- Updates from the Islands -

- - St.John (USVI) - -

- - - 2009 Hurricane Season - - -

- windy weather

By "Val Donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:37:44 -0400

Whoa... hold onto your hats!

Funny, sort of showery day/deluge day here in Cruz Bay. Yup, left the car windows open and the seats got soaked and then dried and soaked. Will I learn ? VERY windy here tonight, feels like Christmas winds again. temps and dry air.

We have a Mampoo tree that is shedding it's pods right now, but the problem here is that we have an 'infestation' of hens and baby chicks and the tiny baby chicks get wraped up in the sticky pods. , sometimes they are just stuck on something, sometimes they are clumped together tethered by the pods , sometimes they just can't move because of the burden of the pods. So frustrating and sad. It's a work of love and hate because some of these chickes will become roosters ..but I go and de-bud the chicks and listen for other distress calls...and then go again and de-bud...am I crazy...or humane..

Have a good night !

lowcalval

- March 20

By "Val Donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:51:17 -0400

HAPPY VERNAL EQUINOX !!!! THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING IS HERE : )

ENJOY!

lowcalval

- Early St. Patty's Day

By "Val Donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:16:40 -0400

Hello Folks !

Yesterday, was St John's 'world's smallest and shortest' St Patty's Day parade. There was an Irish Step dancer, a hula hoop dancer, 'Middle aged Majorettes', a motorcycle, decorated cars....whew...who could ask for more!!! But...if you blinked your eyes you missed the whole thing : )

The weather here has been quite nice . Dry, breezy and rather warm. A few clouds around this morning, but it's sure to turn out to be a good day.. Now the weather up in the Northeast is a different story!!! Hurricane force winds, heavy rain, trees down and electicity out. At least they have a reason for the electricity to go out...unlike when it happens here...(tee hee)

Have a great Day!

lowcalval

- Sun-day showers

By "Val Donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 07:58:41 -0400

Greetings all

Yesterday here on St john was a wonderful cool, rainy day. A nice, consistent round of showers. Started out for the beach in the late morning, had lunch a Trunk Bay and then the showers REALLY began! Sometimes when it's raining in one spot you can drive East and find sun. So we headed out towards Maho Bay. Many cars were having a difficult/impossible time making it up the Trunk Bay switch-back and had to back down or turn around. I had my doubts also...but...we made it... and went out by Maho---no sun---Francis Bay, ---no sun sooo.... back to town. Nice.....

So far, today is cloudy and quite cool...71 this am!!! I'm off for a training run in preparation for next week's 8 Tuff Miles road race.... Sat Feb 27th,

Have a great Day

lowcalval

- raindrops keep falling...

By "Val Donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 2010 07:47:14 -0400

Hello folks

Happy New Year!

Well it's starting to get light a little earlier in the a.m. and this morning the sun was poking through. Here in Cruz Bay we had a nice prolonged bit of rain following a very humid start to the day. Night and early morning temps are chilly and I find myself covered and surrounded by cats trying to get warm...or are they trying to keep ME warm : ) Lots of COLDDDD weather in the States, hope they don't pack it up and send it here for a 'vacay'. Central FL is predicted to get some snow! We all know the tourist who asks " how do you drive on these hills when it snows?" tee hee!

Have a glorious day!

lowcalval

- sunny St. John greetings

By "Val Donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:52:01 -0400

Hope this finds all well.

Happy Winter solstice, the shortest DAYLIGHT day of the year (not the shortest day of the year, there are still 24 hrs : )

We're having typical winter weather here...15-20 inches of snow, cold temps, about 21, white- out conditions at times yesterday...whoops...that's my home city of Boston!

Here in the islands the weather has been mostly sunny with drier air and nice temps of 82-85. Any white stuff is sand and currently Montserrat dust!

Here on St John we had our first annual, international, olympic qualifying, Reindeer Ramble 4 mile road race.Teams of 3: Santa and 2 reindeer, harnessed together, running together for the race. Great fun and some great and creative costumes and T-shirts and antlers etc...

