2021-03-04 42 -78

Location

In the marshes of Tifft Nature Preserve

Participants

Pedalpusher

Expedition

The hash seems to like this area lately. On 2021-02-16 (also my 2^8th expedition), it was in the back of this property and 2021-02-28 was just down the road a bit at the old Steel Plant. Looking at the satellite pictures, I knew this was very unlikely to be accessible as it was in the swamp, but being in a public park, I still wanted to go. I figured I'd have plenty of daylight after work and would remember to bring some sunflower seeds this time (the birds there will actually eat out of your hand). And unlike 2021-02-16, I wouldn't be in a rush and could take my time walking around back there.

Getting close to quitting time, of course something blows up and I ended up sticking around a few extra minutes to help out with an urgent support issue. Fortunately, it didn't take long and I was able to feed the dogs before heading out. The drive over was uneventful and when I was parking, I estimated I had about 30 min before the sun went down. There were a few people about, but not many and I had a mostly quiet walk back toward the hash. Initially, I followed the path and found the area they have been working on. I continued on to the big blind where I got within 120 feet but looking out over the ice, I could see some areas of open water by the brush which should be near the hash. The ice in the middle looked solid, but I just wasn't going to take the chance as I didn't have anything to test the ice with either. I REALLY want that Walking on water geohash achievement, but with the climate changing, we don't have a lot of good ice in this area as much and just the protected areas freeze well.

I did end up backtracking and walking out on the section of land they clear-cut and I was able to get a bit closer, but still well out of reach at 100 feet. I then decided to keep walking around despite seeing a beautiful sunset going on over the hill. I would have great views at the lakeshore on the other side of the road, but I really wanted to find some chickadees to feed. I spend the next 20 minutes or so taking the long way back to the car holding out my hand with some sunflower seeds on it. I did see some white-tail deer again, but no birds flew out of the brush today. It's possible I just went too close to sunset and they had already settled in for the night. With nothing to feed, I put the seeds on the railing of a foot-bridge on the way back to the car and headed for home.