I would like to extend my wishes to all of TMV’s loyal readers for a happy, safe and patriotic fourth of July. The first of today’s pictures will show you that Old Glory is flying in fine form, even up here in the remote mountain regions. That shot was taken on Wed. evening shortly after we arrived, during one of the few breaks in the cloud cover. We’ve not seen that much open sky since then.
Whether you plan on heading out to watch fireworks, firing up the barbecue or just relaxing, I hope you have a wonderful day. I would also ask that you take a moment out to remember the symbolism of this date. Our county, this America, even with all of its various warts, flaws and cracks, is still about the best place in the world I can imagine, and sometimes it’s good to take a deep breath and remember that, no matter how bad some of the other news and current events may seem.
If you plan on spending your holiday tea bagging (or whatever we’re calling it this time) do remember to take the proper precautions. Dress appropriately to avoid too much exposure and bring plenty of drinking water. Dehydration is one of the greatest risks associated with such outdoor activities, particularly if you plan on doing a lot of shouting, marching in circles and carrying heavy signs with clever slogans on them.
And without further delay, we’ll move on to the fishing report for all of you sports fans. (You didn’t think I’d forget you, did you?) At this point in the trip, the sheer tonnage of feisty, tasty bass that I’ve reeled in would stagger the imagination of any reasonable…. Ok. Ok. I haven’t caught a single damned fish. The pain of this experience is only compounded by the fact that, at the tender age of three years, my great niece, Arianna (shown to the left) has managed to catch three.
Adding insult to injury, she did it with some sort of plastic, toy fishing rod her mother picked up in the discount bin at K-mart. Meanwhile, some of us with graphite Bassmaster rods and gear costing hundreds of dollars, a bass boat, sonar and electronic fish finders, have gotten none. BUT… the weather forecast has changed and clear weather is projected to move in later today and for the rest of the weekend. Should be great for fireworks tonight, and if we’re lucky, a productive trip out on the water to bring home dinner.
Click on the thumbnails for the full sized, ridiculously large images. And until my next report, my very best to you and yours on this Independence Day. Cheers!