thick enough for a skate! Surface was smooth and hard in the shade. Had a skate in a limited area - enough for a few turns and a bit of a glide around. The ice seems to be on its last legs with big patches of water showing - and this may be my last skate here this year unless we get some cold hard weather.

5.00pm - Looking down to the middle basin - water on the left.

Last time for 2011.......

Bubble time.....

2011-07-12T10:48:00.000+12:00

Woke this morning to the sound of rain (after frost last night) but decided to head out to the Lower Manorburn any way for a pre-work skate. Light sleet was falling. The ice was fall of air bubbles but seemed safe enough for a skate - although very noisy! Skated from just below the neck down into the gorge next to Rush Cutters. Good to have a big area to skate on but the ice seemed a bit fragile from all the air bubbles. Fresh snow on the hills will hopefully keep temps down.

Fresh snow on the hills

By the light of the silvery moon.....

2011-07-11T19:50:00.003+12:00

One of the small pleasures of life is walking off the ice in the moonlight after a skate. Visited the Lower Manorburn tonight and was pleased to find skate-able ice as the end of the day - especially as it had been a warm (for winter) windy day.
Skate-able ice in Rush Cutters corner - around 50mm thick but creaky out into the basin. Found good hard ice in the gorge to the right of Rush Cutters and had an enjoyable skate as the sun went down and moonlight took over. If you pick your spots there is skating to be had but the ice needs careful checking. Will last with a frost or two and the snow on the hills should help bring temperatures down. (hopefully!)

Moonlight on the Manorburn

You're on thin ice....

2011-07-08T13:26:00.000+12:00

Last Saturday at Poolburn we were pushing the boundaries a bit by skating on thin ice. We managed for a bit because the ice was frozen hard but eventually Ryan broke through. You can see in the video how flexible the ice was and we had to skate quite carefully (in shallow water) trying not to put extra pressure on the ice. A wrench for Ryans' shoulder but apart from that he is ok.

Cruising the Manorburn!

2011-07-05T23:26:00.000+12:00

Headed out to the Lower Manorburn early this morning to find good smooth ice all over the central basin! Great skate over the whole main area. Ice thickness ranged from 50mm+ out to around 40mm on the far side and was locked in. Too thin either end to go further.

The bad news! - dropped by on the way out of town in the evening and the ice was covered with water and creaky. Warm temps and wind during the day had knocked it back. Hopefully a few frosts will rebuild.

Morning!

Evening!

Making Ice!

2011-07-04T19:44:00.003+12:00

Dropped into the Lower Manorburn tonight to see how it is after the weekend. Has made ice since we visited yesterday morning. Had a relaxing evening skate on hard smooth ice - and great to be skating freely on the Manorburn! What a great way to finish a days work!
Ice depth in Rush Cutters 35-40 mm - getting less as you get out of the bay. Safe but creaked a bit due to the weakening effect of above 0 deg. A few stones and things on the ice but easily avoided. Should be great after a cold night and a good depth to build on through the week. Did not check other areas due to fading light.

Ice Hunters Day 2

2011-07-03T19:51:00.002+12:00

Good frost in Alex this morning (Sunday). Still on the search for ice we headed to the Lower Manorburn Dam at 7.00. Ice still too thin in the main basin but we managed to get a skate in a couple of shaded areas. Around 25-30mm of hard black ice - and able to skate as it was freezing hard. Good to get on the Manorburn finally although the ice is still touch and go. We then headed to Poolburn. Beaut day again and a bit more ice. We skated around some of the edges on clear hard ice - great view of the rocks underneath. Thickness - 30mm in places down to nil. More frost needed. Idaburn had around 30mm and maybe would have been skate-able first thing in the morning but too soft when we visited. Around 10-20 mm on Coalpit.

Ryan and Dave P

Safety Drill.....

Ice Hunters! - Day 1

2011-07-03T18:38:00.006+12:00

Dave checking the Manorburn

After watching the weather for a week we set of ice hunting. Dave (P) and Ryan joined me on a trip around Central Otago to look for skate-able ice. After an early start on Saturday morn we stopped in at the Lower Manorburn. Around 20mm ice - not enough in the fog. Soft surface. Headed to Poolburn and a beautiful day but same again - around 20mm ice. We managed a creaky skate on the north edge anyway - on probably what is the thinnest ice I have ever skated on. Dave (P) went for an ice swim - a keen man! From there we headed to Idaburn and checked out any pond we could find - but like the Idaburn not quite enough ice!

