FIREWORKS - 4th July Independence Day
Nimue
Tue 5 Jul 2011 16:43
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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!
Opposite Nimue where the crowds are lining the riverbanks   The latest NYFD fire boat showing off it’s
wares
Roads cordoned off before the
display
  One of the sightseeing boats (US$100 per
person)
One of the many private boats arriving
 What a lovely view from Nimue
 Police launch
  Large US Coastguard
vessel
Getting busier on the river
So at last, the firework display
.................
        A magnificent display and one we will always
remember!
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