July 4 at Lake Waccamaw

On Independence Day, we rode over to a home where the McNeill family has been hosting a celebration every July fourth for 57 years. Friends and family brought in flags from countries whose people came here and formed the United States, with music from the Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums band. Mr. McNeill's daughter gave an opening speech and his son read the Declaration of Independence. 

There was a twenty one gun salute from a nearby dock. 

The family invited everyone to come and eat. 

It was a huge party! 

Later, in the evening, we sat on the dock and watched fireworks all around the lake. This cannon was as loud as a full size cannon and certainly scared the ducks. 

The sparklers were fun, too! 

Spending the holiday at Lake Waccamaw was a new experience for me, and I loved the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence. I really appreciate the Tharringtons letting me join them for Independence Day weekend! 

Lake Waccamaw nature walk

I spent last weekend at Lake Waccamaw with friends of friends. Lindsay, Tom, and I went on a nature walk to spot alligators in the canal by the lake. Tom's goal was for us to find the trifecta of Lake Waccamaw reptiles: alligator, lizard, and snake. He spotted a water moccasin, but it went under water before we could get a picture. 

We passed by friends on a run and thought it was funny that another couple riding by on bikes happened to match them. 

We saw several alligators, but this one was the biggest, maybe eight to ten feet long. 

Slightly less adrenaline-inducing, we enjoyed watching turtles and ducks and wondered at how they weren't eaten by alligators. 

I am thankful that I got to spend July 4th weekend at the lake with gracious hosts! How did you spend the holiday?