FIREWORKS - 4th July Independence Day

Nimue
Tue 5 Jul 2011 16:43
Securely anchored in The Hudson River, we were more than happy to find out that we were in a prime position to watch the 4th July firework display.  The display was being held from 3 Macy’s barges across the river from us.   Naturally  all New Yorkers and tourists alike wanted a good view too, so throughout the day we were joined by a melee of sea craft, including ferries full of folk paying over US$100 for the privilege and by dusk every riverside bank was crammed full.  Bear and Pepe, from Beez Neez had joined us for a ‘picnic’ on Nimue and by dusk we were waiting in anticipation for the evening’s entertainment.
 
Alas, time for our first encounter with the US Version of Health and Safety.  Prior to the display the US Coastguard had decided to be a real pain and were moving some boats on, even those at anchor.  They made several passes past Nimue, but said nothing.  However, just 20 minutes before the start of the display, 5 officials in a RIB decided to come up alongside and made us move.  Naturally we were not best pleased, but we had no option but to lift anchor.  By this time there was no room to anchor elsewhere, so we ended up ‘jilling’ around in the middle of the Hudson, trying to dodge everyone else!  We also encountered a large coastguard vessel, which seemed to be very, very slowly edging everyone backwards away from the area. We observed that the vessel was only displaying an anchor light, which Michael just happened to mention to one of the coastguard vessels after they berated us for not having a working starboard bow light!  We had to make the repair immediately, otherwise we were threatened with an escort into the ‘sin bin’(sounds a typical Americanism), but a few expletives later, Michael made the repair.  Funnily, a few minutes later a correct steaming light appeared on the large coastguard vessel and soon after, a message was sent through to us from them to say “enjoy your stay and the fireworks”!
 
We did just that and they were in two words:-  ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

DSC_0372

Opposite Nimue where the crowds are lining the riverbanks

  DSC_0357DSC_0332
  The latest NYFD fire boat showing off it’s wares                                                                             Roads cordoned off before the display                                                  
 
DSC_0336 DSC_0374
One of the sightseeing boats (US$100 per person)                                                                                  One of the many private boats arriving
 
DSC_0371 
What a lovely view from Nimue 
 
DSC_0379
 
Police launch
 
DSC_0380 DSC_0409
Large US Coastguard vessel                                                                                            Getting busier on the river
 
So at last, the firework display .................
 DSC_0443 DSC_0478DSC_0573 DSC_0508
  DSC_0476 DSC_0589
 DSC_0464 DSC_0548
 
A magnificent display and one we will always remember!