4th of July Mahem

Warren took the dinghy out for another spin (he wanted to check something on the motor out) at around 1.30pm yesterday (4th July) and Hwy 146 across kemah Bridge was low moving then. Progressively over the next 8 hours the road came to an almost standstill. Traffic crept down the road  and over the bridge towards the Kemah Boardwalk. The lane closest to us was moving slightly more swiftly (though swift was not what it was doing) than the center lane which turned left into the Boardwalk parking garage and lots, which are extensive. We dont know at what stage they closed both, but there was no way (what seemed like) half of the city of Houston was going to fit onto that piece of land!!
We kept an eye on it all day, marvelling (and somewhat puzzled by) the herd mentality that had all these vehicles and the people inside them, all trying to go to one small place (large by NZ standards) to see 15 mins of fireworks on a public holiday.
I know I'm cynical, but believe me, this defies all logic! Most of the traffic that didnt make it to it's destination stopped on the bridge and pulled over to the side with hazzard lights on so that they could view the fireworks, because they just could not go anywhere. The traffic was at a standstill....and they they all went home. The office lady here at the Marina told Waz, today, that it took her an hour and half to get 10 miles home, from the Marina. Why she would want to come to the marina, when she could see the fireworks from her home, beats us!:)
Us? we sat on the fly-deck with the video camera and recorded the 15 mins, which just happened to be the same fireworks show we have just witnessed again tonight, being friday night, and the usual friday night display at the Boardwalk.
The boat next door had family visiting, who then joined the throngs trying to get back home. Instead of white lights wall to wall coming, we now saw wall to wall red tail lights. Most amusing!
Tonight we walked (with fluro vest on and flash-light (torch) ) to the beach around the corner to watch the fireworks without the bridge being in our view. There is no shoulder on the road, so it was a bit like taking your life in your hands, but we made it and sat with a couple of dozen other families, on the beach. We will know to take our own folding chairs next time. Rocks just arent that comfy!
Sorry..no photos yet. Waz has to find a way to put the video up.
So...that was out 4th of July. Yes, we ate left-overs, which were just as good as the meal we ate the night before at the restaurant, and a glass of NZ Sauvignon Blanc to mark the occassion.
The USA isnt the country of my birth, but I have spent 20 years living on her shores, so I guess that goes some way to making me an American (other than the fact that I have citizenship with a passport). I do appreciate the history of this nation, the determination that resulted in the Declaration of Independence, and the almost rabid patriotism,both state and national. I love that Americans are so proud to be American and wish New Zealand had a little bit of that. Putting your hand on your heart and repeating the pledge of allegiance to the flag and therefore the country for which it stands, is some of what holds this nation together.