Day 35 was spent milling around Gunnison waiting for the celebrations to begin in earnest. We were becoming familiar faces in the local brewery by the evening of Day 35 - we just couldn't keep away from the IPA and gigantic nachos. Thankfully Parker had remained with us for this Independence Day weekend, and assured us that there was nothing quite like a small town 4th July.
4TH JULY What a great day! After watching a high school baseball match on a field surrounded by mountains we headed...for the brewery to warm up the voices for the Star Spangled Banner. At half eight the organised town celebrations were due to begin, so we walked to the college sports
pitch. We were singled out by the MC as being the only Brits in town, who generously offered 'no hard feelings.' Local boy scouts then gave a lesson in flag etiquette, and as two more senior veterans passed with the Stars and Stripes three serving members of the US military pledged allegiance to the flag. A local high school girl - 'Britney' - sang the national anthem, which was warmly received by the congregation, hands firmly on hearts. The firework display was out of this world, and seemed to gain approval from the masses camped out under blankets, with many a cry of "U-S-A" soaring over the more violent explosions. More beers in a 'cougar' bar - answers on a postcard! - put the final nail in our 4th July coffin, and we retired, reassured to be in 'the land of the brave.'
1 comment:
Hi lads, sounds like you've had a great few days! Everyone is loving the blog and words can't express how proud of both of you, I am. A lady saw the article about you in the Bromsgrove Standard last week and has contacted the paper saying she'd like to sponsor you! Her daughter had ewings sarcoma 14 years ago but is doing really well. I have spoken to her this evening and had a nice chat. Just wanted you to know that people really are behind you, even those that don't know you. Keep going, love Han xxxxx(Joe's sis)
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