The Harbor Column:

Ahoy,

It is hot today, with temperatures higher than 100 degrees and scattered showers, but it should be mostly clear this weekend. Oh wait, this is the forecast from Las Vegas, where I’m staying at “The Signature” at the MGM, and now heading over for three nights at the Marriott’s Resort in Summerlin, Nev.

I am enjoying lots of swimming pool time, good food, and leaving my money at the gambling tables. And I am also looking forward to Sunday’s day trip to Lake Havasu where a boat ride is scheduled.

Saturday, I will broadcast my radio show live from Las Vegas, so tune in for an update.

You can expect great summertime weather with the marine layer burning by the afternoon, and there will be a tiny westerly swell of only two feet for boating on the Pacific Ocean. Sailors, expect winds up to 11 knots, and remember, these are the perfect conditions for morning fog.

I cannot believe the Fourth of July is next weekend, and that means the American Legion’s Old Glory Boat Parade will cruise around Newport Harbor. The theme of the 54th annual parade is “Proud to be an American,” and usually there are more than 100 boats with the decorations getting better every year, including the bands.

As in the past, the Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol’s fireboat will lead the parade, but be forewarned, as rumors say in the past the fireboat’s powerful water monitor might have been used to clear the parade route of any boats in the way.

I remember the Character Boat Parade years ago, and now that parade has evolved into the Old Glory Boat Parade organized by the American Legion Post 291 located bay-side at 15th Street on the Balboa Peninsula. You still have time to enter your boat in the parade.

Tip of the week is to stop by the Legion on the Fourth of July with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m., and from noon to 5 p.m. lunch and dinner will be served.

Call (949) 673-5070 for more information on the festivities, plus to get your boat parade entry forms.

Where will I be on the Fourth? I will be watching the fireworks on Lake Arrowhead.

Remember to tune in at 11 a.m. Saturday to Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show. For stations or for an Internet feed go to www.BoathouseTV.com.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to [email protected] or go to www.boathousetv.com .