4th July

Serafina
Rob & Sarah Bell
Sun 7 Jul 2013 00:09
41:40.0N 71:16.9W

Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri - 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th July

On Tuesday we pottered up to Bristol and dropped anchor close to Sapphire and Ruffian who were two of the boats we were going to be spending the next few days with. The conditions in the anchorage were less than pleasant as the southerly 20 knot wind was whipping up a very unpleasant sea but the holding was good so all was well.

In the evening we all went to Mary's house where we had lobster and clams before returning through the choppy seas back to the boats.

On Wednesday we got various jobs done on board during the day, before de-camping to Mary's again this time for Pulled Pork. There were now 20 of us in total so the organisational skills of Bill and Linda were put fully to the test and they passed with flying colours! We then rushed back to the boats in time to watch the big fireworks display to herald in the July 4th celebrations.

The weather had been very indifferent so far and the anchorage remained very bouncy, but of course this is America so Thursday 4th July dawned beautifully sunny and warm and went on to be blisteringly hot! We all went ashore and gathered to watch the Bristol Town Parade which is the oldest 4th July parade in the USA (228th). Once again this was great fun and we ended the day - back at Mary's yet again, this time for a clam boil which is challenging at the best of times, but the sound of sirens heralded the news that the power lines were down and we were reduced to a gas BBQ. fortunately the power was restored after an hour or so and it all went very well again with once more making our way home in the dinghies, bouncing through the choppy seas.

Friday was more relaxed and we all went out for lunch and then gathered in the evening aboard Sapphire to finish up the leftovers before saying our farewells.

So in fine American tradition we are now several stone heavier than a few days ago and will be quite happy not to see another clam for at least a further 12 months!