Wacky Canoe Races

 The wacky canoe races on Thursday morning are one of the best traditions here.  My own days in a canoe for wacky canoe races are behind me.  Now I just stand on a dock and aim my camera.

The races start with an ordinary forward race to get the contestants warmed up.  It is crowded,  competitive, and "land sharks" pour water on the contestants.

Then, it is time to paddle forward to the raft, then paddle backward to the starting line.

In the next race, when the horn sounds everyone must change places with another paddler.

Next race, jump out of the canoe when the horn sounds, then get back in and finish the race.

In this race, when the horn sounds, put the paddles down and paddle only with your arms.

In the gunwhaling race, the paddles are down, one paddler rocks the canoe from the rear seat and the front paddler paddles with his arms. 

The races end with everyone jumping out, capsizing the canoes, then tugging them across the finish line.

Everyone gets a ribbon, and everyone deserves one.

The Parade

Wheelbarrows, trucks, golf carts.  Balloons, flags, banners.  And many walkers.

  

The young people in blue shirts are counselors, recreation staff, kitchen workers and cleaning crews.  Many are from foreign countries, but they seem to enjoy the parade as much as we from the USA do.

Gathering for the Parade

Young, old.  Strong, weak.  Balloons, flags, streamers.  Everyone looks forward to a parade.

Happy Fourth of July

 We are spending a week in a rustic cabin on a lake in New Hampshire.  Lots of rain so far and lots of rain in the forecast, but it is still wonderful.

Happy Fourth of July!

"Write Your Own Story"

 A big, wonderful 2021 mural is on the side of the Women's Empowerment Center just north of downtown on Market Street in Hartford.  The artist is Micaela Levesque (@micaelartist).  The mural was commissioned by the Community Renewal Team, Imc.

From left to right are former First Lady Michelle Obama, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg, the late Ella Grasso (first woman elected governor of Connecticut) and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Linked to Monday Mural.

Hummingbird

 A hummingbird has been visiting a feeder near a front window in my house.

With a very fast shutter speed, I can freeze the hummingbird's body but not the wings.  

Next time I have to try an even faster speed.

Climate

 Many of the biggest and oldest trees in West Hartford's Elizabeth Park are dying.  They are being taken down, which is both sad and necessary.

Fortunately a successful architect who lives near the park has made a substantial donation that helps park management to plant new trees that are better able to thrive in the current drier and warmer climate.  This area has numerous birch clumps that have been planted in recent years.

Linked to City Daily Photo's page for the July 1 theme of "climate."