Day 4 - Let's hit the ice

The team got on the ice surface - introducing "rocks to ice", and "ice to rocks" for the first time - as Kyle Paquette said, "curling's version of Tinder".

Official team photo being taken
 
The team was eager to get to what they have traveled across the Atlantic to do -- curl!  It felt good, with the athletes getting a feel for how each of the 4 sheets play.  Little differences between each surface can play into strategy and shot selection early in the tournament.
As for Sari and I, we scoped out the venue and tried to find an appropriate location for both of us.  We met some of the volunteers including a couple from Pickering, Ontario (Small world!).  Also met support teams from the other nations.  Nice to see like-minded professionals from around the world support these elite athletes and speak of promotion of accessible and adaptive sport in their own countries.


As for the rest of the day -- did I mention the RAIN!  It started coming down after practice and didn't stop the whole afternoon.  As one fellow hotel guest, and local Scot said, "Typical Scotland Weather!". 

Scotland Weather - as viewed from safely inside!
In the evening we did see a glimmer of sunlight -- not only peeking through the clouds, but also via FaceTime in the presence of Kyle Paquette and his sunny demeanor.  We had a great end of the day with Kyle leading the team through some excellent strategies in preparation for tomorrow's game and the tournament.

Alright - for curling fans this is when it starts to get good.  Games start for real tomorrow.  Canada v. Latvia, 2pm our time.  Opening Ceremonies as well.  Should be exciting.


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