Saturday November 5: Veteran's Day Parade

We're still in Morehead City as the winds are just still crazy. Last night was probably the most windy ever - not like Irene - but not far from it. The day itself was just not nice. I spent a good part of yesterday in the front cabin reading with the small electric heater. It was just like sitting in front of the fireplace :-) This boat was definitely not made for cold weather though. The wind is broadside and the door facing the wind might was well not be there for all of the air that leaks around it. Problem solved though - just stuff old shirts and rags around the edges to take care of the drafts. No wonder Steve gets cold when he's sleeping at the table! At breakfast (just a short couple of blocks away) we met Curt and Elaine when they graciously offered us seats at their table (the place was packed). Seems they are former sailors! Boaters are everywhere and are always so nice :-) They asked if we were here to watch the parade. Of course we had no idea that one of the largest Veteran's Day parades was happening right on the street in front of the restaurant in an hour or so! Sounded good to us so after returning to the boat so Steve could do a quick set of exercises, off to the parade we went.

Of course the Marine Corp Band was there - along with many other military units and my favorite: pipes and drum corp! Lots of vets in the parade itself. I was surprised at the number of WWII vets as I know the numbers remaining are decreasing at a rapid rate. I loved the vet on the motorized scooter chair!

We sat (and stood) for the 2 hours of the parade. It was sunny but windy - not bad. Lots of the folks were throwing candy and the little kid next to us was like a candy magnet! We scored some good stuff but alas no chocolate bars (although I did get one chocolate kiss).

The Shriners were out in force - only the NC Shriners are running around in little boats instead of the little cars we see in Ohio! Another group was driving around in little semi trucks - kind of crazy fast. Plus some of the vets were in airplanes. How fun it was :-)

There were also antique tractors - including an old Ford that looks very similar to the tractor on the farm. Dogs and a giant penguin (inside the van) were also there. It wasn't too surprising to see several "Young Marines" groups given that Marine Corp bases Cherry Point (where Matt will be stationed starting early next year) and Lejeune are very near but I was surprised at HOW young they were! Very cute :-) Lots of marine vehicles also. And Curt was in the parade playing the alto sax with a local group. He's in the middle of the picture.

After the parade, Curt and Elaine offered to take Steve shopping - he was happy to be able to restock as it's been a while since he's been able to get to an actual grocery store. It really is people like Curt and Elaine that made traveling the waterways so memorable. It was a nice sunset to a nice day :-)