BRAD WOODGER

508-627-4216

(ibwsgolf@aol.com)

I try to be a good person. I do. But two events this past week diluted my faith in my charitable nature. First, I caught myself smiling as I drove in the opposite direction of the first truly long Chappy Ferry line (that had formed in the Tuesday morning rain). I suppose my gladness was more attributable to my good fortune than the misfortune of others — but farther down the road my smile crept back as I passed cars that were approaching the ferry with absolutely no idea what horror was in store for them. Bad Brad.

Second, I found myself hoping that one of the smaller boats in the Saturday races would capsize, not causing any peril to boat or passengers, but perhaps dampening the festivities. I have absolutely no issue with the participants of these traditional competitions, but have acquired an unreasonable dislike for the airhorn that sounds upon each boat’s crossing of the finish line. Maybe the America’s Cup vessel (or whomever owns the Cup now) is worthy of such noise, but the passing of each 13 footer by the finish could just as easily be noted with a small clap of appreciation.

This past weekend was particularly good stand-up paddle boarding weather. The sea was flat and the air hot. I was inspired to take my fishing pole with me, as I was certain that I could slip unnoticed into the midst of a group of diving terns. I was correct, as I was able to glide between splashing blues with the greatest of ease. But my fishing skills are such that the best chance of landing (boarding?) a fish was to be exact enough in my cast to bonk one on the head with my clunky lure. I caught nothing, fortunately, because my plan for what do after hooking a blue was sketchy at best. And the fish certainly deserved better. So paddle-board fishing has been abandoned until I can develop a plan to humanely handle the improbable occurrence of releasing a caught fish.

I saw two seagulls flying this afternoon, lit bright white by the sun against a backdrop of black storm clouds. Simply lovely. I also saw two seagulls on land scuffling with three crows over a bunny carcass. Less lovely.

Brothers Kent and Scott have been visiting this week (Scott with wife Daria and son Brad). And as you can imagine, when the three Woodger boys get together just about anything can happen! As long as that “anything” includes eating, drinking and sleeping and little else.

Scott and I did notice that the road crows and seagulls have become increasingly less concerned with car traffic. Mostly they are now like sullen teenagers crossing the street at a pace that practically dares you to hit them (“dude, that car was in our road”). But lately the seagulls have been running directly at our truck, taking flight inches from our grills, and mocking us with that distinctly seagull “moohaw”. Crazy birds.

Ferry Captain Bob tells me that Belle, the osprey with the radio transmitter, spent part of her winter in Patagonia. Very impressive. Unless he was referring to the clothing store in Plymouth, which wouldn’t be as impressive but rather curious.

In other, possibly more important, news:

The CCC is in full swing. Sailing Classes are already in week two. And mark your calendars, because tennis lessons with Donna DeFrancis begin July 3. Preregistration is required, so please don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, as you’re wont to do. Donna is a tremendous teacher. I took lessons from her for three years and was able to infuse a little Andy Roddick into my Barney Fife. The Center will be closed July 4 (to prepare for the Kiss concert July 5—I’m kidding. But it will be closed). Saturday, July 7, is the Annual CIA (Chappy Island Association) meeting. If you’ve never been to one, please come—they’re hilarious.

Breaking news! The Chappy Book Club will meet on Tuesday, July 10, at the CCC from 10:30-noon to discuss Dreams of Joy, a gripping story by Lisa See of Chinese-Americans in Red China during the great famine of the 1950s.

They’ll also be dropping some knowledge on y’all Wednesday, August 1, to discuss The Paris Wife, by Paula McLain—about the lives of Hadley and Ernest Hemingway during the tumultuous 1920s. More dates to come, but that’s enough madcap excitement for now.

Finally, there will be a book signing at Chappy Community Center for The Chappy Ferry Book on Saturday June 30, 5 to 7 pm. This is a great read—a book that you’ll find yourself both engrossed in, and picking up frequently to browse. The ferry is so much a part of who we are here, that it is akin to reading about one’s own dear friend. Alison Shaw the photographer, Tom Dunlop the author, John Wilson the videographer, Dana Gaines the illustrator, Kevin Keady the musician, and Peter Wells, the honcho, will all be present. The last time these six people were all in the same room together, uranium was discovered, so it promises to be a hoot. Buy a book or bring your previously purchased book to have it signed. Kevin will be singing and all principals will be chatting, so bring your ears. Snacks will be provided by the delightful Jack Livingston, but really if you’re going to eat the free food you should buy a book. My opinion.

There will also be a book signing and Chappy Ferry Day at the Sculpin Gallery, Sunday July 1, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. I figure that we walk all over her everyday—might be nice to show the ferry some love and stop by the Sculpin to honor her. Please see today’s Gazette for more info.

Peter will return next week to this space whilst I comb the wire for more Chappy news. Have a great 4th!