Checking back in for some insight on dealing with the warm temps this weekend and see how other's seasons are going. Thought I'd start by showing this year's version of our slab. After a great weekend of skating we've already had a better year than last year's.

The dream of having ice ready for the XMas break (Dec 22 - Jan 2) didn't work out, I can only remember twice in the 12+ years in Boston area that it has. I filled 3/4 (around 3" at shallowest point) by pumping out of the river the day after Christmas in the hope of getting lucky - no such luck. The temps didn't get quite cold enough for a complete freeze and then a wet heavy snow of about 8" landed and put skating during vacation out of reach. But, unlike last year it wasn't all bad news.

After a few days of mild temps in low 40s that allowed the snow cover to sink into and become one with the slab, the temps dropped right after the new year to the teens at night. GAME ON. After a couple nights of home-boni work, the Omni was open. There were people on the ice from Friday afternoon, right through the weekend. Definitely some SUI late night sessions but also some great family fun. Sunday's surface was pretty soft but there was no stopping the crowds once they got a taste. I'm always amazed at the delight and pure thrill that both kids and adults get when they step on the ice - it makes whatever struggles worth it for sure.

Now the thaw is on - the really chewed up surface from Sunday's activity, the leaves and twigs and other debris, as well as the evaporation from the warming temps has it looking pretty ugly. I'm hoping the dip in temps next week that the forecast promises will get us back on the ice before the Bruins' first game on the 19th.

The boys were the first to touch blade to ice after I skipped out of work and picked them up early on Friday

IMG_0880.jpg (67.76 KiB) Viewed 17560 times

Later that Friday night, I think I need more lights?! Saturday night the neighborhood crew shinnied until well past midnight.

IMG_0883.jpg (43.76 KiB) Viewed 17560 times

Wide view from 2nd story yesterday. Hopefully the thaw is kind to me and we'll be good to go next week!

IMG_0891.jpg (83.43 KiB) Viewed 17560 times

What a great spot to have a rink!

I agree - that is one beautiful rink!

Picture perfect with the fire bowl and the river behind. Kudos!

Thanks guys - for a number of years I had a smaller (around 16x32) that was perfect for my daughter (now just graduated from college). It was 2x12 w wooden stakes and Home Depot liner. As she got older and now that there are a couple of high energy boys in the house, I expanded and changed materials to make it an easy setup/storage situation. I'm almost there (Next up - 4' boards behind the nets and netting to catch errant shots?).
What a resource your site has been since I found it - for both inspiration and a ton of great insight. Yeah, mistakes were made and last year was a tough go weather wise, but I knew I was basically on solid footing and always had a place to go for answers.
Thanks for putting this out there and a number of great contributors.