Waterworld 4th

Our 4th revolved around water. I began the day finishing up with our neighbors in the decoration of their party boat for the annual Lake Forest I boat parade. The Bethke's had decorated their home with flags and bunting while the boat was wrapped in red, white and blue with Uncle Sam perched in his wheelhouse atop the canopy of this modified stern wheeler. But this year, we forsook the champagne breakfast at the club and the parade that followed.

In the late morning, we headed down to the Dana Point harbor to enjoy the day and evening on our boat. Unfortunately, the parking lot reserved for boat owners was already completely filled by the time we arrived, but I was able to find an open space at the end of the "island" by the yacht club after having dropped Carolyn and all our gear at the dock. Carolyn had down a yeoman's job taking down the various coolers and sacks of snacks by the time I made my walk back from parking the car.

After calling Dennis and warning him of the parking problem, we got situated, affixed a temporary sun shield (which was a little too small as can be seen by my red face) and inflated our "Zodiac" boat. Dennis dropped off Gloria shortly after noon and ended up having to park on PCH and walk back to the slip.

The activity in the harbor was like a five hour water fight! We drove out in our inflatable into a barrage of boats wetting each other down with super-soakers, buckets and pump assisted hoses. Many wore "protection" consisting of shop eye protection, swim goggles, diving masks, umbrellas and even foul weather gear. We yelled our neutrality claiming we were the Switzerland of the harbor, and, for the most part, avoided the soaking afforded others who were either firing on others or bailing to avoid sinking.

Dennis took us out by the restaurants and then down the main channel, and then the outboard quit. The first time it was because we were out of gas which we quickly refilled, but the engine would keep dying only moments after starting again. This continued until we got close to the Pilgrim, and then it wouldn't start anymore, so we reluctantly 'accepted' a tow from the Sheriff's boat who berated the idiots who would act up even in his presence. He even threatened to arrest the guy who ran into us while we under tow. I think he was more interested in soaking down another boat than watching where he was going.

We enjoyed the afternoon watching the chaos in the harbor, swimming in the channel, and snacking on chips and guacamole. Dennis and Gloria left around 4:45 and we just hung out before lighting the BBQ and cooking up some really good burgers before the fireworks began.

We positioned ourselves on the bow for the show, and it began with a bang and some great fireworks including several that were heart shaped. But after about seven minutes, the fireworks just stopped. Five minutes or so passed, and a few more bombs burst in the air, and then nothing. We waited thirty or forty minutes, and with no additional displays, we packed up, locked up the boat, and got in line to leave the harbor. As we left around 10, the fireworks suddenly started up again! I guess the wicks must have been wet.

The only thing that would have made the day better is that the next day would have been a day off as well!!