Category: Uncategorized

Island Walkabout – Words and photos by UseppaGin – Blue skies above, blue waters below, birds everywhere, a long sandy beach waiting for children. Useppa is back to the Island we love. The pool and patio are still under reconstruction, but that means parties happen inside the Collier Inn or down at the Marina’s Tarpon Bar. Welcoming hugs on the dock, grandfathers and grandchildren in golf carts, sunrises savored with a cup of coffee, sunsets toasted with a cold drink. Island life continues.

The Quiet Time – Pictures and Words by UseppaGin – This is the peaceful time of year on Useppa. A few members and friends stop by for a visit, but mainland Islanders are getting back into their fall routines, and winter residents are enjoying their northern falls before heading south. There are only a few of us here to watch the season’s last rainbow-colored sunsets. Captain Dane is leaving us to follow a different path, and while good-byes are hard, Dane is off to new adventures leaving only good memories behind. New Captains Randy and Kevin are already part of the Useppa family. The Collier patio and pool will be closed for October for needed work and the Museum is still undergoing remodeling. The Collier Inn is open, and the Tarpon Bar at the Marina’s edge will have new hours beginning October 19th. Boxed lunches are available through the Joseffa Boutique. This time of year, it’s almost as though the ancient spirits have retaken the island and we are their guests.

The End of an Island Summer & the Beginning of Fall – Photos and words by UseppaGin – Useppa slides gently from summer into fall with a renewal of wedding vows on a Village dock, friends on their boats in the Marina, lunch at the Collier, pool time, and two little puppies looking for a home. Island life is a gift.

Useppa’s Colors are Shining – Pictures and words by UseppaGin – It’s early fall on Useppa. Red Tide is gone and the beaches and water look like themselves again. It was a long summer but now we can look forward. The Collier Inn has a new Food and Beverage Manager. Miss Emily will be working with Kam, our new Executive Chef. Old and new staff members are excited about new directions. Dinners have never been better! Captain Ken and Captain Eddie made an inviting place on the Marina dock to watch the sun set. Two new Captains have joined the Useppa family. Captain Eddie is going on to new adventures. Year-round Island members are looking forward to another year and the return of our seasonal friends. There’s a great energy on Useppa. It’s good to be home.

Island Images – Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – Always good to be home. Watching sunset with good friends, seeing members of the staff, hugs from Island kids, stopping to take in each view…the end of summer and the beginning of fall on Useppa.

Island Barbecue – Photos and words by UseppaGin – Summer vacation days are winding down, and to celebrate, Useppa threw a “Going Back to School Pig Roast.” Parents and Kids, Grownups and Children gathered at the pool and the Collier Inn to enjoy a barbecue feast and an afternoon of music by the water. Thank you to the Collier Staff for making it happen. Thank you to all the families who make summer on the island so much fun.

Useppa Summer – Pictures and words by UseppaGin – A leisurely, warm, island day, a visiting yacht club, bocce, time in the pool, and lunch on the patio. Then sunset like a painting. The slow tempo of summer on Useppa.

Pool Time – Words and photos by UseppaGin – Weekends are fun on Useppa for all ages. Sometimes it can be a quiet boat ride, bocce or croquet, and sometimes, it’s loud music, dancing and games. Over the 4th of July holiday, the action was in and around the pool. Prizes of wine, water toys in the air, and “riding” the wild inflatable steer kept everyone moving. No one wanted to go home.

Izaak Walton 4th of July Kids’ Fishing Tournament – Words and photos by UseppaGin – Despite Red Tide worries, there were just enough kids and just enough fish to make this year’s Izaak Walton Kids’ Fishing Tournament another winner. The obligatory pinfish were reeled in, even a little crab, but there was also two Black Drums, two Jacks, a Gag Grouper and a Sheepshead. This list does not include the three hefty fish caught by Naomi that snapped her line.
Captain Eddie measured and released the fish. Miss Lisa helped recorded the data. Kyle, graduate of Kids Fishing Tournaments and one of the best, if not the best, fisherman on the island, helped each young angler. The kids helped each other. Parents helped only when necessary. Catch and release fishing is a Useppa tradition. Passing it on to each new generation of anglers is part of that custom.

Island Summer – A few words and a few pictures by UseppaGin – It was a quiet weekend on Useppa. Just the right amount of people to make it fun, but not so many there wasn’t room for one more in the pool. Casual dining at the Collier, cool drinks on the patio, boats tied up in the Marina. It’s the lazy island summer we all love.