4th of July 2008 at the Beach/Party

4th of July 2008

Another day at a breakneck pace. These kids are hanging in there like champs!!! Of course, they are all sound asleep now after a spectacular fireworks display which culminated today’s activities.

Woke up for a breakfast at the Navy Lodge, waffles, fruit, cereal, donuts. I made a bunch of sandwiches for the boat trip which we would be taking at 9.

Out the door to the Coast Guard station near the Navy BOQ which I used to stay at on cross countries to Key West “back in the day!” We parked there, and walked to the marina to board the Tortuga IV for a ½ day fishing cruise. The transit to the fishing area was fine, with a little sea state, which did not hamper the kids at first. The kids really enjoyed the ride on the bow, as the boat pitched through the deep blue water’s troughs and crests. It was a spectacularly beautiful day.

Our fishing stops were filled with nibbles, stolen bait, and dropping lines with squid and ballyhoo pieces. We all caught fish, and they were all undersized, so no “keepers” The mates onboard realized quickly that I had my hands full with 3 kids, and were very helpful. Of course, Rachel was the little charmer, however, Dylan and Ryan got their share of assistance. Mostly we caught snapper, but we also caught a grunt, the snapper being red and yellow tail. About halfway through the cruise, Rachel and Dylan disappeared into the galley/saloon to take naps. Later they said they did not feel well, and confessed seasickness. Ryan and I fished on relentlessly. It was very enjoyable to be out on the water, and we caught fish, just not big enough. Back at the fish fillet, the kids enjoyed seeing huge tarpon fighting for the scraps thrown overboard.

We went back to the Navy Lodge, and the kids were getting pretty rambunctious. I sent them to the park next to the Lodge so I could get us ready to go to the pool at the CG base, and then to fireworks. So, we met the Corsons at the pool on their base, they are in a mobile home. The pool was so great, and the kids went to town on the wonderful slides ,and they really enjoyed the floating lilly pads. It was so pleasant to hang poolside as the kids played.

It was then, off to the Truman Annex military facility for the base 4th of July party. It was absolutely perfect. We pitched our gear on the beach, and the kids went for an immediate snorkel. Ryan and Rachel made a short time of it as their eyes went from chlorine pool to salty ocean. However, Dylan really is enjoying himself in the water. While Rachel will hold my hand and snorkel with me, Dylan will grab my arm around the bicep, and swim along, as we point out interesting sights to each other. He found a sea biscuit, and a juvenile conch. We saw the biggest sea urchin I have ever seen lodged under a coral shelf, with 6 inch spines.

Back ashore, the party was getting really fun. Activities included, a live band, a bounce house, a family style cookout of burgers, dogs, etc. Limbo, musical chairs, playground, cotton candy, and a very festive crowd of military members.

Just after sunset and prior to the fireworks show starting, we set up our chairs on the beach, and enjoyed the reggae music of a steel drum player, as the beautiful tropic breeze was blowing, and the mellow waves lapped at the shore. The kids managed to acquire some glow stick necklaces, and were actively twirling them awaiting the show.

Well, the show was much more than I expected, and without a doubt, the longest fireworks display I have ever seen. In fact, I believe the kids were getting bored due to its length, however, it was a great culmination of another fine day in the Keys.