Snipe hunting

Is anything so predictable as rain on a weekend in Boston? Even in Dorchester, "The Neighborhood with the Sunny Disposition," it rains more often than not come Saturday. This year especially. This year especially.

The good news is that this weather is the best weather for snipe-hunting and early morning banter at McKenna's Cafe over coffee and omelets confirmed this. Some of the early risers who take walks in Dorchester Park down in Lower Mills reported more than one snipe sighting.

Chubby was eating his usual beans and eggs when he spotted Big Gut walking in the door. "Hey, Big Gut," he shouted over the dining room chatter, "The snipes are running in Dot Park." Big Gut ambled over to the stool next to Chubby's. "I know," he said. "They're as thick as mosquitoes down there in the brambles round by the ball fields. I think I'll get my net later if the weather doesn't take a turn toward sunshine.

Chubby and Big Gut are two of Dorcheseter's most renowned snipe hunters, so when Big Gut said this the dining room chatter dimmed a bit to hear whatever snipe hunting tips could be eavesdropped. The two men dropped the subject altogether after glancing over their shoulders. Chubby asked, "Did the Orioles play last night? What's their standing?" Big Gut replied, "Meh," and ordered a Grampian Champion.

Never seen a snipe? According to these two, experience Dot hunters you can spot one at Dorchester Park just past Carney Hospital on Dorchester Avenue. It's easy to reach via the Mattapan High-Speed, which will whisk you within a stone's throw of the ball fields at Butler Station.