Memorial Day Weekend 2020 Part II

Useppa Memorial Day Weekend Part II – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – How lucky we all were to be together on Useppa. Respectful of social distancing but enough room on the island for everyone to feel free, to relax, and to have fun. Thank you to the men and woman working hard to make it possible. We are one country and one island.

Memorial Day 2020 Part I

Memorial Day 2020 – Words and Pictures by UseppaGin – Thoughtfully and carefully Useppa welcomed back members and friends to Island life. It began with volleyball, a barbeque, and music on the beach. Children fished off the Marina dock in the traditional Izaak Walton Kids Memorial Day Fishing Tournament. The pool was open but numbers were restricted and social distancing encouraged. Reservations were taken for lunch and dinner in the Collier and on the patio. On Sunday a casual lunch was also served with music at the Tarpon Bar. On Monday flags flew at half-mast. Useppa never forgets the reason for the holiday. Masks were worn by some. Others honored personal space. Being together again was enjoyed by all. Thank you to the men and women working on the Island who made it all possible.

Izaak Walton Memorial Day Kids Fishing Tournament 2020

Izaak Walton Memorial Day Kids Fishing Tournament – Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – There were more boats in the Useppa Marina than kids fishing and fish biting, but the tradition continued. Young children found out how to fish off the Marina docks, and teenagers who once fished the Tournament helped them learn. The philosophy is simple. The oath was given by Captain Ken. Catch your fish, release it unharmed, help your fellow fishermen when help is needed, and Have Fun Fishing. Each Tournament a youngster fishes builds confidence. Prizes are given to the top anglers and Blue Ribbon Medallions are awarded to everyone else. A thank you to Miss Lisa for record keeping, Captain Ken, and to Owen and Tyler for volunteering to help.

Useppa Gratitude

Thoughts, Love and Gratitude – Words and Pictures by UseppaGin – Useppa has been quiet over the last two months. Some of these pictures were taken when families self-isolated, when we all kept a safe distance from each other. Some were taken when the Island opened back up and members could come back to visit – everyone still being careful, still respecting the need to keep space between one another and sometimes wear a mask. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, but all of us attached to Useppa appreciate and respect the many gifts of Island life. We are all Useppa stewards and guardians of each other. We are all part of one island family.

More Useppa Memories

More Memories Old and New – Pictures and thoughts by UseppaGin – Looking through decades of pictures tracing Useppa’s 21st Century seems a good way to spend time while the island we love is shut down. Soon enough we will be back to having lunch at the Collier, tying up at the dock, playing croquet and bocce, enjoying a golf cart ride, but before that… have fun reliving beach croquet tournaments, first bocce games, the 2003 and 2007 visits to Useppa by survivors and family members of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, see members of the 2001 Useppa Bookcombers, a 2004 gathering of those airlifted off Useppa in medical emergencies, and more…..