2009-08-24 45 -122

Location

Beaverton, Oregon, USA: in the Merlo Road repair yard for Tri-Met (MAX)

Participants

Jim

Plans

I didn't plan much. I printed out a Google Maps sheet, not because I needed it, but because it might help me talk my way into the rail yard. And I programmed the GPS.

Expedition

I was initially thrilled this morning to see a nearby hashpoint. Then I started looking more closely at the satellite images.

"Hmmm - looks like an industrial site near the MAX station."
"Look at all those railroad tracks."
"Look at ALL those railroad tracks."
"Oh, oh. That's the Merlo Road repair yard. Tri-Met isn't going to be very friendly about folks wanting to visit."

I had a major project to finish up at work, so it was a pretty hectic day. But, after work I decided I'd make an attempt. I had considered calling Tri-Met to ask about getting access, but decided that would probably only succeed in at most providing access during the daytime, and I couldn't make it then. So I figured I'd see if I could find someone to talk into letting me wander among the active light rail tracks.

I got to the station, and looked around. I could see the hashpoint: with a tall chain link fence all around it. I took some pictures; waited a bit to see if any employees would go in the gate; and finally decided that since I saw passenger cars inside the yard on the other side, I'd look for entry on that side.

I drove over to the other side. Once again, I found a gate with instructions to use my ID to open it. I knew none of my ID's would do the trick. But there was a call box with a sign saying visitors must use the call box.

So I pushed the button. I explained what I wanted to do. They asked if I had an ID to access the yard. I replied that I didn't. That settled the matter for them and they told me I wasn't allowed in. So, I gave up and went home to domestic animals that were happy to allow me into the house.

Achievements

Jim earned the No trespassing consolation prize

by almost reaching the (45, -122) geohash on 2009-08-24.

Photos

One of two gates into the yard
The hashpoint is in there, even if I can't get to it.


Mon 24 Aug 2009 in 45,-122: 45.5085199, -122.8482129 geohashing.info google osm bing/os kml crox