2022-01-06 53 6

Location

On a soccer field in Groningen.

Participants

Shevek
Gamma

Plans

The hash is on a soccer field, which is very near to both Gamma and Shevek, only 5-ish kilometers. And the area around the hash is familiar to both expedition members. However, due to Corona, we do not know whether the soccer field will be closed, or (if open) is populated with 2 soccer teams. Getting to the hash will be problematic in both cases :-/. We decide to venture out anyway and enjoy the expedition, with or without reaching or goal.

The No Battery Achievement is feasible (easy peasy actually). We discussed whether to go by foot or bicycle. 10 km by foot and the possibility of not reaching the hash? No, we preferred going by bike.

Tron achievement is seems doable, however, we made no plans in advance. We'll see.

The weather isn't too bad, but it's a bit cold.

Expedition

The terrain is familiar, city is familiar, it is a walk in the park. Reaching the soccer field area was the easy part. But, as somewhat expected, the entrance gates to the soccer fields were closed. But a father with some kids was playing soccer, we didn't know how they made it to the field. Shevek thought about calling them to the fence and asking them to let us in, but we decided to first try a few more entrances: all closed. The fencing at the far side of the field seemed low: only waist high, so we opted to check there.

We took the wrong road however and we got blocked by another gate. Whilst investigating our options, Gamma saw clears sign of other people having climbed the fencing, climbing steps in the fencing for instance. Getting onto the field was quite possible here, yet signs clearly stated entrance was forbidden ("Verboden toegang voor onbevoegden, Artikel 461 Wetboek van Strafrecht"). Shevek does not like trespassing, Gamma took a chance and climbed the fence.

After the fence was easily crossed, Gamma reached the hash easily, without batteries.

Upon return, the father of the kids shouted and wanted to have a talk with Gamma. The father turned out to be the canteen/field manager and was not amused by Gamma entering the field. Moreover, the soccer club has had items both stolen and damaged by trespassers. Gamma had a hard time explaining why he wanted to be on the field, for some nerd adventure, yet managed. Gamma agreed with the manager that simply asking for entrance would have been a far better option. Gamma was escorted off the field and walked back to Shevek. We discussed whether Shevek should still ask the manager to let him onto the field, but he decided we had caused him enough trouble already. So we cycled back, without any other noteworthy events.

Tron achievement was not achieved, since Gamma had to walk along the same path to Shevek.
No Batteries Geohash was achieved, since Gamma only used his cell phone after reaching the hash, to show the manager his non criminal intentions.

Is a geohash worth breaking the law over?
Gamma apparently thinks it is.
He is rewarded with a hash.
But then he gets caught and needs to explain himself.
His diplomacy skills have saved him and he's back in the free world.

Proof of reaching geohash #1. Shevek can be seen at the correct side of the fence.
Proof of reaching geohash #2.
Proof of reaching geohash #3.
Proof of reaching geohash #4.
Proof of reaching geohash #5.
Proof of reaching geohash #6.