showmetravelers: July 4, 2014 Independence Day in our 49th State

The best of Independence Day celebrations include lots of red/white/and blue, flags, small town parades, and fireworks.

I will start with commenting on the very end of the day.

Firework displays are not successful in Alaska where it is still broad daylight at ten o'clock p.m. The loud explosions of the fireworks echoed through the surrounding mountains. There just was not the shine and sparkle and oo's and aw's as a display in full dark.

We walked just three blocks to watch the parade this morning. It was a first to see the Coast Guard display the flags to lead to parade. I would guess-i-mate there were 15-17 entries, including 4 fire trucks, kids' on decorated bikes.

Coast Guard Honor Guard

. Kids on their decorated bikes.

Jeff, Gary, and Evelyn watching the parade.

Dee and Jim Lyons, Glen, Marcella enjoying the parade.

This helicopter would take you on a tour of the area. Glen said it looks like a wind-up toy!

Glen and I took a break from the celebrations to finish washing the motor home! I must admit it looks much better.

This afternoon we watched a small portion of "canoe jousting." Confession: it was boring! Only watched two rounds.

Jim and Gary grilled steaks...yum, for all. There was also baked potato, and fresh frozen corn, with red, white and blue dessert! Marcella made a fruit salad of strawberries, bananas, and blueberries! as well a bowl of watermelon.

We (all of us) drove around the sound to see if the bear(s) were out tonight. Alas, no bear sighting. We still saw many harbor seals, bald eagles, spawning salmon.