skating at Oathill Lake

Last weekend we went skating at Oathill Lake.   Dartmouth has many small lakes and when the conditions are right the stating is just great.  The ice was fabulous that day.  Nothing beats outdoor skating; and this lake is large enough to accommodate hockey games, people who are just out to skate as well as families playing.

Oathill Lake is a small lake in an urban setting.  It doesn’t garner the use or attention of a larger lake like Lake Bannook – it is a quieter place.  The area neighbourhood has formed the Oathill Lake Conservation Society.

We had a grand time and depending where you live you can walk or drive.

There were a large number of strange stars in the ice.  Perhaps caused by test drills for ice fishing???  More pictures can be found here.

 

Getting ready at the Oval

The Canada Games Oval is within easy walking distance from downtown Halifax.  So for one lunch time walk this week I ambled over.  There was no public skating – the ice was being prepared for competition. The ice machine was out, and what a sleek looking machine compared to my memories of such machines…

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morning skate – Canada Games Oval

What a fabulous skate!  I began the day with an hour of skating at the Canada Games Oval in Halifax.  Public skating began at 9:30 am and was not crowded at all – it was quite lovely gliding along.  By 10 am there were a lot more people.  No, this is not walking (or hiking) and it is going around a track – but whizzing down the track with the wind fluttering my hat and hair is just wonderful.  And the great thing about skating is you don’t actually have to go that fast (I certainly don’t) to get this feeling.

The city of Halifax is contributing the Speed Skating Oval to the Canada Games 2011.  From now until the games in February there is skating almost every day.  Skating is free and at different times over the day.

2011 Canada Games – Halifax Oval

Walking around the Halifax Common today (my first time ever), was my first up-close look at the Canada Games, 2011 speed skating oval.  It takes a big bite out of the Common, but it’s not permanent.  Once the Games are over, the City plans to return the space to the Common.  And before the Games, there will be public skating – should be fun!

For a bit more info on the Oval try the 2011 Games and the HRM websites.