Independence Day

Now for the fireworks. As I mentioned, I saw the Boston Pops 4th of July show on July 3rd, leaving the 4th of July open for fun.

Independence day started with an extend bike ride with my brother, Dave. Many of the main roads along the Charles River river were closed so we had free reign without any cars. Although it was early in the day (about 1pm) the banks of the Charles were starting to populate with spectators ready for the night time show. The Esplanade was already full (where we saw the Boston Pops the previous night) while vendors, music, and police filled in everywhere else.

For the actual fireworks show, classmates had informed me of the MIT sailing pavilion's cookout. Basically anyone registered with the sailing club could come to the sailing pavilion to watch the fireworks. As a student, signing up is free. So by signing up for the sailing club, I got access to front row seats for the fireworks!

If you look at the map below, the red marker is the barge from which the fireworks are launched, the green maker is the Esplanade where the Boston Pops play (the live music is broadcast on either side of the river all evening), and the blue marker is the MIT sailing pavilion - our front row seats!!

Like most social events, most of the class shows up for the fun. This was no different. The pavilion offered upper deck and lower deck seating... we chose both by posting a group at either location. You can see the upper deck on the far left of the picture below. The lower deck is right below, followed by the Charles River with downtown Boston in the background.

And here are some classmates on the lower deck:

And classmates on the upper deck.

The boat filled water...

And Rebecca and Dave!!!

The two night of 4th of July fun combined to be, hand down, the greatest 4th of July that I have ever had. The weather was perfect (even though on friday weather.com spelled rain and thunderstorms for both nights). The music was great... especially Neil Diamond. The venues were outstanding for the Boston Pops and the fireworks (the boom from the fireworks actually shook the decks were were on, that's how close we were). The fireworks were amazing and the company was world class. Thank you to all who helped to make the weekend great!

Here are some more pictures.