Month: February 2022

Orchid Lovers and Football Fans – Pictures by Cynthia Ryan and Nicole Lukas – Orchid Thoughts by Duncan Rowley: A Super Bowl at the Tarpon Bar needs no words – The Orchid Extravaganza held Sunday, February 13th, sponsored by the Useppa Paradise Partnership, was a smashing success. Over 350 orchids, bromeliads, and epiphyte plants were sold mostly to island homeowners to beautify their homes and gardens. Over 20 UPP members worked to organize, select, and transplant the plants, then set everything up. The Collier Inn, which hosted the event, was a glorious venue generously donated by Donald Beckstead and helped ensure the success of the sale. Thank you to all who helped including a staff member who gave up his day off.

Books and Bobbing – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Four catboats gently bobbed on the water. The wind was only a soft breeze Saturday morning February 12th. Three races were run but only two finished. The third was called, ended by an incoming tide. Saturday lunch at Bill’s Grille was a gathering of fellowship and shared poignant memories of recently deceased long-time Islander Kurt Stocker. That night at the Barbara Sumwalt Museum, the Useppa Island Historical Society hosted New York Times best-selling author Michael Tougias. Tougais talked about his book So Close to Home, the story of an American family’s survival in May 1942 when a German U-boat attacked the ship they were on in the Gulf of Mexico. Afterwards Museum Members gathered outside for cocktails and conversation.

Sailing Fellowship – Thoughts by Bob Stevens – Pictures by Cindy Ryan and UseppaGin – The season started Saturday, February 5th with not much wind, then some fog, followed by a nice breeze that turned everything COLD. An unusual morning for our racing season’s start. But with all that, six catboats were on the water. We ran four races, three with two legs, and the final one only one leg. The Committee boat started the last race and then ran up to the windward mark to set the finishing line, which finally got set after the winning boat had already crossed it. By then, though, we were all but frozen. Our first for the season, Bill’s Grille lunch was a thumping success. Thanks to everyone who made our first day of sailing so much fun. Our hearts were warmed even if our fingers were numb.

Winter on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Yes, there were a few days of cold, jackets and sweaters necessary accessories, but Winter is already an island memory. Volunteers worked in the Butterfly Garden. Sailors rigged their boats getting ready for another season of Catboat racing. Friends visited and four-legged critters walked the island, played in the sand. For awhile it was mostly inside dining at the Collier Inn instead of on the patio. The pool and hot tub stayed empty. But the sunrises were beautiful. Saturday and Sunday breakfasts at the Tarpon Bar were cold spell highlights, and now, a new Useppa tradition. Island sunsets were daily reminders of how lucky we are to be on Useppa. Good-bye Winter! Back to normal magical island life.