Today...sunny, light breezes with roosters crowing : ( :( , and hens clucking.

Have a great day!

lowcalval

- Season ending...season starting

By "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:01:31 -0500

Hello all,

Hurricane season is just about over and now busy season is just starting.Absolutely gorgeous weather these past few days. Yesterday, Thanksgiving day In USVI, was picture perfect. Here on STJ we had a 5K Turkey Trot from Leinster Bay to Francis Bay to Annaberg ruins. A great race, excellent turn-out with many vacationers and families joining in. AND....I won.. PUMPKIN COOKIES!!!! yum, yum, yum : ) I think we ran so fast just to keep ahead of all of the mosquitoes (tee hee )

Sunny all day, and a northeast swell rolling in. There were actually good sized, breaking waves on Gibney beach and not much dry beach to sit on. No worries, as the water is STILL rather warm and I can still get all the way in! The air temp was up to about 85 with a gentle breeze...mmmmmmmm. Today looks to be a repeat of yesterday. The holiday vacationers have definitely had a good week here in the VI. Tonight is the annual Evening in the Courtyard at Mongoose Junction : a social and shopping and fund raising event. The holidays are here!

Have a fantastic day!

lowcalval

- teaser

By "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:26:07 -0500

Good day all

78 this a.m and well...some clouds. The last few days have been kind of strange. The tease of rain if looking to the south towards St Croix and the tease of sun if looking towards the north over by Lovango, yet here in Cruz Bay, not really getting much of either rain or sun. Had some rumbles of thunder yesterday and last night but only a spit of rain at our house, but reports of buckets of rain elsewhere. It looked and felt like we were going to get socked as predicted, but nope... I even cleaned the gutters in preparation....hmmmm maybe THAT was the problem . ) Radar this am does show rain headed this way from the southwest, but we'll see if it happens .

Otherwise... STJ is gearing up for season and things are getting a little busier around town. When walking past Woody's at Happy Hour, people are once again spilling out onto the sidewalk and looking for Kenny Chesney inside the bar! Have a GREAT day!!!!!!!!!

lowcalval

- Nov 1st

By "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 06:57:42 -0500

Good morning all,

Well.. we're down to the home stretch of Hurricane season and things still look quiet out there. Yesterday was one of those most absolutely, stunning, beautiful days. Did a 1/2 mile swim and 5K run with a small group of like minded folks out at Maho Bay. The water was a little choppy, but not bad. The air was dry, breezy and not too hot. Nice morning for the workout.

The surf and ground swell is forecast to come in today through Tuesday on the North facing beaches...Hang Ten! We also had some nice, prolonged rain showers last night here in Cruz Bay and a few showers this a.m. , including right now. The skies are pretty grey right now and radar does show a few showers around... so will hold off on the Margaret Hill hike for now.

Have a great Sunday-Funday!!!

lowcalval

- Nothing, Zip, Nada

By "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:26:56 -0500

Hi all,

All quiet on the Eastern front! No significant activity coming this way...yay! We can expect a few showers here and there and some nice breezes. Temp this a.m. just about 80 and a few clouds. The water feels l little cooler lately and getting in takes longer. At Beach Bootcamp class yesterday at Hawksnest beach we did have a few good rain showers, but we were also rewarded with a nice rainbow over little Hawksnest on the Caneel side : )

Just when I thought the 30+ hens, chicks and roosters were bad enough, it seems as if the word got out to the Iguanas that my border/side garden is a nice spot to dine. After reading up on favorite iguana plants, I realize I had planted and propagated all their favorites and they defoliated ALL of them!!!!! boo hoo : ( I'll just have to start again as well as do some elevated/hanging window boxes.

