High Temps in the Lower Arroyo

We've had a bit of cold weather. That's relative, of course--"cold weather" doesn't really occur around here. But for my walk with Boz yesterday I wore my winter coat with a scarf and mittens. It should be said, however, that my neighbor was wearing shorts and flip-flops. I can't tell you which of us is the sane one. Not objectively.

Suffice it to say I didn't take this picture yesterday. I did, however, take it this month.

Well I Love That Dirty Water

photo by John Sandel

Here's another local construction project: the Casting Pond is getting a facelift. I love John's iPhone shot; we're looking south, viewing the pond along its western flank.

Boz was disappointed to see the empty pond in the Lower Arroyo yesterday, partly because there's no more stinky water and especially because no one was casting. He enjoys fly casting, for those fleeting moments of his canine attention span. (I think cats would really enjoy this sport.)

Funding is provided by 1992 Proposition A Los Angeles County Park Bond funds "and a generous donation from the Pasadena Casting Club," according to this 2008 document from the Pasadena Department of Public Works. The project is a little behind schedule, but other than that it appears they're sticking to the plan. They've put a new seal on the surface and are replacing outdated materials with more progressive, environmentally friendly ones. The water will never be stinky again.

Neither Boz nor the Standells approve.

The Pasadena Casting Club is open to the community. If you want to learn how to cast for fish, the pond should be ready in a few weeks and the club will welcome you. In the meantime, check out the website or give a call. There's probably someone there who'll invite you to come by and learn how to tie a fly, or just talk fishing. I suggest you leave your pets at home.

Zen Monday: #18

On Zen Monday you experience the photo then tell me what it's about, rather than me telling you what to experience from viewing it.

Pasadena Casting

Until I got onto Google this morning, I thought the Casting Pond in the Lower Arroyo Park was unique to Pasadena. Nope. It's the location of the Pasadena Casting Club, a founding charter member of the Federation of Fly Fishers, "a 43 year old international non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing through Conservation, Restoration and Education."

Our local club was established in 1947 with 33 members. Now there are 300, but I've never seen anyone casting there. Don't tell the fishermen, but the only people I've seen using this pond are dogs chasing sticks.

I must not have been there on a Sunday. The website says, "The Clubhouse is open Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., under the supervision of a Board Member. This is the time and place to sit around and talk fishing, to practice casting in the Club's Casting Pool or to browse in the Library with its large collection of fishing related books and videotapes available for members use."

It can't be easy to be a fisherman/person in Pasadena. It's not like we're the land of many lakes. But we've got a casting pond, and Sunday's the day.

It's noon and I just remembered: Father's Day! I remember it late, with a pang. I've made no plans with my father today, who is long gone. The casting pond would be a good place to go with a dad, I think.