memories of a rural curling rink

-In the early 70's we enterd a bonspiel in a two sheeter curling club in rural Alberta. For some reason the rink suddenly warmed up and the ice started to melt and it was -35 out side. This resulted in a lengthy delay and many discussions over some great pieces of pie washed down with a bitter cup of cowboy brew. It was decided to cool off the building so they opened a door at the rear of the rink to cool things off. This rink was often used for many different things after the curling season. Shortly, after commencing the game a cow entered through the open door and onto the ice. Immediately, she lost her footing and after rolling,thrashing around and messing the ice everyone assisted at getting her back and out of the building. This all resulted in only one sheet to finish the bonspiel which went well into the wee hours of the morning. I don’t think the final game was ever finished as the heater stop working in the building and we all ended back out in the cold along with the cow.

As I remember back now, the only thing missing was a good cup of coffee. Now Tim Hortons is located in many rural communities where it has become the daily meeting place to visit with the locals and have a coffee. In fact many arrive at the rink with a Tim Horton's in hand, all warmed up and ready to play.
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