Usually I write my column on my computer sitting at my desk. I like to keep all my stuff out where I can see it with the result that there is barely enough room on the desk for the keyboard. This time I’m writing the column on my iPad sitting on a rock in the shade at the edge of the Grand Canyon. No human clutter here! The river is one mile below and the other canyon rim is twelve miles away. This is something that you have to see to believe and to appreciate its immensity. I have several photobooks of the canyon and other marvels of the southwest at home. They only serve to remind me of what I have witnessed first-hand. I find that paintings of the canyon are actually more successful at relaying the sensation of being in the presence of this wonderment of geology. This is a fabulous example of Mother Nature changing her mind and rearranging her handy work.

The wildlife at the rim is mostly birds and they are keeping very busy. I bought a field guide at the gift shop so that I can report back to my birding friends. I’m adept at telling the difference between crows and ravens, even just by their talking. But I needed the book to identify Clark’s nutcrackers. If you are a soaring bird, the Grand Canyon is the place to be. Even the swallows are gliding long distances without a wing flap.

Now back to local news. The Chappy Store will now be named Jerry’s Place. In the past I had assumed that Gerald Jeffers spelled his shortened name Gerry. His daughter Lolita says that his mother and aunts spelled his name Jerry since he was just a little guy. So there you have it. Jerry’s Place. The new managers of the store have applied to the Edgartown Sign Advisory Committee to refurbish and to hang the old sign. The hearing is Friday, June 29 at 8:30 a.m. at the town hall. The store will be open daily 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can keep up-to-date by following jerrysplaceonchappy on Instagram or Jerry’s Place on Chappy on Facebook. Before you head into town, check the shelves and coolers of the store. They have a wide variety of items. You just might save yourself a wait in the ferry lines.

The Slip Away farm stand will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They also provide a wide variety of items. If you haven’t stopped by lately, you should.

Repeating my reminder from last week – remember that on Wednesday, July 4, Chappaquiddick ferry service is interrupted during the parade and fireworks. Beginning at 4:15 p.m. no vehicles will be carried as the route through town to and from the ferry is blocked by the parade route. The ferry will still carry passengers and bikes. After the end of the parade passes the top of Daggett street at around 6 p.m. there is a flood of parade-watchers lining up to return to Chappy. The entire street fills up with people. The ferry takes a group of 49 passengers every five minutes. No vehicles are carried until that crowd is cleared. If the weather is favorable that can take as many as eight trips.

During the fireworks, the ferry ceases operation altogether. The fireworks usually begin just after 9 p.m. and continue for about three-quarters of an hour depending on how extensive and how quickly this year’s display is. After the fireworks end, there is another flood of folks lining up on Chappy Point to return to town. So plan accordingly for no passengers on the ferry from 9 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. and for no vehicles on the ferry from 8:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 7 for the Chappy Island Association meeting at the CCC. Coffee is served at 8 a.m. with the meeting starting at 9 a.m.

Lily Walter of Slip Away Farm will be sharing the Chappy column with me beginning with the July 6 edition. She will add a new perspective as we alternate weeks.

Chappaquidick news can be sent to peterchappyferry@gmail.com.