Real Hartford

Nothing to Do, Nowhere to Go

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State of the Parks

This photo appears to be an old bottle sitting on the ground. It’s not. The bottle is one of several objects that I saw supported by a layer of algae in a pond at Goodwin Park, located in Hartford’s South End.

An article all about pollution and pond scum describes the causes and effects of algae growth:

Eutrophication has many negative effects on aquatic ecosystems. Perhaps the most visible consequence is the proliferation of algae, which can turn water a turbid green and coat shallower surfaces with “pond scum.” This increased growth of algae and also aquatic weeds can degrade water quality and interfere with use of the water for fisheries, recreation, industry, agriculture, and drinking. As overabundant nuisance plants die, bacterial decomposers proliferate; as they work to break down this plant matter, the bacteria consume more dissolved oxygen from the water. The result can be oxygen shortages that cause fish kills. Eutrophication can lead to loss of habitats such as aquatic plant beds in fresh and marine waters and coral reefs along tropical coasts. Thus, eutrophication plays a role in the loss of aquatic biodiversity.

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A Permanent Staycation (insert groans here)

For some people (me), the concept of not traveling far is a familiar one. I like to travel, to see the world (Alaska); I also like to have a roof over my head, especially when the weather gets colder. Rather than switch into a soul-sucking career that I’d hate (think anything finance or insurance related, or anything involving a dress code), I do fulfilling and intellectually challenging work which, incidentally, doesn’t pay enough for a single person to be jetting off to Borneo every six months. Fortunately, I can be amused, entertained, and awed just about anywhere.

On Friday, I traipsed through Cedar Hill Cemetery in the South End of Hartford.

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Cool Your Jets

 UPDATED: Rain Delay! Rescheduled to Wed. July 30th. 

Julie has called for a Critical Splash this coming Wednesday (7/23) at Goodwin Park. Not sure I’m okay with being in a bathing suit in public, but since I don’t have my own private pool, there’s not really an alternative, is there?

6-7:45pm