Happy 4th of July

This is what July 4th is looking like around here. I met some friends for a walk along the beach earlier today, what a great way to start the day. People were arriving to spend their day at the beach, hauling shade canopies and coolers, blankets and wagons, towels and sunnies.

Police horses on the beach - that was a first for me
(sorry about the fuzzy photo - we were already back on the path)

Parties were in various stages at the houses along The Strand - set up, early gathering, and full swing were all represented. There were volleyball competitions, cyclists, skateboarders, dog walkers, and sun worshippers in stars and stripes bikinis and shorts. Savvy children were setting up lemonade stands and one young man was selling 3' x 5' flags for $5.00 each, he was busy, with most customers draping the flags around their shoulders Superman-cape-style and setting off along their way. Block parties with banners, homes draped in stars and bars, swimmers, surfers, lifeguards and police on bikes, horses and motorbikes were all represented.

No, this is not my home.
It's a well decked out house on The Strand
The only thing between this house and the beach is a bike path

There was a huge group of teams (many in matching board shorts, some even had wigs on) waiting for an event to kick off. Turns out it was the Ironman competition. Participants must run a mile, paddle a surfboard a mile and then consume a 6-pack of their favorite beer! Just as well the lifeguards were on duty :)

The lifeguard doing his best Baywatch impersonation

After a good hike along the sand I was glad to head home for a mellow afternoon and look forward to fireworks tonight, it's all good. Wishing you a very happy day wherever you are. How did you spend your Monday?