Since we were due to see our alloy-blending client in the afternoon, we decided to have a quick walk before the meeting. However, we struggled to find somewhere to walk. We are not used to the conventions used on the maps for what is a public footpath, what is private land, and where we can park. We did drive through some wonderful residential areas full of those classic wooden board houses, lots with USA flags on display, and those mailboxes on posts at the side of the pavement. We did find a nice lake with a swimming pool, but nowhere really to walk.
After another short drive we ended up at the grandly-named Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area, and managed a short walk up to a disused mine that is now a bat haven – a Bat Cave!
Amazingly, we could both really feel the cold air rushing out of the bat cave. It was about 25 degrees out and about, but the air from the cave was definitely a lot colder!
Went back to the hotel to change. The meeting with our alloy blending client went really well, including a site tour which we were not able to photograph, as it would have been some of the most interesting pictures we have. Really big pieces of heavy machinery and furnaces, and our guide had lots of detailed insights into the manufacture of high-grade ‘super-alloys’. It was really useful to get insights from the team on-site, and the team there were great to finally meet face to face. Thanks guys!