Ryan on the edge

Ice Man Dave

Clear enough to see through - but not to skate

A cracking time!

A frost at last.....but will it last....

2011-06-28T10:38:00.001+12:00

Travelled through Central yesterday - beautiful day and no hint of ice on Coalpit, Idaburn or the Manorburn dams. Warm temps. This morning was a good frost though which put a thin sheet of ice on part of the Lower Monorburn. C'mon the frost!

Thin Ice

2011-06-20T21:15:00.002+12:00

Passed through Alex today and checked the Manorburn. A skim of thin ice in the main area and in some other places. Unfortunately it was all melting in the warm temperatures and drizzle. :-(

Does not look very wintery in Central.

Wishfull Thinking

2011-06-14T21:47:00.002+12:00

Still waiting for the the cold. Visited the Lower Manorburn today after a frost or two. Thin sheet ice in the gorge part of the dam but nothing elsewhere. At least I got to break some ice in the puddles! Skates are sharp and ready to go!

Waiting for ice

2011-06-06T20:33:00.004+12:00

Hoffmans Dam waiting for a freeze!

After the warmest May for many years (2nd warmest since records began in NZ I think) we are still waiting for signs that winter is here for 2011. Visited the Naseby area during the weekend and took time out to check out local conditions. The local ice rink (man made) had hoped to open but were still waiting for frosty weather before they make ice. Coalpit Dam (a known natural skating area) water temperature was 5.2 degrees and Hoffmans Dam 5.5. We had one frosty morning and I saw my first thin ice of this year on Lower Coalpit Dam. Still a long way off but hoping!!!

A thin sliver of ice on lower Coalpit Dam

Last chip off the 2010 Ice Block!

2010-08-17T20:09:00.005+12:00

Well how about this. On Monday (16th Aug) while going through Alex I drove out to the Lower Monorburn just to check that the ice melted and was surprised to see a lump still in Rush Cutters Corner. The ice had formed so thickly here during the cold spell that it took some melting! It was still around 100mm thick but in weak condition. I managed to get a bit of a skate due to the sheer thickness. It was quite weak and noisy - with a hard but rough surface. When I left it had cracked into smaller pieces that were rubbing together. Not pretty ..... but hey a late season skate!

One more time!

2010-08-12T21:25:00.003+12:00

On the way home this afternoon I checked the Manorburn and had a good skate in Rushcutters Corner. Amazingly the ice was hard tho a little wet and had held up well despite warm temperatures. The ice thinned out to around 50mm before it became creaky but was still locked in at the edge on the shady side. Patches of ice else where in the main basin but none of it skate-able. As I left there was a brisk warm wind starting a thaw. Good to have one last glide around to finish the natural ice season.

Ice still there!

2010-08-11T21:42:00.005+12:00

Called past the Lower Manorburn tonight and there was still ice in the middle basin. Quite thick and skate-able in Rushcutters corner with the edges still locked in. Had a good skate on hard smooth ice. Did not check other areas as I arrived on dusk and skated into the darkness. Lucky I threw the skates in - but no drill!

Planks Needed!

2010-08-07T17:31:00.002+12:00

One last skate for this season - and you know it is the end if you have to use a plank to get on the ice after a thaw. Had a look at Idaburn and Poolburn Dams and skated in both places. Idaburn had skate-able ice over half of the main area. A plank was needed to get on as the edges had melted. Good skate on hard ice but care was need to stay in the safe area. Poolburn had several large areas of ice but was melted at the edges. I had to hunt for a place to get on with a plank and had a good skate in one area but again had to watch that I kept on safe ice. As I left the ice was creaking and beginning to melt fast. Good to get one last skate in.

Last Ice?

2010-08-03T19:38:00.004+12:00

Dropped in on the Lower Manorburn today to see how it had held up after the rain and warm weather. Still thick ice in Rushcutters bay - thinning out to 50mm in the middle of the main basin with water at either end. Ice full of air bubbles and weakening in the sun. Water in the top and bottom basins.

Had a good - but bumpy skate in Rushcutters and out towards the middle - too unsafe anywhere else. Might be the last skate this year.......

Inlet to Outlet

2010-08-01T12:23:00.003+12:00

Two weeks ago my brother Elton came over from Auz and I took him skating. We were lucky enough get to the Lower Manorburn on one of those rare days when you can skate from the inlet in the trees down to the outlet over the dam. Great skate!! Total distance direct is about 2.3 kms. Bro was absolutely stoked with the experience.
(the video is a wee bit too long ...... but hey what a skate!!)

