Friday, February 21, 2014

CURLING ON THE ERIE CANAL, PALMYRA, NY



Curling is an ancient game on ice founded in Scotland.  Every year the Rochester Curling Club is invited to our town to play.  Out of the ten years they have been invited, the weather has only gone along with them five of those years.  This year is one of them the weather went along.  I had never seen it before so it was interesting to me.

Curling is a winter game or sport in which opposite rinks (teams) take turns delivering their rocks (42 pound polished granite stones) down a 144-foot long sheet (ice alley).  Points are scored in each end (inning) by placing your rinks' rocks closer  to the button of the house (center of the target) than your opponent's rocks.  This gives curling it's nickname of "chess on ice".

Each rink has four players: Lead (throws first rocks), Second (second rocks), Vice-Skip (third rocks) and Skip (the captain who throws fourth rocks).  While one player delivers a rock, two of the teammates follow it with  brooms poised, ready to pounce and sweep in front of the rocks in order to extend its distance and keep its path straighter.  Skips stand at the far end of the sheet reading strategy and calling the shots and sweeping.  Be careful not to hog your rock or burn one with your broom or it will be removed from the play.  It's sounds complicated but is easy to understand it if you see it.

Picture four shows the granite rocks they use.  Picture five shows the brooms. Six shows someone sending off a rock. Seven shows one using their broom.  I really enjoyed being there to see curling. 





14 comments:

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Everyone,

Hope you enjoy reading about curling.

It is in the 50's this morning.

Marilyn

Vanssmomc said...

How wonderful this is, I wish I had known about it, it would have been fun to see in person. I love the gentleman in the kilt, brave soul on what was an obviously cold day! Thank you for sharing, Cathy in Webster

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Cathy,

We should have it again next year, if the ice stays solid. It is always in the first part of February. I love the man in the kilt too. I don't know how he could take the cold. If I remember, I will contact you next year.

Marilyn

Countryside Reflections said...

I've only seen curling in the olympics and didn't know that there were any curling clubs in the area.

Doreen

Vickie said...

Really neat!
It is 27º, snowing and 45 mph gusts of wind here!

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Doreen,

I didn't know about it until we started to have curling weekend a few years back. This year is the first year I went to see it. They were looking for new members for the Rochester Curling Club.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Vickie,

Glad you like it.

I think we are getting what you have. We are suppose to get wind up to 50 miles per hour tonight or tomorrow. The temperature is suppose to drop, too.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Folks,

Today is the job interview to see if I can get the job that I have been doing since last May without pay. Sure hope I pass. If you get a chance and could say a small prayer for me, I would appreciate it.

Marilyn

Countryside Reflections said...

Prayers said and fingers crossed. Good Luck.

Doreen

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Doreen,

Thank you so much. I GOT THE JOB !!!!!!!! I have to go and fill out papers next week, but as of today, I am finally on their payroll. Your prayers and fingers crossed were really appreciated.


Marilyn

Countryside Reflections said...

Great news Marilyn. Congratulations!!

Doreen

New York State Of Mind said...

Thank you, Doreen. I am so happy that I am finally going to get some income.

Marilyn

Alene said...


Yeah! God is good.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Alene,

You can say that again. God is good !!!!!!

Marilyn