C&O Canal becomes frozen playground for residents, hockey players

WASHINGTON — The wind chill and bitterly cold temperatures didn’t stop D.C.-area residents from venturing out onto the frozen C&O Canal near Chain Bridge, and some even brought hockey equipment Friday afternoon.

“I wanted to bring my kids down and see the frozen solid canal and it is frozen solid! As am I!” said D.C. native Elizabeth Winston, who walked around without skates.

While ice skating is allowed, park staff does not monitor ice conditions, so the National Park Service has advised visitors to be extra cautious and never skate alone.

That wasn’t a problem for these young hockey players, who fearlessly sped around the ice despite the frigid weather.

Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Some hockey players brought full equipment. Others had impromptu games. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
“I wanted to bring my kids down and see the frozen solid canal and it is frozen solid! As am I!” said D.C. native Elizabeth Winston. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
While ice skating is allowed, park staff does not monitor ice conditions, so the National Park Service has advised visitors to be extra cautious and never skate alone. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
That wasn’t a problem for these young hockey players, who fearlessly sped around the ice despite the frigid weather. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Young hockey players enjoying a sunny, but bitterly cold, Friday afternoon on the frozen C&O Canal.  (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Despite bitterly cold wind chills Friday, these local hockey players have fun on the frozen C&O Canal. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Skaters on the C&O Canal (WTOP/Michelle Basch)

Teta Alim

Teta Alim is a Digital Editor at WTOP. Teta's interest in journalism started in music and moved to digital media.

Michelle Basch

Michelle Basch is a reporter turned morning anchor at WTOP News.

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