Monday July 4 (Manchester & Port Orchard)

Happy Independence day to all my American friends!!

I did not sleep last night but managed about three hours this morning. After a late breakfast we headed out to Washington State Park to give Serenity a nice walk. 

We stopped to look at Gobi the camel just before the turn off to the park.It was interesting, right on Puget Sound, and as we walked along the path we saw a couple of chipmunks playing on a log! The Bremerton - Seattle ferry also passed by.

At the end of the path, there was an old gun turret, it was all set up but never used, instead they placed a turret on Bainbridge Island, just across the water. 

As we walked along the path we heard the occasional firework begin let off and saw the smoke trail from a couple of rockets.

Back at the central point, there was a place where explosives had been stored, all part of the defence of the vulnerable coast. We stayed a while and Serenity had a good walk, she did not seem at all worried about other dogs we met. 

We then drove down to the center of Manchester and passed the place where we ate and then watched the Blue Moon rise last year. On the way back home we stopped so I could get a coffee at the Starbucks in Albertsons Store, the server was beginning to clear things away so I was very lucky.

I had a shower and did my last washing then we had a lovely tea of steaks with baked potatoes AND some more Red Lobster biscuits. After tea we headed out to see the firework display.

We found a good position and it was still fairly light. We heard Reveille and the Taps fro the Navy shipyard across the sound. It was some time before the display started, it was not until 10.30 pm, later than usual. 

So we watched fireworks going off all round Puget Sound, it was quite entertaining. One the official show started there were some beautiful fireworks. The show lasted between 15 and 20 minutes and was well worth it. 

Of course, there were a few idiots tossing fireworks around and one fellow, who should have known better, setting them off as people were passing him!!

There was quite a line of traffic going our way but Jim knew some other routes so once we were clear of the jam we progressed quickly. A great evening out!!