Last year on the Charles was so fun, we went back and did it again, this time with a couple more people! And again, fireworks were amazing. It was easier this year because we had the whole scene sussed out, and knew what to expect from traffic and parking, etc. We wound up going all together in one car, and the woman who drove reserved a spot in a hotel parking garage. It looked like there was a wide open parking lot right across the street from the put it, though.
Fireworks were earlier this year by 50 minutes, but also we knew that we could drop our stuff off and park, saving lugging time. So, the plan was to arrive at 7:30 and head up river. Well, they picked me up (last stop on pickups) at a little after 7:30 and we got to the river at about 8 ish. It was super easy to drop the stuff off, though, and one person went to park while three of us moved everything down to the water. We actually had 4 people and 4 oru kayaks, though two were already unfolded and went there on roof racks. It took me about 2 minutes to unfold and set up my kayak and another 2 minutes to put my stuff in it. And then I helped my other friend unfold hers. And then I watched as everyone took another half hour to putz around and do heaven knows what until I was about ready to scream. I finally just took my kayak to the river, got in and paddled around in a circle for a bit. That was the not fun part of the night.
Once everyone got into the water, though, it was a lot more fun! We paddled upstream to where we had been last year - it took about a half hour. It seemed like it was less crowded on the water - maybe more people when through earlier and went under the Mass Ave bridge? Anyhow, the spot before the bridge was pretty open. Two people had anchors that they dropped, we tied up together and hung out for a short bit listening to the music before the fireworks started.
As always, it was an amazing show, and from our spot it felt like it was just for us. There were a ton of people lined up on the bridges and a few yachts, but from our spot we had a perfect view. They went on for about half hour at least, and we so good. Because of the two anchors we didn't turn in circles so much this year, which was nice. The water was so still and smooth, and it was really peaceful (except for the fireworks of course).
Once the fireworks finished we pulled up anchor (unlike the cinderblock last year the anchors came up without issue). There were so many people paddling back that the water got all choppy. Again, it was all kinds of traffic - canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, yachts - with all kinds of configurations of people. It took about a half hour to get back to the pull out. I was completely soaked because I was paddling so hard trying to keep up with one of my friends. We got out and I dried off my boat and folded it up while my friends did all their things in reverse (though I'm pretty sure it took less time than getting set up).
While the woman who drove went and got her car and we waited with the stuff and watched some folks shoot off illegal fireworks. I have to confess I was a little nervous that they would blow off a finger, or hit someone with them - they seemed a little drunk and overexcited, so I was kind of relieved to see a police officer come over and tell them to cut it out. Once again, getting home was easy - all the traffic must have been to the east.
Two thumbs up, definitely recommend. Next year I will be prepared with something to do while everyone putzes around... Or, maybe work on patience???
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