Things Blew Up Real Good…

Sunday, 5 July 2009 04:17

So, it was my first 4th of July in the mountains of Washington. There were definitely some differences for this humble city boy from Los Angeles:

First off – they actually SELL fireworks. Here. In the forest. If this were my old neighborhood, hundreds of Cub Scouts and Church volunteers would have been in jail for illegal distribution. It was rather surreal to see fireworks stands with pine tree backdrops. We have trees, baby. The kind that you see explode into flames in fire safety videos.

Next, I’m near the Canadian border – darkness doesn’t fall until around ten o’clock, yet I was hearing fireworks around 6 pm. What were they doing, enjoying the noise and smell of sulfur? They sure weren’t SEEING the darn things.

Lastly, when nightfall finally did hit – things blew up real good. All around me. And it wasn’t exactly “safe and sane” stuff – I wonder if Canada is to Washington what Mexico is to California when it comes to fireworks – ’cause the noises I was hearing weren’t very legal sounding – flying fireworks, Chinese firecracker strings, blasting caps, quarter sticks of dynamite, shotguns, ak-47′s – you know – mountain stuff. I guess the locals figure the lone Sheriff’s car can’t be everywhere – enjoy the wholesome sound of Fourth of July weapons fire!

Well – we survived. The house survived, and the surrounding neighborhood survived. I guess this is normal stuff around here. Thankfully, it only happens once a year.

I hope. I wonder what plans they make for Labor Day…