Fireworks

Fireworks were scheduled at the lake outside Westcliffe at sunset. After cleanup, we packed the kids in the car and took a leisurely drive down to Westcliffe, with Patty as our guide. The Sangres are dramatic mountains, primarily because their eastern front has no foothills to speak of. Facing us at this point in the valley were three Fourteeners: Humboldt Peak , Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. Farther to the south was Blanca Peak, and the Collegiate Peaks, so familiar from Trek, were visible to the north. The interplay of light, rain and clouds on the peaks changes by the minute, and did not disappoint as we drove down from the cabin and along the valley. Patty pointed out several ranches as we drove.

We joined the line of cars on the road leading to the lake, and eventually parked at a good vantage point. The older two boys were excited and bounced in and out of our opened hatch, waving the little American flag Patty had given them.

Blane, on the other hand, was huddled in his carseat. You may remember the trauma he sustained last year at the Memorial Day fireworks show and on the last Fourth (“It’s not gonna kill me! It’s not gonna kill me!”). Scott had had him watch YouTube videos of fireworks the night before we left and he watched without any problem. But now it was dark, and reality was setting in. He refused to sit with anyone, and preferred to sit facing the opposite direction in his little seat.

We were somewhat early, and it was a good 20 minutes to a half hour before the show started. In the meantime, even Blane’s anxiety could not overcome the late hour, and he was slumped over in his seat before the fireworks started.

It was an impressive show for such a small town—big, dramatic and as long as I remember in any big city production I’ve seen. The boys picked their favorite explosions (“Stampeding Stars!”) About midway through, we were admiring a particularly big display when we heard a very clear “Oooooo!” from the middle seat. It was Mr. B, who had woken up without a fret and was now peeking over the seat, watching the show!

The fireworks had been humming along for about 15 or 20 minutes when one of the rockets discharged at ground level. We could see the shadows of the firemen huddling together, one yelling, “Out of my way! Out of my way!” The show stopped and within minutes we heard the ambulance. We all prayed that the fireman/men would be okay.

As it seemed to be the end of the show, we packed up, along with many others around us, and headed out soberly. We don’t know what happened, but hope that the injuries were not serious.