Stay well and safe!

lowcalval

- thirsty Thursday

By "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:08:43 -0400

Hi all,

The plants are thirsty but are getting relief. We've has some unsettled weather much of this week and it will probably continue until Friday. This morning some good, loud rumbles of thunder and flashes of lightning from over by St Croix but only a spit of rain in Cruz Bay. Through the morning and afternoon it has been dark, dark clouds, thunderstorm looking guys, followed by brief rain, then sun and very little breeze. Right now those angry clouds are making a comeback! Probably no late afternoon beach time today : (

Nothing serious to watch to the East at the moment. There is some weather coming off the African coast that seems to be following along the ITCZ, but nothing that looks organized. Some weather does appear to be streaming from West to East through the Caribbean, but again, nothing big.

Cruz Bay town has seemed a little busier this week with visitors...has season arrived a little early? Trunk Bay had quite a crowd of snorkelers on Tuesday and 'places' in town seemed a bit more lively towards the late afternoon yesterday. Restaurants are re-opening: ZoZo's last week, Waterfront Bistro this week, La Tapa on Friday . Things are looking up!!!!!

lowcalval

- Showers

By "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:33:12 -0400

Good day all,

80 degrees this a.m. and it looks as if we'll have a few more showers around this morning (just had a quick one). Drier weather will follow as the week continues... Is that like saying 50% chance of showers or partly cloudy to partly sunny ? hee hee!...No significant weather issues out there right now, all is strangely quiet.

Yesterday, St John hosted a new event sponsored by the group Using Sport For Social Change despite the intermittent rain showers. The "Just Play" event was a fitness, sports and game event for kids 2-16 yrs of age and was very well attended. Lots of muddy kids and many less muddy volunteers turned out for the day long event and a great day was had by all !!!

Have a great day : )

lowcalval

- Rain with very little wind, but should move on

By "crabby" <crabbys at earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:32:55 -0400

Up 'til now, we've had traditional October days -- warm, sometimes hot, with plenty of sun. Yesterday, rain moved in around noontime -- but broke long enough for a few of us to get in a little beach time and a swim -- then the faucet turned on. In Coral Bay, we've gotten over an inch of rain in the last 24 hours -- the overwhelming bulk of it coming last night and early this a.m. At times it looked like a whiteout, with low hanging clouds. The odd thing is, we've had very little wind with all this. Nice to have the rain -- to keep the plants happy, and help fill the cisterns. FYI -- The rain is forecast to move out later this morning, and drier weather moving back in.

- Henri

By "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2009 16:14:00 -0400

Hey Folks.

We do now have tropical storm Henri to our East. Max winds at 40 and a better developed circulation. He's a pretty big guy and warrants observation. Models are currently showing some weird movement, Mostly to the North of St John and USVI, but that reflects Henri still as 91L. The water is still very warm, we have no Saharan dust, wind shear may not be much of a factor as there is less dry air right now. Stay watchful..... Oh and by the way...my little kitty Sophie just ate a rather substantial, long piece of PAPER...What's up with that?? Belly stuffing? She just had TUNA !!! Yes, all kitties are very spoiled : )- <

- Friday 10/2

By "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 07:47:10 -0400

Greetings from STJ!

80 F and overcast/partly cloudy this a.m. We've had some nice, prolonged rain showers overnight the past few nights as well as a brief early a.m. rain this morning. The afternoon temps have been HOT and I like hot, but it's been hot. Radar and the forecast indicate that we may get a few showers during the day today. We'll take it! Sooo.... there is now Invest 90L out there to the East with a currently, less than 30% chance of development and there are several blobs of cloudiness coming off the coast of Africa and very little Saharan dust. Still time to keep an eye on the sky.

The 'pollution dust' from the early week is gone, but where did it come from and moreover...what was in it?

Happy Friday all!!!!!

lowcalval

- foggy goggles

By "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:05:06 -0400

Okay everyone...WHO put the foggy goggles on my eyes this morning? The skies have been incredibly clear and bright for several days in a row...there is little to no Saharan dust being shown to be affecting the area...the air did smell a little 'smoky' this am...volcanic ash? strange cloud cover? HAZE BIG TIME ! There was a bit of rain last night but none at all today. One can barely see St Tom from Cruz Bay. It's pretty thick and humid here. The geckos are sweating!

