Month: September 2020

Views from the Dock – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – There’s only one way to get to Useppa, and it’s by boat. When we arrive on the island, we tie up at a dock. It’s where we unload groceries, supplies, and ourselves. It’s where we leave from at the end of a visit, for a trip over to the mainland to shop, go to a doctor. For employees it’s how they come and go to work.
But how often do any of us appreciate the personality of each dock, the different views toward Pine Island or Cabbage Key, Cayo Costa, Boca Grande? There are flags on some docks. Lowered to half-mast in honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a reminder they fly in honor of our country and the men and women who serve it. The flags stand for the United States of America.
Birds assuming ownership of a dock do not leave quietly if one of us has the audacity to walk down their way. They leave visible signs of their displeasure.
A sunset, a sunrise from a dock is another gift that reminds us how lucky we are to be Useppans.

The End of Another Island Summer – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Summer is over on Useppa, but for one last weekend, families and friends were able to safely gather together. Boats tied up at the Marina, teenagers played beach football, all ages floated in the pool, lunched on the Collier patio, toasted a Derby Party in the Tarpon Bar, watched falling rain in a pink sunset sky – We all know how lucky we are, how lucky we were to share an Island summer.

A Useppa Holiday and Kids Fishing: The Two Go Together – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It was a small Kids Izaak Walton Tournament on Labor Day Weekend, and sometimes those are the most fun. The young anglers relax. There is no pressure on them or their helping grownups. Each catch is celebrated, measured, and released safely back into the water. Thanks to Captain Ken, Miss Lisa and Kyle Corey. The Useppa tradition of introducing kids to the fun of fishing continues.

Thank You to Those Who Care for Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On Labor Day it is only appropriate to say thank you to all the men and women who take care of Useppa. Whether your job is in construction, service, landscaping, hospitality, clerical, dining, the Marina or the Island Shore Port…. without you there would be no Useppa Island Club. You take care of our homes, dock our boats, fix our golf carts, tend our yards, serve us dinner, keep the water running, protect us from fires, and so much more. We couldn’t be here without you. Thank you.

Summer’s Quiet Ending on Useppa – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Families and friends enjoyed lunch on the Collier patio, a dip in the pool, a walk on the beach. A homeless dog found a place of belonging. A new puppy made his first visit to Useppa. New homeowners explored the Island making discoveries and meeting neighbors with each stop. Soft skies between rain showers, comfortable conversations…. A confusing COVID summer comes to an end with shared gratitude for the peace of Useppa.