Ever since Ray and Lou Mello turned July 4th into a family cruise in the 1940s, family members have rafted off Greene Island for a view of fireworks up and down the Bay. That’s just part of the fun. There’s swimming, games and excursions on a variety of smaller craft including inflatables and sail boats. When the tradition was launched, Greene Island had trees and, although small, was a great place to explore and light a bonfire from driftwood. After years of storms, the island is gone, making its appearance only at low tide. That hasn’t stopped the now extended Mello family from returning to celebrate Independence Day. This year cruisers came from Edgewood, Pawtuxet, Barrington and Sakonnet to raft in the lee of Gaspee Point, off shore from Cole Farm. The anchorage offers calm waters, great for transom barbecues and gatherings even if it rains. There are board games to keep the kids entertained. Seven craft were tied together this year with at least 35 family members aboard. This image was taken from Cole Farm Tuesday morning.