2020-04-08 42 -78

Location

In the woods behind the Holiday Twin Rinks on Broadway

Participants

Pedalpusher

Expedition

When the Hashpoints came out this morning, I reviewed the Satellite images and thought this was most likely reachable and I wouldn't expect posted signs behind the businesses especially since there were railroad tracks not too far away. Work has been extremely busy getting the Bank ready to handle all these Small Business Loans as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and I would have to put in a couple extra hours this evening. At the end of the day, I was able to confirm I'd have at least 2 hours so I didn't waste any time and headed out right away.

Directions were simple enough and with everyone working from home, there was barely any traffic on the roads. I made good time and found the Ice Rink with no trouble. Since Everything is closed, I figured I'd just park in the back of the parking lot and walk into the wooded area by the hash. Pulling back there, I was surprised to see a guy sitting on some steps with two dogs of what looked like a run down apartment that was attached to the building containing the ice rinks. Hopping out, the dogs stayed way over there by the guy as I walked into the field and down the ATV path.

Crossing the minor ditch I saw on the Satellite pictures on a dirt bridge, I cut down a deer trail that was heading directly to the hash. Hitting the woods, I got to an opening with some junk laid out like it was a little hidden fort (without walls). Doing the GPS dance, I got a good reading right on the edge of the open area and got some pictures.

Heading back to the car, I found a couple hockey pucks so I grabbed one as a toy for the dogs to play with. I bet the Zamboni ate them as it cleaned the ice and they got dumped out in the back with the ice shavings. The guy was still sitting on the steps too and I'm sure he was thinking what the heck is this random guy doing, walking into the middle of nowhere for about 15 minutes, and then just leaving again?

The drive home was uneventful, but I did stop at the store for some bread and other essentials (like Sponge Candy; It originated in Buffalo, but I don't think it's really gotten popular outside Western New York.)

I still had some time for a quick dinner before having to sign back into the work computer to help out a coworker for about an hour or so. All-in-all, a very productive day!