My family tried our best to make it to the end of our road to cheer on the frontrunners of the Chappy Point to Point five mile road race this past Sunday. But then the new chicks escaped in the garage, and by the time we corralled them back into their coop and loaded our eighteen-month-old into her bike trailer, we had missed the first of the runners.

However, we were in time to cheer on some of the others, clapping for each person that passed. An enthusiastic group of spectators, including Chris and Sue Phinney, cheered from the other side of the street. I saw a few runners I recognized, including Lionel Spiro, Kate Coughlin, Sidney Mullen and Eric Green, and many I did not know.

After the last runner passed, we hopped on our bikes to head to the finish line at Chappy Point. All along the route, Chappaquiddickers came out to the ends of their driveways, offering cups of water and encouragement. A few waved signs and banners. Police were stationed at each intersection to ensure everyone’s safety, and officers helped direct traffic at the Point where a crowd gathered and grew with each new finishing runner.

It was a hot race. Forecasts the night before called for rain, but the day was sunny and in the eighties. Many runners went straight into the water after crossing the finish line.

The ages of the runners ranged from eight to 80, with a mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors, both from Chappy and the Vineyard. Official winners and their times are: Jake McCauley (Overall & Men’s) 29:28; Alexis Faber (Women’s) 34:39 (a seasonal Chappy resident), and Zachary Utz (15 & under) 30:53. Each winner received a trophy and a gift card to Lululemon. They will also have their names engraved on a plaque at the Chappy Community Center.

Organizers Rick Schifter and his daughter Rachel Thebault were pleased with the event. The funds raised from 20 corporate sponsors, 50 family sponsors and 161 runners will be donated to the Chappy Community Center and the Trustees. They look forward to making this an annual event, improving on it a bit more with each passing year.

We have finally arrived at the time of year when windows can stay open to the nighttime air, letting in gentle breezes, the scent of the ocean, and the sound of crickets. We have an unusually high number of lightening bugs in our yard this year. They glow up into the tree tops.

A few times earlier this summer, just at dusk, a whip-poor-will has landed on the oak outside our bedroom window. Its call is surprisingly boisterous and echoed by another further in the woods. I have heard rumors that these birds used to be heard all over Chappaquiddick. Now they are more rare, but I am hearing them more than I have in years past. Walking back from East Beach two nights ago, we heard one calling out across the water. Beautiful summer song.

The first Chappaquiddick Island Association meeting is taking place tomorrow, July 6. Coffee will be served at 8 a.m., followed by the start of the meeting promptly at 9 a.m. If you miss this meeting, there will be a second meeting on August 3.

The Chappy Community Center is looking for artists to show at their second annual Chappy Art Night on July 26. Email chappyartshow@gmail.com or call (508) 627-8222 for more details.

Be sure to stay cool out there this week, and drive extra slow when passing through Edgartown. On the July 4th weekend, you never know when a biker or stroller might appear out of nowhere.

Send Chappy news to slipawayfarm@gmail.com.