Greetings all. Just a note real quick; We are nearing the end of my first season with a backyard rink. I have been a lurker here since before Thanksgiving and finally joined today. Nonetheless, the project would not have been possible without all the info / tips / suggestions and mistakes cataloged here on this site. Thanks to all who have contributed now and in the past.
To the extent that I am physically able, I will be an annual member of the backyard ice club hereto forward.
My 6 year old daughter has loved every minute of it it. I have had so much fun myself both skating and maintaining it. For whatever reason, shoveling snow off the rink at 11:00 PM in single digit temps gives my brain a much needed escape from reality and really clears things up for me. My wife, who has never skated in her life - got skates for Christmas and learned to skate really well in about a week's time. She has been converted into a rink rat as well.
As a family, the memories will last forever. Initially, the wifely unit was heavily opposed but went along, reluctantly, when my daughter and I made our case. She now is an avid supporter and defends it to all those who have said we were crazy to even try a rink in Northeast Ohio.
Indeed, I thought so too. But I figured nothing ventured nothing gained. And it really wasn't like it was a huge financial risk - more of a time commitment than anything else.
It surpassed the expectations of all of us. And even though we are winding down the season now in NE Ohio, we have still managed 16 good skate days with several weeks likely still to go, fully survived two full thaws, and proven all the naysayers dead wrong. We hoped for 15 skates or so. We will likely end up doing north of 20 days if the weather holds up a few more weeks.
Enough of my dribble. Thanks again all. I have already started planning my improvements for next year. But for now - some pics...
First Ice - January 2nd, 7:30 AM, a beautiful thing...
First Ice - Take Two - Following the first thaw. January 24th:
My baby girl, doing her thing. Eyes on the game - not the puck.