Independence Day. The 4th of July. A day highly celebrated across our great land. Why? Back in 1776 the existing thirteen colonies claimed their Independence from England, which eventually led to the creation of the United States. Certainly something to celebrate.
Here in Alaska, the 49th state to join the union in 1959, it is no exception, and they are very creative in how they do it. In fact, this year the celebration lasted 4 days in the city of Valdez, and we are camped (parked really – who are we kidding – we are hardly “camping”) right smack in the middle of it! Softball tournaments, 5 and 10k races, bike races, and of course there was a parade. The event that I could not miss was the canoe jousting being held mid-afternoon. The United States Coast Guard station gave boat tours then demonstrated live sea rescues from their helicopter.
Dennis and Vickie went to one of the two showings of Independence Day II at the nearby Civic Center.
 |
I have been dying to have a s'more while camping. Reminds me of my Girl Scout days. Norm hates them, but my memories were haunting me, so this was a wonderful opportunity! Yuck! Too sweet! Some things are best left as a fond memory.....
|
 |
This cutie loved her s'more
|
Nobody went hungry with pie eating contests, salmon cook-offs and a free community picnic, then ending the day with a huge public fire-pit with all the fixings for making your own s’mores!
 |
Children - boys and girls alike entertained themselves with some pretty rough and tumble wrestling! Alaskans grow their kids tough!
|
 |
Different teams were canoe jousting. Now that's something different, and takes great balance to stand on the gunnels.
|
 |
Oops!
|
There was lots of laundry to do, so Norm and I passed up the parade to get that done in the laundromat a mere 50 feet away. We also had been eating plenty of salmon, so we also decided to forgo standing in line with the hundreds of people waiting for their free lunch.
 |
The crowds shifted from the canoe jousting to the harbor to watch the Coast Guard demos. I felt sorry for the kids losing their audience.
|
 |
A wonderful demonstration of the brave men and woman of the US Coast Guard performing a water rescue.
|
During the late afternoon and evening under the “half-tent” the entertainment was really very good, although temperatures in the low 50’s and windy made it a little uncomfortable. I went back to the RV and dug out my winter garb then returned to hear some more great music from the entertainers. Norman, the hardier soul was plenty warm enough.
 |
I had no idea what a group called "The Shoot Dangs " would sound like- but they were very good!
|
 |
This is one well worn banjo. I wonder what is in that jug?
|
 |
Sarah Peacock was so entertaining, Very recently her RV with everything she owned in it, burnt to the ground! Someone gave/loaned her another to get here from Nashville. Norm and Dennis both bought her CD to help her out.
|
The night ended with the traditional fireworks, starting with fire-boats shooting great plumes of water into the air. What was really different here in Valdez was that the sun sets about 11:30PM, so it was still very light outside! You could hear and feel the explosions echoing off the surrounding mountains like cannon fire. The noise must be the main attraction, because you could barely see the actual display!
 |
We had an unexpected pleasure to see the fire boats shooting water!
|
 |
Fireworks when it's not dark yet? Seriously? We had a great vantage point from our campsite. The explosions echoed off the surrounding mountains and barges so loudly you feel it in your feet! It was enjoyable nonetheless.
|
 |
Fishing boats were putting on a pretty nice display, considering it's daylight.
|
 |
This couple really dressed for the occasion. He should have given her his coat - she was freezing all day.
|
I could have stayed perhaps 3 more days here to have a little more adventure, and perhaps take a trip by boat to Cordova which is reportedly very beautiful but our vacation time is running out and unfortunately it’s time to move on.
