I inherited the Chappy column from Margaret Knight a couple of decades ago. She told me that she made sure to keep in mind the folks who are not here on Chappaquiddick but still want to know what is happening here. I figured that if I were stuck off-island for the fall, I would like to be able to visualize the colors. I think about what I would write as I drive around the Islands. We have had more than our usual share of red sunsets against bright blue skies. Some of the maples are a more glowing yellow than usual. The poison ivy and other invasive vines are much redder than usual. With the cool weather and the return of rainy days, the lawn grass and hay fields are turning green after a parched summer.

The most recent nor’easter actually lived up to the old tradition of howling for a full three days. The derby brought fisher folks to Memorial Wharf. They were very creative in fitting many more vehicles in the parking lot than there were painted spaces. It always works out though when someone has to leave and at least two vehicles need to back out onto Dock street first. It seems that the sympathy that others felt for the person who had to quit fishing to attend to an inescapable responsibility far outweighed any annoyance that they might have felt from having to give up the chance to catch the big one while moving their vehicle. Fishing the Derby was the top priority, congestion in the parking lot was a minor detail.

One afternoon, a school of big fish broke right in front of the wharf. I didn’t see if anyone hooked one because I was driving the ferry into the Edgartown slip. But I could hear the shouting and cheering over the sound of the engine. So, I can guess that someone got a fish. That part of town gets mighty quiet when the enthusiasm brought by the Derby ends. Don’t forget that October Fish continues through the end of the month, hosted by Larry’s Tackle Shop.

Chappaquiddick Wildfire Preparedness Day is Saturday Nov. 2. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chappy Fire house you can find out about all of the ways that the Edgartown fire department has prepared for and trained to deal with wild fire on Chappy. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to keep your family, pets, home and island safe against a wildfire. Smokey Bear will be there!