by MaryM in Arts and Culture, Environment and Open Space, Mystic River, Wildlife sightings
Posted on September 10, 2012 at 6:26 pm
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Saturday was the terrific Meet Me at the Mystic 40th anniversary event organized by MyRWA. It was a great day to be out—breezy and rain-free at least in the morning. From the dam between the lakes a large number of kayakers began to paddle down the lower lake towards Alewife, a separate group cycled along the parkway, and along the route there were outposts of artists where you could stop and watch them work. 
Some were quietly painting, but others were rocking the banks with their music. It was for me the first time I ever came up on a concert from the water—quite an unusual approach.
The organizers delivered a really delightful event, and it was great to see the turnout. I’m very pleased to see so many neighbors of all ages (and more than one species) out and using our shared space. 
At one point there was something of a boat traffic jam near one of the river bridges–something I hadn’t seen before on my recent days out on the Mystic. 
A couple of the geese seemed a bit off-put by the intrusion, but the swans handled it all very gracefully, the heron looked on quietly, and the turtle couldn’t have cared less. The dragonflies seemed to like to take a break on my boat, and that was fine, since they don’t weigh very much…
The more people who come to events like this, the more community support that’s generated for public actions and lobbying for funding and maintenance of treasures like this too.
And the fitness doesn’t hurt either! Paddlers, cyclists, and strollers are all generating benefits for both personal and public health as well.
I’ll let you have a look at some of the fun and color. If anyone is in the photos and wants a copy of the originals just let me know, or feel free to take copies. Click on them to embiggen.
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Thanks for attending the event Mary, and so glad that you enjoyed yourself!
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