McCarthy on Ice

McCarthy locals enjoy bowling and socializing on a cold but clear day. Photo by Hannah Rowland.

By Hannah Rowland

After two warm spells that thawed out the frozen water of the McCarthy swimming hole, it was finally cold enough again to get back on the ice.  Michelle Raven and Heike Frost, with the help of some others, shoveled off some ice to make a small skating rink and some bowling lanes. After they shoveled the ice off, they flooded it with a little bit of fresh water to smooth the surface out. 

On Monday, December 4, many people braved the cold weather to get out on the ice and have some fun. It was -17 at our house that morning and it had warmed up to around -7 by noon. Despite being all bundled up to stay warm, many were able to bowl well and we had multiple people score a strike on their first roll of the day.

November rains made this snowman into a sorry scene, but he has since been restored. Photo by Hannah Rowland.

The bowling lanes were lined with colored ice cones and at the end of the lane was the snowman, with his new head on (He had lost his first head in the second warm spell.). Children and adults were having fun. To the side of the ice, Malcom had brought a barrel to put a fire in for people to warm up by. There were hot chocolate and warm burritos to enjoy as well. 

After about an hour, the toes and fingers of some were starting to get cold, and people started trickling off. Michelle and Heike have hopes of being able to sweep the ice off this winter for multiple uses.