The On Time 3 made the trip to Vineyard Haven last Sunday during the few hours that Nantucket Sound was not shrouded in dense fog. As the day of the voyage approached, the weather forecast improved. What originally was promising to be a rainy breezy day turned out to be a delightful autumn one. We rode the current of the rapidly falling ebb tide to East Chop. That effectively took about two nautical miles off of the run. That reminds me of a method of remembering which way the currents flow in Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds adjacent to Martha’s Vineyard. The jingle is: “It would be easy to remember if it ebbed east, but it doesn’t.” Kind of a round-about memory aid, but it works.

As of this moment the ferry is high and dry on the railway at Packer Marine. Erik, George and Tom are going right to work on cleaning her bottom, figuring where she needs attention and standing in readiness for the Coast Guard hull inspection. Good weather always makes the job go more quickly.

The beach at the very corner of Wasque Point is reportedly very healthy. Other than during high tides when big waves wash over the barrier beach, you can drive to town. Make sure that you leave enough time to backtrack if it turns out to be impassable. Check the tides before you head that way. Low tide will be more of a sure bet than high tide.

This year is the 25th anniversary of Octoberfish sponsored by Larry’s Tackle Shop. Owners Peter and Melissa Sliwkowski have continued the tradition of the monthlong tournament. They aren’t giving away trucks and boats but they have some great awards, like rods, reels and a TTOR oversand vehicle permit. Traditionally the fish get bigger after the derby ends. The awards ceremony takes place on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. See the Larry’s Tackle Shop website for the basic rules and weigh-in process. There’s a special prize awarded for the largest fish caught after the derby.

Gerry Jeffers has been enjoying the great number of get well cards from his many friends. He is now in a single room at Mass General. I think that it’s because his room is always packed with family and visitors. Any roommate would never get a moment’s peace. There are always a couple of Chappaquiddickers already there when I visit. We were telling stories of his past shenanigans and laughing. Fortunately, Gerry doesn’t laugh at jokes. With 21 rib fractures, that’s fortunate. He just says: “That’s a good one.” He’s a pretty tough old guy. I miss having him on the ferry. I miss hearing him say, “What’s goin’ on Pete?” I miss hearing his predictable response when someone would ask him how he’s doing. I overheard a nurse ask him that question. Even in the hospital, tubes and wires everywhere, he replied, “Can’t complain.”

Send Chappy news to peterchappyferry@gmail.com.