Schlepping: People, Luggage and Groceries
Photos by UseppaGin
April, that time of year when good-byes, suitcases, and groceries fill the Island launches with passengers. Arms are either lugging or hugging. Good-byes are said at Useppa’s Marina. Suitcases carried on are carted off on the mainland. Bags loaded at Bocilla are unloaded on Useppa. Captains Ken, Dane, Tony, and Jeff keep the boats on schedule. Travis and Tom are the Useppa/Bocilla links to the rest of the world.
Island Faces of Spring
Photos by UseppaGin
Spring on Useppa… blooming Yellow Tabebuia trees, Golf Croquet, Spring Break grandchildren, boating, overnights in the Marina, Gator Bob, a busy staff, family reunions, and visits to the Grotto….
Island Easter Sunrise Service
Pictures by UseppaGin
A Benediction
Life is short.
And we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who make this pilgrimage with us.
So, be swift to love.
Make haste to do kindness,
Shower hospitality on friend and stranger,
Walk in justice,
That you may follow the path of mercy and love,
And the blessing of God
Kids and Fishing on Useppa
Photos by UseppaGin
The fish were biting and the kids were catching.
Another successful catch and release Kids Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament on Useppa.
UIF&R Fundraiser
Useppa Island Fire Department had a very successful fundraiser Saturday night, March 19th, 2016. We enjoyed a silent auction, T-shirt sales, and stuffed the boxes for raffle prizes! UIFD will be able to fund the needed Golf Cart Ambulance and the exam and treatment room that were the goals of this fundraiser. Special thanks to all those who helped make this a great event…. Guests, silent auction donors, raffle sponsors and all of our fire department guests. Stay tuned for 2017 fundraiser details!
ALL FIRED UP: Part I
Fire Department Raises Approximately $50,000
Photos by UseppaGin
Bidding, dancing, singing along with the band, Apple watches, paddleboards, bikes, fishing trips, paintings, and good friends…
Saturday night at the Collier Inn, was one of the best parties in recent memory.
Thank you to all who helped make it a success.
More details in Part II, but for right now, enjoy pictures of a community aglow.
A Toast to Saint Patrick and A Toast to Useppa
Pictures by UseppaGin & Paul Miller IV
Bless us and save us. The leprechauns were everywhere on the island celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day. And then the little green ones lined up and paraded up and down the beach.
T’was surely a day to be Irish on Useppa.
Stephan O”Kaufmann was the Ringmaster with Jan Sweeney and Aimee O’Lockhart at his side judging decorated golf carts trailing the Fire Truck along the water’s edge.
And the winners were….
1st Place: Best in Show
The Becksteads all in green including rescue dog Dash
2nd Place: Most Likely to Give You Nightmares
Laura Stokes and son Brady in the “Paddy Wagon”
3rd Place: Most Likely to Make an Irishman Proud
The Wallingfords
4th Place: Most Unforgettable
Brian and Mary McColgan
Sailing and Capsizing
Catboat Rendezvous/Sandpiper ‘Worlds’
February 24-27, 2016
Story & Pictures by UseppaGin
It happens to all sailors, capsizing adds to the excitement of an event. No one plans for it. No one wants it to happen, but sometimes, the wind can trick even the best.
The afternoon breezes were challenging. Not everyone decided to sail, but those who did, those who dared, had a great time… even those in the boat that went over.
Dan O’Connell was the captain. Frank Greer was his mate. Everything was going well… until it didn’t.
The Marshall Cat flipped. Greer and O’Connell clung to its sides. Charlie Chapin in his boat was first on the scene. The Committee Boat “Snooper” arrived with Race PRO Bob Stevens in charge. While John and Cherry Hodges helped, Chapin maneuvered and threw the necessary lines to tow “Flying Cloud” into shore. Greer and O’Connell climbed aboard “Snooper.”
Just before reaching the beach, Geoff Marshall whose family built the first Marshall Cats, climbed aboard the water logged boat, and righted the sails to enable a smooth landing.
All’s well that ends well. The races went on. The winners celebrated. Frank and Dan thanked their friends for their help.
A community of sailors enjoying their time on Useppa.
Sandpiper Regatta Day #2
Part I
Pictures by UseppaGin
Principal Race Officer (PRO) Bob Stevens the lead fleet out on the first day of sailing as the racing began in 10+ knots of breeze. All went well and the hearty sailors were rewarded with another delicious lunch at Bill’s Grille.
It was the afternoon when things got interesting.
Stay tuned for Day #1, Part II
