I have to say that this year's 4th of July celebration was more interesting and different than the last few years.
Since we have been in Baku, the celebration of America's independence usually goes by without much thought. Typically, there is some kind of bar-b-que or get together but it never compares to the usual American celebration of going to the nearest body of water to play and soak up rays followed up by a picnic and bonfire.
This year stands out, it actually measures up to the 4th weekends at the cottage in Michigan or in Seward, AK.
Clotho and Brant's parents were visiting from the US. So Clotho had the brilliant idea to go to the mud volcanoes late in the evening for a picnic dinner in the surreal (other world) scenery of the MVs. (see mountain biking trip blog below... this was the reconnaissance trip to check it out and do some prelim planning!)
Good Times, Good Food, Good Friends, Good Location...
Scott, Patsy and Erich
Clotho's Dad and Brant mixing up Martinis!!!! No one is roughing it on this picnic!
Group lounging near the MVs ... look more like we are lounging on the moon. 
Check out this spread, a yummy dinner with all the Azerbaijani summertime vegetable and fruit. I bet they don't have nice produce like this on the moon.
I've got my plates ready, bring on the food!
View of the Caspian
Ernie and Tad entertained us with their stories all evening long. I woke up on Sunday morning still laughing at the stories and 'Tad-gents'
Sun setting over the volcanoes
The crew ... me, Tad, Brant, Clotho, Clotho's Mom, Ernie, Patsy & Erich -- Scott was the photographer of this great photo.
Below is video of Brant and Scott lighting a mud volcanoe on fire... couldn't quite figure out how to rotate the view... so you have to tilt your head to the right to get the full picture...
