Happy (Belated) 4th of July!

We hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July festivities.  It's been tough to get wifi out here in the middle of Bristol Harbor.  As more and more boats depart, the better the reception gets.  In fact, the evening of the fireworks, we couldn't even get 3G service on our cell phones.  Gasp!
So here we are on the 5th of July, wishing you a happy 4th!  Oh well.  No one said it would be easy!
We anchored in the middle of Bristol Harbor on the morning of July 3rd, surrounded by more boats than we have ever seen in one place.  Newport and Bristol, Rhode Island are considered by some, the sailing capital of the world.  It was fun to be on the water surrounded by so many beautiful boats.  We are definitely in the minority cruising in a catamaran in these parts!

Mt. Hope Bridge

The moon rising up over Bristol Harbor

The Navy ship anchored in Bristol Inlet

Double rainbow from Dan's friends house

The town of Bristol oozes historical charm around every corner.  The plaques on the buildings date back as early as the late 1700's.  This is a small town of 26,000 and they are VERY proud to host our country's oldest 4th of July parade.  This is the biggest, most celebrated holiday of the year (for Bristol) and we were honored to have been apart of it.  We watched the fireworks from our boat, the best seats in the house, the night of July 3rd.  In fact, we could see many firework displays all around us.  July 4th was the big day - THE parade!  Residents get up at the crack of dawn (5am to be exact) to put out their blankets and lawn chairs to 'save' their spot.  Luckily for us, we didn't have to dinghy over in the dark to save our spot.  We were hosted by Dan's family again.  Thank you!  They had a primo spot on the corner, in the shade.  There were approximately 125,000 people in attendance, at least 5 deep on the side walks!
The parade had some of the usual suspects like the local high school bands, politicians, fire trucks and clowns.  There was the most stunning display of patriotism we have ever seen.  The armed forces were represented by the Navy, Marines and the Reserves; as well as the Continental Army dressed in period blue coats and red coats.  We also heard some spectacular drum and bugle corp bands, like the 10 time world champions!

Fireworks from our boat

Olivia's new friend, Charlie

Even the street lines are painted

227th year of the parade!

p.s.  We didn't make it up to Boston for the 4th.  We are having our autopilot rebuilt and needed to have someone come look at our water maker.  These are 2 very important boat items that needed to be our first priority.