Nothing of a serious nature to report weather-wise at the time. There is a system that looks like it's moving west to east/northeast through the Caribbean so maybe we will get some rain or at least clear the air a bit. The coast of Africa just tossed a blob off so it's still that time 'o' year.

Have a hazy, crazy, lazy, day of summer! (My Dad used to sing that song, he loved summer : )

lowcalval

- WOW what a week

By "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:59:03 -0400

Hello all and happy Friday!

As above... wow what a beautiful week here in the VI. More like November than mid September except that the water is soooo warm. Looks like today will also be another nice one and we may just have to have a 1/2 vacation day....again....The North shore seas have been calm and flat, great for swimming. The breezes have been just enough to cool the air slightly. Life is good!

Things have gotten pretty quiet here on STJ with many businesses on vacation, vacationers are more sparse and many locals have gone stateside or abroad for their own vacations. That gives us time to practice our 'pirate speak' for Sept 19th!!! Shiver me timbers.. arghhh..

However...yup, you knew it was coming... we do have Invest 98 out to the East, it is not highly organized at this time and is about 900 miles West of Cape Verde Isl. and moving slowly. There is not alot of Saharan dust around right now so we'll keep our eyes on this new system.

Have a great day!

lowcalval

- September Saturday

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 2009 07:30:23 -0400

Good day all,

Yesterday was a simply gorgeous day here on STJ. Nice clear skies, drier air with a light breeze and bright sunshine. A few streamer clouds...just enough for a break from the sun : )

Okay... I did have a list of things that I had wanted to get done in the afternoon ( I always have a list) but it was TOO NICE outside and the beach was calling...NO...yelling my name, so off I went!

80 F this am with drier air and mostly clear skies. Radar shows clear conditions so it looks like we'll have a repeat of yesterday with mostly sunny conditions, light wind and flat, gentle seas.

Currently there is very little Saharan dust around the USVI and little coming off the African coast which is helping to keep the skies clear. Fred is still clinging loosely to life and there is another area of interest just off the African Coast. This one came off a little lower than Fred and may become Grace in the next few days. Hurricane season is only 1/2 way through, let's not get complacent!!!

Have a great day!

lowcalval

- back to island time

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2009 08:37:06 -0400

hello all,

Just returned from Boston and had a 'full island tour 'of St Thomas from the airport to Red Hook yesterday. The taxi driver has some acquaintances on board so we did do some home drop offs and one hotel drop off so of course all of us trying to make the ferry and realizing we would not make the ferry, got to the ferry terminal and "celebrated' our tour with "refreshments" while waiting the hour until the next ferry....which we all did make !

Well, we have hurricane Fred..Cat 2 already...105 mph winds and located at 13.2 N 31.7 W. It will probably be Cat 3 later today before running into trouble from wind shear and fall apart. Models are showing it to take a quick turn North way before any effect here. Storm surfing also shows the same pattern and historically storms seem to follow this path also. HOWEVER, still be mindful.

Last night/early this am Cruz Bay got some steady rain, lashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder. The lightning woke me up first and of course I did the counting thing ( one -one hunred, two-one hundred....) to see how far away the storm/wave was. Closest seemed to count out at 4-5 miles. Yup this is truly scientific stuff : ). Still cloudy and humid, temp at 81. It's going to be a soggy Bootcamp class this am.

Okay, all for now!

lowcalval

- Rain and bugs - tough combination

From: "John & Lee Fuller" <jfuller at islands.vi>
Date: Sun, 6 Sep 2009 10:45:42 -0400

Like Crabby's report of last night, we got a day of steady rain, 2.2" in the past two days. Almost more that we got in Cruz Bay for the whole month of August. And we were swarmed by termites just as we finished dinner last night. Turned off the TV and all the lights. Lit the oil lamp (which does not seem to draw them as much and fries the ones it does!) and turned into bed an hour early - 8pm. Up early this morning to volunteer for the Love City Triathlon. Turned out to be a lovely day, still cool and we did not lose any bikers on the Trunk Bay switchbacks this year. My wife made me put the ArmorScreen over the french doors before Erika, so I guess that's why we got no wind. Small enough sacrifice to stay away the storm. Now I have to decide whether to leave it up (impedes ingress and egress or put it away till the next one. Maybe after a little nap. First things first.

