Day 22 - Kelso

The Tourists were dropped off by their home hosts at 7:30 am at the Dumfries Ice Arena (for those hosted in the Dumfries area), 8:15 am at the Lockerbie Ice Arena (for those hosted in the Lockerbie area) and 8:27 am for Tourists Craig Fischer and Steve Shaffer who were having too much fun with their host family and decided Tour Courier Dave McIntyre was giving 8:15 as a suggestion rather than a deadline. They will be facing fines for being late, undoubtedly. 

Once everyone was on the bus, the Tourists departed for the 2 hour drive to Kelso. On the way, they nipped through England for a few miles. 


The ride over to Kelso was one of the more beautiful rides we have had in Scotland. 
















The Border Ice Rink was opened in 1964 and was made from an old tattie (potato) shed.  















The morning results:

Team Anderson (USA/Red) vs. Team Stark (Scotland/Yellow)

USA - 8  Scotland - 3


Team Beadle (USA/Red) vs. Team Wilson (Scotland/Yellow)

Scotland - 10  USA - 4


Team Rich (USA/Red) vs. Team Jess (Scotland/Yellow)

USA - 8  Scotland - 5


Team Wright (USA/Red) vs. Team Dykes (Scotland/Yellow)

USA - 9  Scotland- 6


After the morning draw, the Tourists gained 5 shots. 

The Tourists were fed a lovely soup and sandwiches lunch at the Kelso Ice Arena.


The afternoon results:

Team Wright (USA/Red) vs. Team Reed (Scotland/Yellow)

USA - 8  Scotland - 8



Team Rich (USA/Red) vs. Team Prentice (Scotland/Yellow)

USA - 8  Scotland - 7


Team Jackson (USA/Red) vs  Team Sutherland (Scotland/Yellow)

USA - 14  Scotland - 4


Team Beadle (USA/Red) vs. Team Martin (Scotland/Yellow)

USA - 6  Scotland - 6


The Tourists gained 11 shots in the afternoon draw to be up 16 for the day.  The tourists now lead by 163.  

Some of our Tourists are starting to tire out. The Tour is long and we are nearing the end. However, you can never fall asleep around our hosts. Both shall be fined in the next Curling Court. 



The Tourists checked into the Ednam Hotel and changed into their formal attire and then returned to the Border Ice Rink. 





The evening started with a welcome from Liz Cullen, the President of the Border Province of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club. 


2017 Tourist John Hodge said the grace. 

Dinner consisted of Eyemouth Hot Smoked Salmon with Deviled Crème Fraiche, Roast Leg of Border Lamb with Roast Potatoes, Minted Carrots, Buttered Green and Mint Jus, with a Lemon Roulade Dessert. 

This is the first time that the Tourists have been served lamb on the Tour.  It was delicious.




Following dinner, Liz Cullen led a toast to The King. Bill Byers then led a toast to the American curlers.

Tourist Leland Rich, Captain of the American team, led a reply. 

The Tourists then performed their entertainment to their hosts. 

The Tourists then returned to the Ednam Hotel via their coach.

Tomorrow, the Tourists get a much needed lie-in and will depart on the coach at 11:00 am for their trip to Edinburgh, the final Scottish city that they will visit.  The Tourists will play one game on Saturday (that counts towards the Herries-Maxwell Trophy) and one game on Sunday (a non-counting match against the Royal Caledonian Curling Club).


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