No Plank Needed

2010-08-01T07:25:00.008+12:00

Visited Poolburn yesterday with Dave and Ryan hoping to get a last good skate here and we were surprised to find as much ice as we did. No plank needed to get on. Thick ice over most of the dam. Skated around the main island but had to walk once around open water. Pressure cracks have opened in the ice and left water in various places. Edges were soft or open water. As we left a North West wind was ripping up the ice fast. Managed a short ice-sail with the kitewing - first one this season!!

Still some ice!

2010-07-27T21:15:00.008+12:00

On the way to Alex today I dropped in to see how the ice was holding up.

Idaburn had thick ice in main area but water flowing in the gorge.
Ice had layer of snow ice on top but bumpy with some smooth areas.
Frozen puddles on the ice in some places made it just an 'ok' skate - will be better when (if) the ice puddles freeze properly.
The Lower Manorburn had plenty of ice in centre basin. Ice in other basins. Water showing in the neck and the ice surface was similar to Idaburn. Had a skate in the centre basin

Great to visit Poolburn in its winter glory - skiff of snow on the hills around and some light drift snow on the ice. Thick ice in main bay but thinning out and weakening in the sun around the side and back of the main island. Re-frozen snow ice on top of ordinary ice created some interesting shapes. Some water at edges and around rocks. Had a fab skate on hard (but sometimes bumpy) ice. Love it!

Waterburn!

2010-07-20T21:48:00.004+12:00

Dropped in to the Lower Manorburn on the way home today to check the ice. Ice thick over the whole middle basin. Ice in the other basin as well. A bit of surface water but the ice was smooth and hard enough for a good skate. Good to see it survived the warm weekend temps. With a frost or two the ice would set in again - hopefully!

Left no tracks because of the water!

2010-07-18T21:45:00.005+12:00

Aunt Jooce drilling the ice

On the way home from Queenstown on Sunday we dropped by the Arrow Junction pond for a quick skate. Thick ice but softening under a grey sky with above zero temperatures. We called past the Manorburn and found the ice going soft under similar conditions. Hopefully frost over the next few days will restore the ice.

Ella heading to the top of the pond

Aunt Jooce testing the iceskoot on the Manorburn

Unexpected skate!

2010-07-17T16:05:00.007+12:00

While we were heading down from the Crown Range Elton (bro) and I noticed a large pond near the Arrow Junction. Looked frozen so we checked it out and had an unexpected skate. We didn't need to drill but estimated the ice was at least 120mm thick and although the air was warm the surface was hard and good to skate on.

Ah the Manorburn! --and Butchers!

2010-07-16T18:14:00.012+12:00

What a great day! Started with a rare skate on Butchers Dam. Ice a bit marginal for a skate but we managed. Took my brother to the Lower Manorburn and he was lucky to skate from end to end. The whole dam was locked in and we were early enough to get into the trees at the top end and could hear the water coming in. Surface a little bumpy but a great skate. Elton is over from Auz and was awestruck with the

mornings skate. Get there early to enjoy the ice safely as is weakens as the day warms. How long will it last?

Dave on Butchers Dam

Elton just loving the Manorburn!!

Elton in the trees at the top of the Manorburn

Upper Manorburn - Greenland

2010-07-14T19:26:00.013+12:00

A small group of us were lucky to get access to the Upper Manorburn and Greenland Reservoir last week. Access to this area is very limited in winter (in the past this was not so apparently).

The access road is officially closed (with a locked gate) and the road quite challenging over winter - along with land access issues. The main reason for closure is the road surface can not handle winter traffic and people get easily stuck - along with being very snow prone - all this evident while we were there. (More images and video HERE)

Both lake areas are huge. Greenland was completely frozen along with over 2 thirds of the Manorburn. The ice was affected by snow but we were able to skate on Nordic style skates. (Initially I had a good skate on my hockey skates before the surface went off a bit).

We all explored the Manorburn then Alan and Mark walked over to Greenland. When they reported back we decided to head there as well by skating through the connecting gorge. Total distance from point to point for Dave P and I was over 6k - about 800m on land to avoid water. Alan and Mark skated much further as they went to the far end of Greenland. Over the day we all skated many kilometres.

Would be difficult picking a time (and access!!) for good ice here as it is very open and effected by sun wind and snow. The track out was quite tricky to negotiate.

