My husband really wants to watch the fireworks from the boat this year. I am so uncomfotable with that idea. It will be us and the kids and maybe my mom. It isnt a huge boat, so I already do not feel great about going on Lake Michigan during the day, let alone at night. So, not only does being on the lake at night make me nervous, but also I am TOTALLY afraid of the fire works falling down on us.
Can anyone tell me if they have experiene doing this and tell me if I am being paranoid and silly??
I will also be posting this on JT only because I need answers. So don't think I am a trader LOL!!
I hope someone comes up with definitive answers for you, Cheers. If I'm not mistaken, boats are not allowed within the danger zone on the lake. What I've also heard (rumor) is that the boat traffic to get back inland is as bad as the car traffic after the fireworks. Good luck. I love fireworks, but I can't stand to be around the mob that shows up at North Beach on the night of the 4th.
ReplyDeleteNeither can I Orbs. That is why I havent gone in years. It is such a mess and the traffic is just stupid. My brother does live a few blocks away. But 11pm at night with a 3 year old...not these days.
ReplyDeleteI grew up and lived within walking distanc for years. That was nice when I was younger and didnt havekids to worry about. Now it is a different story. Too stressful.
Why not check out the Waterford fireworks on Tichigan Lake? Probably much more mellow, with calmer water...
ReplyDeleteWe take our RV out to the point in Racine early in the day, cook out, etc- and since there are only a handful of parking spaces out there, have a really nice place to view the fireworks sans the mob crowd (and the people that are out there are pretty civilized). Not sure if we're doing it this year... but it's a nice alternative to the crowds.
Heather-
ReplyDeleteI would not suggest it. There are ALOT of drunken boaters, and it's a huge crowd of boats to begin with. I have a 27' boat and will not ever go out there for the fireworks!
kcin97 has some good advice. To begin with, the forecast for Friday is variable winds about 10 knots and 1 foot waves.
ReplyDeleteThat's relatively calm and means eveyone with a boat over 16ft will have the same idea your husband does and will be launching their boat after a bbq and the libations that accompany.
Here's my suggestion (and I'm posting this anonymously so I can deny I said it later...)slip into one of the many open slips at the outer docks at Reefpoint. The view from there is fantastic and unless the wind is directly out of the north, you won't have a problem with ashes. Or you may be able to rent a transient slip for the day for a small fee - if so, ask if you can be on dock e-11 or e-12. The view is just as good, but much safer.
OK - given the story in the J-T about the dock breaking free, you might want to scrap my suggestion about getting a slip at Reefpoint! ;^)
ReplyDeleteI think it is as safe as hitting the crowds on the street. I don't know what size boat you are talking about, but I have gone on the ocean in MA on a 42 foot sailboat to watch the fireworks and on a pretty big "yacht"-type boat on Lake Michigan. There are the drunken crazies out there too, but it is nice. Bring a hayler (sp), because that is how the boats signal they like the fireworks, kinda like the ooohs and aaahhhs of the landlubbers. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHeather, I'm out there most years and the fireworks are fine. Even if you're only 200 - 300 feet from where they launch. It's not too bad and if you're smart you'll take out a cooler and sit and wait for the other folks to get their rigs off the lake before you try to pull yours out...
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I have for many years came in out of Milwaukee and left right after the fireworks to go back home and have never had a problem getting in or out of the lake. I can't think of any place better to watch the fireworks from other than out on the water. I swear some of you people might as well start digging the holes to bury yourselves in because it sure seems like you've already sucked the joy out of life.