July 4th, It's Independence Day at Belmont

Saturday, it's party time

Dan set-up the red sand deflector at 8 A.M. and Tim and I set-up the blue awning at 8:30. We wanted to mark a good spot for the days festivities.

Every party needs their worker-bees, here they are. L-R, Betty and Tim Howell, me and Ruth. We were here to throw a fun party and feed the troops, and it took a lot of help. Thank you all.

Dan showed up a little later to help and get his kite gear ready. He didn't want to miss a session.

People started showing up....let the party begin.

Ruth brought a few flags as reminders of why were were here today celebrating, The Independence day of the United States from England.

Betty and Ruth set out the first round of grazing. Appetizers.

Next the kabobs and brats were put on the grill. Now were getting somewhere. I'm getting hungry again. Double click on the picture to get a better view.

As the camp started filling up so did the kites. There's a little wind out there and a lot of kiters wanted to get out.

Dan is going out starboard while Luca is going to almost cross him going port.

Always so appetizing, a stingray bite. Danny Valo is over getting help from Mitch.

Off Danny goes to soak his foot in a pale of hot water for about an hour. I suggested to Bea, Danny's wife, that she could walk over with a tall drink and a couple of aspirin. She said, "Oh he'll be fine, besides I just got a plate of foot." Just kidding.

As some of the kiters returned to camp, it was time to relax and pose. Close on the left is Monica, the guy is Steve, then Rosemary and Carole. All enjoying the day.

Matt and Alexanderia found their way to the food tent. Good for them, but Matt doesn't look like he took enough food.

Here's a happy group. Ruth on the left, Dana (a friend of Dan's from USC), Raul and his expecting wife and Todd. I have to admit Todd is a multi-tasker because he took time to pose, he's obviously having fun and he's eating. He knows how to live.

It was about at this time that the wind shut off and Gabor was out beyond the marina entrance. So thanks to some fast work from Mitch calling the "Limo" Gabor was able to get picked up. After looking at the picture, it looks a little busy out there. Lots of vessels in the area.

He was dropped off close to his friend that lives on the peninsula. Our hats are off the all of the lifeguards that keep our beach safe, and from time to time have to rescue us.

On the 4th the city really stepped up to the plate and provide a lot of safety. What's missing in this shot is 4 very fast four wheel ATV's, there were two very large four wheel vehicles, at least two Marine Police cars and a number of "undercover" Ford Interceptors cruising. We felt safe.

As the party started winding down, we had to force feed people. We didn't want a lot of leftovers.

Boo hoo, it was getting dark and time to break camp. I had to make a few trips home and drop off stuff and then set-up for the fireworks.

First we moved our chairs, then started grabbing jackets and anything to keep us warm.

The folks that stayed were nice enough to get up so we could take a group shot. I just wish I had thought of it when everyone was at the tent to eat. Next time.

The fireworks started a few minutes past 9. And they were pretty good. Maybe next year we'll ride our bikes closer to the Queen Mary so you can hear the fireworks too.

Thank you City of Long Beach for providing such a great place to spend the entire day.

It was a great day and a great party.