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Chuck and Debbie did it again
with another wild and wonderful 4th of July Cookout and Kayaking to the
Fireworks. Chuck had Rob G. helping him again and they kept an endless
supply of delicious eats on the food table. Chuck had his usual slushy
drinks and a mouth-watering beer on tap. Prior to going outside for the
group picture, Mark and friends read us the Declaration of Independence. It
took one almost back to July 4, 1776. Last but not least, we got almost all
gathered together in Chuck & Debbie’s front yard and took the group picture.
We had a lot of smiling faces to say the least. Unfortunately this year we
had some rain and didn't get any good kayaking pictures.
Input from Chuck: - Thank you to
all who attended our 4th of July party again this year. We had a great time
with many old friends and some new ones as well. With most of us having to
work the day before and after the 4th it was a smaller group this year, but
the fun we had was not to be equaled!
We send a special thanks to Rob who again came early to help set up, cooked
during the party, supplied all with glow in the dark bands so we knew who
was with the group, helped keep everyone together on the water and stayed
late washing the PFDs boats and paddles. Thank you Rob you are the best! A
big thank you to Mark who continued the tradition of reading the Declaration
of Independence and setting up the readers to do it. We feel it is important
to remember why the 4th of July is a national holiday. It is not just an
excuse to have a party but the birthday of our nation. We send a big thank
you to our sponsors, Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure, Osprey Bay Kayaks,
and Sweetwater Kayaks for their continued support and donation of their
boats. Our biggest thank you is to all of you who attended and donated to
the Guide Dog Foundation/Americas Vet Dogs. Because of your generosity, we
raised $1000.00 cash and checks during the event. We still have some
donations trickling in, as well as any online donations made are not counted
in this total. So, while the total raised this year was down from last year
the amount donated per person was higher! We thank you all for your
generosity.
The party went off without a hitch with plenty of food and beverages for
all. I never trust the weatherman and as always, he was wrong. Being Florida
in July we know it is going to rain with thunder and lightning sometime
during the day. While the forecast said early afternoon storms and clear in
the evening. It was clear all day and just as we headed out to launch the
storms rolled in with a fury. We got to the boat ramp in a deluge of rain
and lightning. Everyone remained calm and patient (thank you all for that)
and it blew over by 8:15PM. So, we were an hour late getting the boats on
the water but we all worked together and launched quickly. Someone namely
Chuck who was never a math major miscounted the number of boats needed so a
quick trip back to our house by Pam and Wayne saved the day for the math
challenged host! We had 5 experienced paddlers who brought up the rear and
hauled but to join the group arriving just as the fireworks were scheduled
to start. While due to the weather, the fireworks were delayed a half an
hour so we still had time to socialize and enjoy each other’s company on the
water. The Sunset and fireworks were spectacular as usual. We had an
uneventful paddle back and help washing the equipment. A dip in the pool by
the hosts and remaining guests and another successful 4th of July Kayak to
the fireworks was in the books!
It was so much fun I think we should do it again next year! What do you
think?
- Chuck & Debbie Hietala
P.S. Here are links to the Guide Dog Foundation and Americas Vet Dogs if you
want any information or still wish to make an online donation.
Guide Dog Foundation:
www.guidedog.org
Americas Vet Dogs
www.vetdogs.org
If you want more info about our sponsors:
Bill Jacksons: www.billjacksons.com
Osprey Bay Kayaks:
www.ospreybay.com
Sweetwater Kayaks:
www.sweetwaterkayaks.com |
