Croquet on Useppa Island: Play On!

Croquet took root, sprouted, evolved and exploded on Useppa Island over 30 years ago! In 1978, Bob Sumwalt, our “Father of Croquet” dedicated himself to teaching all that would come, to learn, play and love Croquet. And, we did!!

Our first Nine-Wicket Tournament was in 1978, followed by the introduction of Six-Wicket in 1984, when we built “the perfect” Six-Wicket court overlooking Pine Island Sound. Women jumped in and competition really ramped up!

In 1989, we had our first Six-Wicket Tournament and subsequently, co-hosted several Invitational Tournaments with Boca Grande Croquet Club. Over the next several years, Useppa spawned more than a dozen nationally-ranked players. Our court and the resident level of play, in concert with the sheer beauty of the Island and many activities, drew members and attracted new home owners.

The REAL fun, however, began in 2003 with the emergence of Golf Croquet. Passersby saw the fun – the tailgating, laughter, incredible shots and pure exhilaration…an unbelievable esprit de corps that was not only on the playing field, but permeated the entire Island. It was contagious!

And, since you can’t play Croquet every hour of every day, croquet players participated in other island activities, joining The Useppa Yacht Club (No Dues! No Rules!) with a fleet of 15 ft. Marshal Cat Boats that race every Saturday, through April. All of the spirited competition on the water is followed by cookouts on the beach, moonlight and destination sails. Players also enjoy the fishing, boating and beaches, especially during the holidays with family and friends, young and old.

Regardless of the activity, everyone falls in love with the communal feel that permeates Useppa Island – the melding of compatible souls. The joy is fueled by an innate sense of adventure and love of nature, being with friends and enjoying an environment and atmosphere that evokes fond memories of a simpler time. No matter where people hail from, the common sentiment is that Useppa is “their neighborhood.”

 

Membership continues to grow with tournaments scheduled often. You can count on Nine-Wicket Beach Croquet, where everyone plays each December 30th (a 30-year tradition), along with three-day tournaments for Six-Wicket, Golf Croquet and Nine-Wicket in the Spring and Fall. There are always pick-up games in the afternoons.

And practice games! And those re-match games that go on…forever.

Useppa Island Celebrates Independence Day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, USA!!!

And, what better place to celebrate than Useppa Island?!?!  And, what an absolutely gorgeous day it was!  12 knot breezes, balmy-to-hot but, in the right spots.....pure heaven!
                            
Useppa Island residents were in full spirit and had flags proudly displayed all over  the island!

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Tables were decorated....

And....so were the people!!

The entertainment was fantastic!! "Clive Live" and his electronic accompaniment  was, unbelievably, Sydney Houston, one minute and Satchmo, the next!                  

Kids were everywhere, the pool was jammed...                        

.....and every one was jamming!  

A super day!  A great party!  Music, laughter, hamburgers and hot dogs, friends and family.
And, flags flying everywhere.  It made us all appreciate just how lucky we are...to be here and to share our good fortune and celebrate
INDEPENDENCE DAY! 

It was quintessential Useppa! Plan on joining us next year.  We missed you!

Will Boat for Food Blog Series Part 1: The Pink Elephant

Will Boat for Food Blog Series! A Culinary Adventure around Useppa Island  

PART 1: The PINK ELEPHANT
    
Because Useppa Island is a bridge-less island anchored by the Useppa Island Club, we frequently are asked if there is anywhere to dine besides the (wonderful) Collier Inn, the center of socializing and dining within the Club.  After all, variety is important to all the senses.

Since the island is home to boaters, naturally, we decided to discover just how many restaurants are accessible within a 20 minute boat ride and, to report what we found. Keep in mind that boating out for dining is not like the 20 minute commute to a restaurant at home. There is little or no traffic, no traffic lights or speed police and, best of all: It’s A Boat Ride!  

This is the first in our series of attempting to be food bloggers. We know, they say anyone can blog but we never thought that it could be us! What better way to start then by boating our way to food discoveries. 

First on our list-The Pink Elephant in Boca Grande, Florida. The Pink, as it is known, is part of the terrific Gasparilla Inn complex, anchored by the century-old Inn, a beach club, spa, tennis and golf club. The Pink is the casual side of dining, located just off the Intracoastal Waterway, and convenient to the docks where guides pick up their fares to go tarpon fishing in the Pass. 

Boat it docked, time for a drink! Usually, for me, its liquor on the rocks, or perhaps a beer with lunch. But this day calls for something special. The server recommends the watermelon mojito. I’m afraid my voice might go up an octave or two if I drink one of those but I say “what the Hey!” we are writing a blog-I don’t have to speak. Well, this beauty was extra special, better than any mojito I had in Havana last year. Even better, in about 5 minutes I knew I had consumed an alcoholic beverage.

