This year’s July 4^th saw much fun to be had.  With activities like a sand sculpture contest, sky-diving show, parade, square dance, and countless musical acts, it was a good time for all ages.  I and my friend Heather had breakfast at the Pony Island Restaurant (mmmmm, salsa cheese eggs…), and then biked up to the Lifeguard beach to take in the sand art.  There were some great entries, and I believe “Squidditch” – Harry Potter riding a broom with a squid for bristles – took “Best in Show”.  Though the ocean was in one of her moods that morning and there was a rather strong current, we still stopped for quick dip.  It was hot and the water was just so enticing (and worth the waves).  We only went hip deep, though, as anyone who doesn’t want to risk being yanked out to sea should when the rip currents are that close to shore.

As we rode our bikes back into town, we realized we had made a judgment error in wind direction and found ourselves facing 20 mph wind gusts.  While we normally know better, even locals make mistakes, folks.  Learn from ours, and be aware of wind direction when you take it into your head to go for a long bike ride.  Needless to say, we were both breathless by the time we reached my house, and so, naturally, a dip in the pool seemed a likely prescription to remedy this.  It was more than that – it was an enlightening, out-of-body experience, and as we floated on our backs, we watched the sky-divers drift by overhead.  Then it was off to assist in the Jeopardy float for the parade.

Local Emmet Temple, cousin to Charles Temple, came up with the Jeopardy float idea, and asked us if we we’d lend a hand.  We turned the back of a truck into a Jeopardy set, and all three contestants were dressed to look like Charles, while Emmet, posing as Alex Trebek, asked questions in which all the answers were, “Who is Charles Temple?”  I thought it clever – or as Emmet put it, “clever coconut.”  Now, did I bother to make Charles aware of this?  Of course not, and I’m sure I’ll hear it when I go to Vermont in a couple days to see him (he’s there working for the summer, and, no, Vermont, you can’t keep him.)

So once Heather and I finished adding final touches to the float and dressing the kids like Charles, we went our separate ways for the day – Heather off to cook for a potluck, and I off to find my Mom and watch the parade.  The parade was great, and there were some really creative floats.  Of course, the Jeopardy float was my favorite, but, hey, I’m biased.  If that float hadn’t been in the running, though, my hands-down favorite would have been Ocracoke Coffee Company’s float – a giant, moving, eye-smoking (her eyes literally were smoking) Medusa head with accompanying shield-and-spear-wielding Spartans.  The sign read something about caffeine and taming the beast (sorry, guys, my memory is only so good).  It was pretty fantastic.

After the parade, I took an hour break.  The heat had started to get to me, and I decided it was time to hide in the AC with a book for a bit.  By the way, folks, I highly recommend listening to your body in these instances.  If you’ve been out in the heat or on the beach all day and you suddenly feel unsteady or even just tired and squeamish, chances are you need to get inside for a little while.  Heat exhaustion can come out of nowhere, and it can be particularly nasty if you don’t try to get a handle on it right away.  My hiding out seemed to do the trick because an hour later I was helping my Mom with a cookout, and then we were off to SmacNally’s to hear a great reggae band called Donovan and the Posse.  From there we went down to the Community Square to hear the Aaron Caswell Band, a local favorite that did not disappoint.

It was at this point I should’ve gone home, but, of course, didn’t, and 7 am the next day dawned way too quickly – bright, cheery and terribly annoying.  Oh well, it’s the price you pay for a good time now and then.

“Until tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow”

Chrisi


I wanted to add just a bit to this blog. I spent part of the day with Chrisi and I have to say it was one of the best days I have had in a long time. Chrisi's mom, Cyndi, and I worked part of the day but after that the fun began. We also went out to see the sand sculptures but we did not ride bikes. We caught a glimpse of the skydivers and found out later one of them had been injured resulting in 2 broken legs.


We watched the parade and I have to say that it was one of the best ones in a few years. It was just the right length and moved along pretty well. After the parade it was time to cool off and then cook...BBQ chicken thighs, summer pasta salad, corn on the cob, tomato pie and much, MUCH more. Laughter on the porch with friends and then off to listen to music with other friends, neighbors and guests. Everyone seemed to be having a really great time.


None of us took the time to take pictures because we were enjoying ourselves too much but I did manage to "borrow" some from a friend. Thanks to Jason Wells, co-owner of Jason's Restaurant, for letting me use some of his pictures. It looks like Jason and his family had a great day as well!!


Jason's son, Griffin, enjoying the day!


Ocracoke Boy Scout Troop 290 raising the flag!


Oldies but goodies!


Lemonade anyone?


Bouncy stuff!


Kids love bouncy stuff!


Shark!


Squidditch!


Sand car!


Coffee Company Medusa!


Champions: Ocracoke Raptors!


Who is Charles Temple?


Kabobs! Yummy!


Ribs & hot dogs! Yummy!


Friends, family, kids, good times!! That's what it's
all about!!