rigsb.net

While searching for ways to get more skating time whether it be on the ice or on rollerblades, I found an On Frozen Blog post about Pine Cliff Park. Basically, Frederick County Parks & Recreation dug out a small pond (or maybe it is just drainage for being so close to the Monocacy River) that floods with rain water and freezes. They even put out a makeshift goal or two for the inevitable shinny contest (or pond hockey for the uninitiated) (It now appears that participants in the weekend’s contests actually brought the nets with them – my mistake).

Living in Maryland, we see below freezing temperatures for long periods of time a few weeks out of the year. With the single digit lows and highs barely reaching 20°F last week, this pre-inaugural, MLK holiday weekend has provided almost perfect skating conditions at Pine Cliff. So, we decided to head out yesterday afternoon to check out the pond.

Of course, I did not anticipate anyone would be there and I definitely did not anticipate anyone being there with sticks and pucks. The 6 inches or so of water was frozen solid and pretty smooth. Next time, I am bringing my gear for some rare, Maryland Winter shinny.