Hot Lazy Summer Days on Useppa
Stories and Photos by UseppaGin
Temperatures in the 90s during a Useppa summer. What to do? Hours in the pool, a morning game of croquet, a walk to the island’s tip with flowers to leave under the mangroves, a little dog to love, family vacations, long talks with friends, pink sunset colors, and more.
4th of July Useppa Style
Story by Useppa Gin
Photos by UseppaGin and Island Annah
Parties poolside, a magician at the Tarpon, fishing off the dock, fireworks and cookie baking at Miss Ginny’s were all part of the 4th of July celebration on Useppa.
Large families with children of all ages, a young couple in love, residents, visitors, and guests all called the island home for the long weekend. Three girls and one boy spent the morning of the 4th baking chocolate chip cookies and drawing pictures of George Washington, a fire truck and more to show their respect for the United States, and to say thank you to the men and women who make the holiday special on Useppa. They took cookies to the Office, to the Marina, and to the members of the Collier Staff. They gave cookies to the band playing by the pool. They made a special picture for Fire Chief Randy and island CEO Tim Fitzsimmons.
Spending a holiday on Useppa is spending it with family.
Summer at the Firehouse
–photos and story by UseppaGin
One summer day Fire Chief Randy Seeley invited island kids and grownups too over to the Firehouse. It was a chance for everyone to learn more about the Useppa Fire Department, ride on the truck up and down the beach, and play with a real fire hose.
The smiles say it all. Fire fighting gear was examined. Equipment was explained; some children got to try on the bright yellow pants and coats, the heavy helmets. At the end, some got a chance to play in the spray from a BIG hose.
Thank you Chief Randy. Even when the Stokes Fire Department family is off island, we know we are in good hands.
Kids, Fish, Candy and Blue Ribbons
Memorial Day Kids Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament
Photos and story by UseppaGin
Captain Ken led the Useppa Fisherman’s Oath. Children short and tall stood around him with one hand pledging and the other holding a rod. Then is was every fisherman for his or herself. The Annual Memorial Day Kids Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament was underway.
Sophia caught the first fish, a 10″ snapper. Mulan caught The Biggest Fish, a 16″ catfish. Owen caught The 2nd Biggest, a 12.5″ mangrove snapper, and William caught Most Unique, a 9″ sheepshead. Colin ties for Most Fish with Dylan. They each caught five. Ten other fishermen caught at least one fish and everyone got candy and a Blue Ribbon from Miss Hilary.
Kids fishing on Useppa, a legacy passed down over thousands of years.
Island Mother’s Day
Photographs and story by Useppa Gin
An island Mother’s Day is different from one on the mainland. There is a more relaxed pace. On Saturday a morning sail or baking cookies and making cards for moms at Miss Ginny’s set the tone. On Sunday it began for three generations with a visit to the grotto at the southern tip of the island, the grandfather having spent his own childhood here. For others it started with a walk down the airstrip. A mother, daughter, and son-in-law sipping coffee while their third generation was home still asleep. The Sellers went for a golf cart ride with their German Shepherd Sally.
At 11:30 a festive brunch was served at the Collier with complimentary mimosas for moms — casual seating outside on the patio or relaxed inside dining. Music in the background, children jumped in and out of the pool. One father was in charge of his two little ones, mom given a bit of time off. Usually those Sunday roles are reversed with mom and two toddler girls in the water and dad on the tennis court. Boats kept coming and going in the Marina, members arriving for lunch or residents off to go fishing. Friends with a long afternoon and no responsibilities played croquet on the lawn. Children on the beach played in soft, lapping waves. Grownups napped under a cabana’s shade. Mother’s Day on Useppa.
Off and Running on Useppa
Photographs and Story by UseppaGin
The betting was heavy, the horses were fast, but Best in Show on Useppa went to the outstanding screamers Pason G. and Shane S. It was close as the photographs show, but it was Pason at the end who yelled the loudest when American Pharoah crossed the Derby Finish Line. The Tarpon Bar was full, almost as many hats as partiers. Cheers determined Useppa’s Derby Hat Winner. Diana S., last year’s winner was disqualified from the finals because of her previous victory. That left three finalists strutting in front of the applauding crowd, but ultimately, the victory went to Mary M. In terms of a party….another Derby win for Useppa.
