From the Boathouse: Christmas parades and a poem
Ahoy!
The Christmas and holiday boat parades are underway in the southland and across the nation, and I hope everyone will have an opportunity to watch a parade, and wave to the boaters who take the time and expense to decorate their vessels.
Our local parades will begin with the Dana Point Harbor Parade of Lights on Saturday and Dec. 18 and 19. The theme is A Galactic Holiday. Then, up the coast, the 53rd annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade, with the theme Songs from the Silver Screen, will be held on Saturday and Sunday.
Finally, the spectacular 107th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will cruise nightly from Wednesday through Dec. 20. This year’s theme is Seas the Holidays and concludes on Sunday with a 9 p.m. fireworks show launched from the Balboa Pier.
It is the time of year again for my traditional Christmas poem. As I weigh anchor, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday on the water:
*
‘Twas the Day Before Christmas Upon the Harbor
‘Twas the day before Christmas, and all through the harbor
You could see a few boats cruising on the water
And sea lions were hauled out on jetty’s rocks
With the harbor buoy’s bell clanging with each passing swell.
The fish were happy as no hooks were around
And the sea birds were dining, being fed by a shore crowd.
When all of sudden there arose such a clatter
The mermaids swam in to see what was the matter.
The sea lions dove into the water
And the boats sailed away from all the splatter.
When shore crowd looked out to see such a sight
But the birds just continued eating without a matter.
All of a sudden but who should appear
The King of the Sea bringing his own Christmas cheer.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
As King Neptune held up his scepter for all to see,
And out of the scepter came a lightning bolt so grand
It made a loud bang when it hit the land
And to everyone’s amazement as you looked around
Disappearing were all the storm drains that drained into his sea from the land.
His gift for Christmas was no more pollution into the harbor
But I heard him exclaim, when he swam out of sight
“What starts at the drain, feeds the harbor when it rains”
Lastly as I tip my Captain’s hat to King of the Sea,
Merry Christmas to all and to all a safe voyage.
*
As always, just keep an eye to the weather for any changes. Please be boat smart and boat safe. Lastly, please boat responsibly during the parades and look behind you before you turn the wheel at the helm.
Safe Voyages!
MIKE WHITEHEAD is a boating columnist for the Daily Pilot. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to [email protected] or go to boathousetv.com.