2009-07-02 34 -84

Graticule

About

On top of a building in Lawrenceville. I was unable to make it to the top of the building but got within 20 feet of the actual location. I was able to enter the building to try to get even closer but the eTrex lost the signal closer to the center of the building I got.

People

NWoodruff

This hash point is just off the interstate only 5 miles from my house. I thought that this would be an easy geohash except that it was on the top of a building.

I first pulled up on the building and drove around the entire building looking for a way to get on top of the building. I would have been nice if I was able to get on top of the building. Upon walking around almost the entire building, I gave up on that. The building is about 25 feet tall and there was no way except a ladder or a helicopter that I was going to get to the top of the building.

As I walk back to the front of the building, I notice that there are still people inside the building where the hash point should be. I go to open the door and it is locked. I waited a second or so and a very nice lady walked by. She came and opened the door and let me in. I explained myself and geohashing. I showed her the Google map and where I wanted to go. We start walking back through the halls and end up at the entrance to the warehouse. The doors were locked and she said that she would need to get permission to get into the warehouse. I look at the eTrex and it is displaying the are you inside question.

She has walked off at this time. When she came back she said that it wasn't possible to make it into the warehouse. I told it that it was okay because I was not able to get a signal on my eTrex to take a picture of it. I thank her and leave the building.

I get back in my truck and drive to the other side of the building. Hoping that I can get within the 10 meters, I park and walk over to the shipping dock. I see 35 feet. Not close enough. The arrow is pointing to the left though. I walk around the up ramp to the other side. 24 feet to go. I'm inside the 10 meters. I follow along the wall and get to 19.6 feet. Close enough. I made the 10 meter.

Seconds after I snap the picture of the eTrex a Beemer comes screeching to a halt just behind me. I look behind me and the nice looking woman about my age is sitting in the passenger seat. A kid about half my age gets out of the car and asks me what I am doing.

I explain myself again and a little about Geohashing. I show him the Google map and say that I am trying to get within 10 meters of that spot. He asks me how much 10 meters is. I laugh to myself and I say "a little more than 30 feet."

He tells me that is the most stupid idea he has ever heard of. He tells me that he is the regional manger for the company and I have no right to be there. I'm about 3 or 4 inches taller than he is and he comes right up to me and tries to get in my face.

He tells me that the Federal government has past a law that says it is ILLEGAL to take pictures of buildings.

1) I knew he was lying. 2) The terrorist have won. 3) He was trying to make himself self important for cute chick sitting in his car which could be old enough to be his mom.

I said, "Oh.. It's illegal to take pictures of buildings????" He said, "Yea." I turned around, raised my camera, pointed it at the building and then <Click>.

He then told me that I was trespassing and that I would have to leave the property. I told him that I didn't see any gate blocking the entrance. I then pointed to other cars parked in the parking lot and asked if they were trespassing also.

He then asked me if I was leaving. I said, "As soon as I take a couple more pictures." He started walking to his Beemer and said that he was going to call the police. I said "Have at it." I told him that I get more points if the police show up.

He sits in his car for 30 seconds or so, then speeds off.

There is a big hill across the parking lot. I walk over to the hill to and up it to see if I can get a picture of the top of the building.

I wait in the parking lot another 5 minutes to see if this guy or the police show up. Neither do. I then drive home to Norcross.