After a three-year hiatus, Scott and I were finally able to make the trip back to my family’s home on Tyee Beach, Camano Island, for the Fourth of July holiday. We couldn’t have been more thrilled to reconnect with family and friends in the Pacific Northwest, where the weather blessed us with a perfect 75 degrees and sunny skies.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a beautifully decorated house, thanks to my aunt’s creative touch. The festive atmosphere was in full swing, and the kids had set up a lemonade stand that added to the holiday charm.
The Annual Boat Parade and More
The highlight of the day began at noon with the annual July 4th boat parade. The excitement was palpable as we watched the parade from the beach and captured some incredible drone footage of the event (be sure to tune in and watch the video – see link below).
Later, we took the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk out for a crabbing expedition and were fortunate enough to catch some delicious Dungeness crabs.
Jason added to the festive spirit by surprising everyone with a vibrant red, white, and blue cocktail shot, setting the perfect tone for the day’s celebrations.
The water temperature was perfect and everyone was able to swim and enjoy the kayaks. The tide was very low during our visit and the Whaler was on high ground most of the weekend.
Fun, Games, and Community Spirit
The 10th Annual Beer Pong tournament was another fantastic event, bringing together about 25 teams from the beach community. It was wonderful to see everyone come together, competing and enjoying the camaraderie that the holiday fosters.
As the evening set in, the sky was lit up with spectacular fireworks displays all along the beach. The sense of community and celebration was truly heartwarming.
A Day of Relaxation and Adventure
The next day was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Our friends Ben and Maria (who we travel with) came up for a few hours where we spent the morning basking in the sun and enjoying the beach. We were so impressed by the architecture of the beach forts!
Later, we embarked on a long boat ride to the south end of Camano Island and then across Port Susan to Holiday Shores. The serene beauty of the Pacific Northwest never ceases to amaze us.
During the day, Scott and Jason took on the hot wings challenge, impressively making it to #10. The fun continued with a water balloon contest, a staple of our July 4th celebrations, bringing laughter and joy to all participants.
A Perfect Ending
The weekend culminated with a fantastic dinner featuring grilled oysters and freshly caught crab. It was the perfect end to a memorable Fourth of July weekend. Despite the short duration and the long journey from Fort Lauderdale, every moment spent on Camano Island was worth it.
On our way back to Scott’s parents, we made a quick lunch stop at our one of our favorite stomping grounds – Elliott Bay Marina. Mount Rainier was in full view as we enjoyed lunch at Maggie Bluffs.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s celebrations and the opportunity to create more wonderful memories with our loved ones. Until then, we’ll cherish the moments and experiences of this unforgettable holiday.
Stay tuned for our boat parade footage and more highlights from the weekend! Watch the video here.
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Cheers, Scott and Ally
