Thursday, July 8, 2010

Happy Belated 4th!


Unalaska Fire/EMS spent the evening of the 4th on fire and EMS watch.  In the process of blocking the road to thru traffic during the fireworks, we also had a great vantage point to watch the festivities.  Earlier in the day I drove the ambulance in the parade but forgot my camera.  I'm sure there are plenty of photos from the parade and activities on all the other blogs though!  It was about 11:30 PM when I took this photo - still plenty of summer light, even though the days are slowly getting shorter.

Captain Sandness had plenty to keep an eye on as the size and number of beach bonfires grew, parachute flares floated into the housing areas, and some sort of Japanese lantern with a fire for lift tumbled like a tumbleweed down 6th Avenue.

Scott is taking a break from flying to spend the summer on the island.  He is a fantastic EMT, and we're glad he's running with us again for a few months.

As always, the fireworks became more vibrant (and easier to photograph) as the night got darker.  When the fireworks started at midnight, it wasn't really dark enough . . .


But by the time they wrapped up, the lighting was perfect!  It was amazing to have great weather for the 4th, usually there is lots of low lying fog this time of year.  All in all a wonderful day!

In other news, my precious Goldfish flew off the island for a three week vacation on July 2nd.  I spoke with her today and she was on a road trip with her Mom and friends to Dawson City.  She also took Chico with her so the house is super quiet, and the foxes are getting mighty bold without Chico to maintain the boundary.  Come home safe sweetie!

7 comments:

Capt. Schmoe said...

Great shots Steve. I must admit is a little odd to read "midnight" and "wasn't really dark enough" in the same sentence.

I have spent more than a few 4th of Julys on stand-by, they are usually busy and often fun. No that I have some time on the job, I can usually get it off.

That works well for me, I really enjoy the holiday, probably more than any other.

Thanks for the pics, enjoy the long days while you can.

Carlisleboy said...

Chico is off the island? No Wonder the weather went to crap all the sudden!!
Ill try to get some pictures up of your from the fourth here in the next day or so, Super busy over here..but when am I not?

Bloviating Zeppelin said...

Hey, GREAT fireworks shots, sir! Tough to capture at night but you did a grand-slam job! Try getting quality shots like that with 35mm film.

BZ

Margrita said...

Wow awesome fireworks thank you for sharing them/ So nice that you were able to enjoy them even while working. The island is quite gorgeous the lupines are so beautiful. Have a great week

Richard & Penelope said...

Driving the ambulance how fun that must be the only thing better would be driving the fire truck with all the lights and whistles. I am sure that driving them in the parade is much better than when they have to be driven for their work. Great shots on the fireworks. We hope hat you are surviving O.K. with Goldfish off the island. We have been having temps. up in the 90's which is way to hot. Love Dad & Penny

Richard & Penelope said...

Driving the ambulance how fun that must be the only thing better would be driving the fire truck with all the lights and whistles. I am sure that driving them in the parade is much better than when they have to be driven for their work. Great shots on the fireworks. We hope hat you are surviving O.K. with Goldfish off the island. We have been having temps. up in the 90's which is way to hot. Love Dad & Penny

Lori said...

OK, so a little late on the post - but OMG - you let Goldfish take your buddy with her - I can only imagine how quiet it is - when we go on vacation and have to have someone watch the dog, it's always so hard the day before leaving and then coming home to an empty house. A house isn't a home without a dog - just isn't the same. Hey, the Capt. pic is a good "Reflections" pic too! So many to choose from ~ :-)