We are in for lunch, and the place is not too busy. Then, the morning tarpon charters return and it gets half crowded. The bar is full of lawyers, all in fishing regalia. And what are they were worried about? The sharks chasing their catch. What a turn-around for lawyers!

TIME TO EAT

So, I am a burger guy, burgers here, there anywhere, it doesn’t matter. Just GIVE ME A BURGER! But, I have to admit, I have had The Pink Burger before. It is beyond words. So, since I could not write about it (beyond words, right?) I went for the BLT, like one I never had. But how wrong can you go with some crisp Pig? Take a look at this. It was on some kind of health grainy bread, toasted, with avocado and other delights. So I get my grain and veggies for the day too.

Mary, of course, has to have the salad. Here it is, the Caesar with shrimp scampi. None better.

Best of all, the wait staff is polite, cheerful and fun. Along with impeccable service and great food, what more could you ask for?  Oh yea-it was 13 minutes dock to dock, well within our 20 minute goal.

Want to try The Pink for yourself? Here are some helpful links:
Pink Elephant Sample Menu 
Pink Elephant Website 

Tell 'em Mary & Brian from Useppa sent ya!
Stay tuned for next week's spot. It's a tough job boating for food, but we won't complain! :)

Useppa Island Celebrates The Beginning of Summer with a Solstice Party!

Useppa Celebrates Longest Day of the Year with a Summer Solstice Party

On Saturday June 21, Useppa Island celebrated, the Summer Solstice, or longest day of the year and the first day of summer, with a cookout and party at the pool. The day featured live music from the jamming band, Stolen Fruit Duo. They rocked out and really jazzed up the day with a great set of 80's and 90's hits.

The Stolen Fruit Duo kept the Useppa Island Summer Solstice Party Rocking for hours!

The food was delicious as always and featured a menu of BBQ Ribs and Chicken with all plenty of the traditional summer sides… AND….last but not certainly not least, the MARGARITA BAR, offering both traditional and strawberry Margaritas, making the party extra special!

The party was a perfect place to catch up with neighbors and friends, new & old!

The pool was packed!

Hillary Fales did a great job of pulling everything together and providing a warm welcome to many first-time visitors and new Useppa members. We also had the chance to catch up with members who have been around for decades! A really great afternoon and a good time for all!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

July 4-5, 2014: Get Ready for a Fourth of July FIREWORKS during the 4^th of July weekend.  Another poolside party with the “gotta do” BBQ by the pool.  Be sure to wear your red, white and blue and wave your flags!  Let’s have a parade.  It’s the birthday of our country! And, what would a weekend be without a Kid’s Fishing tournament?!?!?

August 16, 2014: Make no plans for August 16^th! The Annual Pig Roast Block Party is not an event to miss and will feature more BBQ & LIVE music. Details to come soon!

Now is the Time to Prepare for Hurricane Season

The official Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30, and while many experts predict the 2014 season to be a tad quieter than normal, it’s always best to be prepared.

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. With wind speeds of 111 miles per hour or more, Category 3, 4, and 5 hurricanes are major according to this scale. Category 1 and 2 hurricanes can also cause damage and injuries. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, with the peak season from mid-August to late October. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends November 30. In advance of these powerful storms, be prepared to evacuate when ordered to do so, strengthen your home’s outer shell, elevate electrical panels and utilities and waterproof lower levels.

Prior to any potential disaster, it is important to create an emergency plan for your family and pets, identify locations of special need shelters and prepare an emergency supply kit with first aid, healthy meals and water.

An emergency supply kit should include healthy, nonperishable foods and supplies that meet a family's and pet's health and medical needs. Other items to include in an emergency supply kit:

Water - at least one gallon per person, per day, for a minimum of three days

Healthy foods like canned vegetables, fruits and nuts. Store at least a three-day supply of foods that require no    refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water

Battery-powered radio

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit

Manual can opener

Cell phone with chargers -- inverter or solar

Medications: Under a federally declared emergency, residents can get an extra 30-day prescription supply with no price increase, even for recently filled prescriptions. Talk with a health care provider and pharmacist about emergency medication supplies.

For more Hurricane Preparedness information visit http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes  or download the FEMA Hurricane Guide here. 

Useppa Island's Winter Weather Report: Warm & Sunny!

Useppa Island's Winter Weather Report: 78 degrees, winds at 10-12, gusting to 15 and everyone's on the water!!