Day 9 - 4/7/12
There are noticeably more geese here than last week - it appears to be the change of seasons. I still do not understand the source of this water… I was unable to find any references from the town. Looking back on all of the previous visits, it was unusual to have a winter this warm.
I can hear a lawn-mower in the distance, some dogs barking. No distinct smells, just fresh air. It is comfortable today, better weather than last week with 57 degrees and no wind chill. The pond is much brighter in the daytime hours… the reflection of the trees nearby are much more distinct at night though.
This pond appears to be home to the geese, and some ducks. These birds swim in the water freely. The pond was probably constructed for ice skating in the winter, but it does interact with the natural life in this area. The other man made objects would include the park benches and a nearby pavillion. The trees and the grounds seem permanent and natural.
Day 8, 3/31/2012
The ground is not as muddy as last week. First sighting of animal life and geese droppings. The weather is improving since the snow on friday.
I can hear the geese. There is another animal splashing and swimming underwater.
While it is only 50 degrees outside, today has been the nicest day in the park because of the sun and clear skies.
Day 7 - 3/21/12
It is 80 degrees today. Still no one here. 2pm. The ground is still wet and muddy. Not too cloudy. More bird noises. The tree is starting to bloom. It is comfortable outside. Not too windy.
Day 6 - 3/2/2012
It is 50 degrees today. The ground is wet and muddy. No signs of life, no distinct smells. It is a moderately windy day. 4:00pm. The pond is probably man made. There is a pipe that pumps water onto the ground. This would have been a great spot to go ice-skating if only this was a normal winter.
From http://wheatfield.ny.us/parks.html :
Fairmount Park
Address: Nash and Steig Roads
Wheatfield NY 14120
Description: Fairmount Park is a 50-acre town owned park located in the Town of Wheatfield, Niagara County. Fairmount Park is a large, spacious park, located directly off Nash Road. The park has a large playground with equipment to satisfy large groups. Shelters are abundant, as well as picnic tables and parking. Winter time brings crosscountry enthusiasts to the park as well as sledders to it’s medium-sized hill on the grounds. No rental skates are available for the outdoor rink.
Winter:
Nature:
Sports:
- Soccer Field
- Running Track
- Tennis Courts
- Baseball/Softball Diamonds
- Roller Blading
- Horseshoe Pit
Day Five 2/25
It’s 32 degrees today. The pond is half melted. The ground is covered by an inch of snow. It was very windy this weekend. Every week has been grey and cloudy so far. Maybe the weather will cooperate better in the next few weeks.
Day Four 2/17/2012 - 1:30 pm
This is the first time I’ve been in this spot while the sun was partially out. The pond froze over again because it was cold this week, but it is well over 40 degrees today and not nearly as cold as my visits in the past 3 weeks. I doubt that there will be any pond hockey here this winter. I hear birds, but otherwise, I am still alone out here. The ground has thawed a bit more since last week.
Day 3 - 2/8/2012
It is below freezing today, the water is still. This pond might freeze over tonight. It’s not as windy as it was last week. The ground is frozen. 5:30 pm, the sky is a noticeably darker shade of blue.
Day Two 2/1/2012
It’s 43 degrees today; the pond is thawing. This weather is uncommon for this time of year. The air is still clean, no other notable smells today. It’s 2:30 pm and the weather is no different than last week, just warmer… I’m still the only one here.
Day 1: 1/25/2012
There is plenty of open space with grass in this spot.; several trees too. It’s 30 degrees and the pond is mostly frozen… The air is refreshing; something might be burning off in the distance. It’s 1:00pm, grey, overcast, and windy. No signs of animal life, I am the only one here at this hour. All is quiet except for the wind.