More images and video HERE

A little more ice....

2010-07-13T17:05:00.017+12:00

Panorama of the pond (it is more sheltered and curved than it looks here). Click picture to enlarge

Based on the weather the last couple of days I decided to check out Lawrence for ice. Not much frost around home but enough in Lawrence to hold the ice. Had a good skate on smoothish hard ice - around 70mm on the shady side and down ro 40mm on the sunny side and full of air bubbles in some parts. Ice comes and goes quickly on this pond and good to skate close to home when the chance arises. Not a big area but picturesque despite the rubbish people throw on the ice.

Ice or the cup?

2010-07-12T09:19:00.000+12:00

Which would you choose - ice skate or the watch the world cup! For me it was the ice - no replays here! After watching the weather for a few days we finally have a good coastal freeze and that means a chance of natural ice close to home. This morning seemed about right so I headed up early and skated on beautiful black ice 30 mins from home. Well worth it! The ice comes and goes very fast on a small part of Lake Mahinerangi and you need to take the chance when conditions are right - although I recommend extreme care if you are thinking of skating there. You need to know how to test the ice and know if it suitable for skating (and know your ice safety procedures).

And back in time to see Spain win!

Poolburn in the sun

2010-07-10T19:41:00.000+12:00

Today a group came through from Dunedin (ice hockey) to experience natural ice. Led by Dave P and Ryan we hit Poolburn dam in fabulous weather. Unfortunately the ice was covered in a 15mm laver of powdery snow. Fortunately we were still able to skate - slow and a good workout. The group experienced a trip around the main island on the ice then cleared an area for an impromptu hockey game. NZ's highest hockey game.

The team headed on up to Tekapo and I returned home via Idaburn and Coal pit dam. Idaburn was suprisingly good on a warm afternoon. Plenty of ice and a hard surface in the main area. The Gorge has still not frozen properly due to excess water in the river. Good to see others making the most of the conditions.

We started the day with a quick visit to the Lower Manorburn. Good ice in centre basin - hard and a good skate but evidence of of melting as the day warms. I skated in the gorge but the ice thinned out to 40mm as I got through to the lower basin. Frost will improve - but skate early.

Coalpit had the most ice I have yet seen on it - a mix of snow and frozen ice. Good skating the length of the pond but keep clear of the south side as it thins out.

Took a wrong turn while heading to Naseby and ended up having an impromptu skate on the frozen pond (hopefully I can find it again!). Ice had a amazing amount of air bubbles.

In pursuit of ice!

2010-07-08T07:54:00.000+12:00

All natural ice skaters are keen on exploring new areas to skate and Dave P went on an epic journey to test a new skating spot. The are no modern records about skating on the Upper Manorburn Dam and a few of us have talked about the possibility of skating there. The road to the dam is officially closed over winter so access is limited.

Dave decided to cycle the road. The trip took him around 2 hrs to get up there and 1 and a half to come back. The road a muddy in places with water wash-outs and some frozen parts.

There was a strip of skate-able ice behind the dam then open water for 2-3 km. In the distance it looked like the lake was frozen further. Dave did not have time to check that out as it was quite a walk to that part of the lake.

(from Dave via text and mobile - hopefully photos to come)

Awesome stuff Dave!

Ice Barstids - they are under the ice!!!

2010-07-05T09:09:00.000+12:00

While at Poolburn on Sunday we spent a bit of time skating on an area thick hard clear ice. Was like skating on a mirror with the ice so shiny it looked wet. While we marveled at the reflections the idea popped up - 'what it would look like from under the ice?' So after 15mins minutes of feverish innovation, adaptation and sillyness we came up with an ad-hoc method to get a camera under the ice. The water depth was around 10m and we were over a km from our base so we used what we had on us. This is a the result and we are reasonably pleased with it - given it was completely unplanned and made up on the spot.

Maybe next time if we plan........

No animals or cameras were harmed in this experiment... though one camera leaked a little!

(Note: the camera date stamp is incorrect - recorded 4th July 2010 and thanks to Ryan for allowing us to use - or maybe miss-use his camera!)

Naturally Good Ice

2010-07-04T22:13:00.000+12:00

Dave, Dave P, Alan and Ryan hit the ice!

Early start and up to look at Butchers Dam near Alex - a coverage of ice but not skating not possible. On down to the Lower Manorburn. Good ice cover in the Central Basin and good skating. Thinned out when going to either of the other basins. A few frosts and the ice will thicken. Lots of debris in Rush Cutter's corner so protect your edges when getting on.

