Friday, April 8, 2011

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 They've put a new seal on the surface and are replacing outdated materials with more progressive, environmentally friendly ones.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.

19 comments:

HearkenCreative said...

Hey, since you did the casting pond, you need to go over and take pictures of the Pasadena Roving Archers. Their archery range is in jeopardy because of a few hikers who want the archers to go away so they can have a few more yards of hiking trails. These places like the Casting Pond and the Archery Range are an integral part of the Lower Arroyo.

My daughter wasn't happy that the pond was empty, either. I assured her that it would be back to normal in no time...

Shell Sherree said...

Bring back the stinky water! Poor Boz. But I know you'll find a way to cheer him up, Petrea.

Bellis said...

They've made the sides of the pond steeper so dogs can't get in and out - spoil sports! And the timing couldn't have been worse for the Arroyo toads that lay their eggs in the water every year. Frogs and toads always go back to the water in which they were born to lay their eggs. Why wasn't it scheduled at a dry time of year?
As for the Archers, the problem's that there are so many of them nowadays, and they stay well after sunset. I feel threatened by those ugly hi-tech crossbows, even when walking along the set trail, but the archers are always very polite. As with everything else, I guess it's a problem of too many humans. Everything's being used much more than even 5 years ago. We'll all have to learn to share.

Mister Earl said...

Love the Standels song. Is John Sandel and honorary member?

Petrea Burchard said...

Loren and Bellis--the range looks different to me. I can't tell where I'm supposed to walk and where I'm not. I assume that, along the southern part of it, they are only allowed to shoot in a westerly direction.

Don't worry, it'll all get straightened out when someone gets an arrow stuck in them.

Hi Shell! Anything else that smells good (or bad) usually distracts him.

Oh--and Bellis, the sides aren't steep. Not that dogs are supposed to be in the pond, but it won't be any trouble for pooches or toads to get in or out.

Earl, I don't think JS has ever been to Boston.

ginamarina said...

Will it look like your other picture again? It was beautiful

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, ginamaria. It may be different around the sides because the sidewalks will be decomposed granite instead of asphalt, and they're putting in new benches and picnic tables. But the pond itself, I hope, will be reflective and lovely again.

Anonymous said...

My eye was drawn up to the blues and greens.

Unknown said...

The only time I've been in Boston, it was so socked in the buildings were hidden. For all I know, that whole city is one storey tall.

Cafe Pasadena said...

Hearken! what HC says about those hikers. Give them a trail and they'll wanna take...

I don't know what's gonna happen with that part of the Arroyo, or any other area hikers want to venture to. But I'll place my bets on those with the bows/arrows over those with just walking sticks.

Birdman said...

... Boston, Boston your my town.

Margaret said...

The poor doggies always get the short end of the stick.

Petrea Burchard said...

I don't know about that. How many dogs do you know who even have a casting pond?

Diana said...

Tell Boz to wait until the low-flow streams' silt weirs are cleaned out so they can turn the water back on. It won't be particularly stinky, but with enough doggie action, it could be nice and muddy!

Virginia said...

Meeps has asked to join me for the upcoming Blogorama in LA. We'll see about that.
V

Petrea Burchard said...

Diana, he mentioned he's looking forward to that. We love those pretty streams.

Virginia, do we have dates? Do tell.

Portugal said...

Beautiful place you have out there...

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Portugal. Coming from you, that makes us feel exotic.

Susan Campisi said...

Tommy loves dirty water, and I love the Standells version.

Bellis, I wish you could be an environmental consultant to the city and county. Local wildlife would be so much better off with you looking out for them.