On up to Poolburn and a better day than yesterday. Ice thickness similar and locked in over the whole lake. Able to skate anywhere on smooth ice in bright sunshine. Ice weakened in the thinner areas as the day warmer up. Fabulous black ice around the cliffs next to the dam -

glassy smooth and dry. A fair few kilometres skated - and loving every minute.

Down to Idaburn to finish with a late afternoon skate on thick ice - with some rough areas. Dave P finished of with an ice rescue practice - a planned break through to test the effectiveness of ice-claws. Successful and entertaining as well as sobering for the watchers.

At the local Hotel they informed us a Bonspeil is planned for Wed/Thurs so if you are in the area stop by for a look.

Sensational Poolburn!

2010-07-03T20:44:00.000+12:00

Poolburn Dam turned on a great days skating today. Good coverage of locked in ice

in the main bay and around 60-70 mm around the whole dam. Great skating everywhere

on smooth ice, in sunshine with clear blue sky and great scenery. Ice softened a little and became creaky in places in the afternoon. As good as it gets!

Saw the most people skating there at any time. A crew from Canterbury made their way down after an early start - along with Alan K from Wellington.

Visited St Bathans for a look at the Blue Lake and had a quick skate on a small pond (soft ice!)

Frost expected over night hopefully setting up another great day

Thursday night! 1 July

2010-07-01T19:09:00.001+12:00

Weather reports from Central Otago and near Twizel are very promising. News images look great with pictures of Hoar frost. The frost is supposed to lift on Friday and there should be natural ice around over the weekend. Good weekend to go for a look - best ice is usually earlier in the morning.

2010-06-27T19:10:00.000+12:00

It has been a frustrating week watching the weather get warmer. Finally cooling down again last Thursday night. Decided to wait till next weekend and hope the ice will settle in ready for skating. Visited a small skating spot near home but only a thin ice sheet left in a shady area.

Going through the ice....

One of the best ways to be safe is work out safety routines and then to practice - if possible. As skaters we ofter talk through safety issues and one technique recommended (a few years ago) by a skating old timer was to hook your foot onto the good ice and roll out of the ice hole thus spreading your weight across the surface. Dave P has a practice (in the video below). This practice highlighted to usefulness of ice claws (which we did not have with us on this day) to help grip the ice.

Ice Claws - >>>>

Poolburn Panorama 18 June 2010

2010-06-21T08:43:00.000+12:00

A clear winters day! Poolburn panorama - thin cover of 15mm ice
with snow ice at the edge. Click the picture to view full size

First ICE 2010

2010-06-20T09:17:00.000+12:00

Finally the first trip to the ice for this year! We have been waiting for the frosts but have only had a few so far. Visited Idaburn and Poolburn Dams. Weather was disapointingly warm but there was a bit of ground snow in the Naseby area. Idaburn dam had a big pack of 75mm plus snow ice in the main skating area. Was strong enough to skate but softening in the sun and melted at the edges. A plank was needed to get on. The gorge had flowing water and the river was in flood. Needs a good few frosts.

Track to Poolburn was muddy but in good condition. Main bay and some other areas had a covering of thin ice estimated at around 15mm (too thin!) - but melting in the warm windy conditions. We had a bit of a play on some thicker snow ice in one area and Dave did some ice safety technique testing. Like a spring day!

ICE Safety fact sheet

2010-06-13T11:26:00.000+12:00

An Ice Safety fact sheet - while written for ice fishing it has some worthwhile information about ice, ice formation and ice safety. Well worth reading for back ground information and will help in decision making for natural ice users.

Read online here

Download here

Black Ice

2010-06-08T21:07:00.000+12:00

Still waiting for the ice this year but plenty of snow - hopefully the ice will follow.

A little snippet from last year skating. Black ice - the best! Smooth and glassy. Here

2010-04-05T20:22:00.000+12:00

Finally starting the Ice Blog! This will record my free skating experiences in the South Island of New Zealand. Our season is short but that does not stop some of us from chasing natural ice.

Daylight saving finished this weekend and winter is slowly approaching. Looking forward to seeing if we can have some of the experiences this year that we had last year - especially skating on Poolburn Dam.

Have found a new possiblity in Alexandra township. Lanes Dam in Blackmore Park. If there is a big freeze there may be ice there - although it may be too exposed.

Just up the road is this spot - another to check out.