- enough already

From: "crabby" <crabbys at earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 5 Sep 2009 20:31:02 -0400

Because my TV satellite dish has been out because of all this rain and I've been reading my rainy day books on and off all day, I figured it was time to check out this site. Well, I could be wrong but it seems that this Erika was south and west of us 48 hours ago and now she just won't leave the area and the satellite pictures make it look like it is drifting Northeast giving us much more rain today than yesterday (1.6 inches in Coral bay today) versus .6 yesterday. It is now raining harder and steadier since this whole thing started and as a matter of fact, I now see that a flying termite nest migration is going on in this room. Ok, I'm back after turning off lights,securing any openings and trying to find out how these little buggers got in, in the first place. Anyway,steady rain, very little wind, occasional distant thunder and if it wasn't for the flying Termendas, it is a very peaceful but wet night-

- storm prep

From: "crabbyswatersports" <crabbyswatersports at earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 16:12:03 -0400

"Batten down the hatches" or is it just "down the hatch". Taken a short time
ago, a few Coral bay citizens prepare for Storm Erika at Aqua Bistro next
door to Crabby's Watersports. A very nice day so far, a beach day even. I
hope it continues like this but we could use a little rain. We will know
pretty soon what Erika has in store but so far things have been pretty calm
and dry. Crabby's is now temporarily waterproofed so I think I'll join the
happy hour crowd starting to form next door- Good luck to all-Doug

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- Is this Erika?

From: Val Donaghue <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:45:47 -0400 (EDT)

Good day all,
This invest 94, probably soon to be named Erika, is looking rather ominous. 
Probably even more-so since I am stateside ( Boston MA) and  am watching from 
afar. Most models do have her moving North, but some also show a closer 
approach. Later today I'm sure we will know a bit more.  All reports from St 
John are telling me that the weather has been dry and beautiful these past few 
days. I hope it stays that way and maybe just offers a few 'gentle showers'. 
Well, all for now and I'll keep posted with any updates.

lowcalval

- weather....or not

From: Val Donaghue <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:16:03 -0400 (GMT-04:00)

Good day all,

Well, right now I'm up in Boston MA and it appears that I may have brought some 
of the Caribbean with me in the form of weak Tropical Storm Danny.  He's a 
little behind my  travel schedule as I arrived a few days ago, but is expected 
in the area on Sat pm. We'll see if he shows up.

For St John,  When I put on my 'special sunglasses' I can see that the weather 
has been quite nice the past few days.    BUT...we need to keep an eye on 
Invest 94. It is at 10.5 N and 36.0 W. Models are currently in agreement with a 
Northward turn similar to Bill also due to a low pressure system that would 
affect it. NHC is giving this storm a 30-50% chance of becoming a tropical 
storm by 48 hrs so the next few days are important to stay aware. The 
Stormsurfing site also depicts this system moving North of the islands.

I also think that since I'm up here, and will still be here if a storm 
develops,  that it will also come to find me in Boston as Danny did.  If I came 
back early....hmmmmm...I think this is excellent logical thinking  : )

Have a great day!!!

lowcalval

- Bye, bye Bill

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:45:38 -0400

Nice morning here on St John. Bill seems to have sucked all the moisture out of the air and there is little humidity right now. Temp here is 81 with a light breeze. The East and Northeast facing beaches will probably have bigger surf than normal today and probably the South facing beaches on Friday. Anyway, a collective sigh of relief !!!!!

- Hi-de-ho

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:41:45 -0400

Hi all,

Wheww. It was pretty dicey there for a while.... What a big storm...We'll probably get a brush of wind and waves. Right now in Cruz Bay the surf is actually coming up a bit and the wind is brisk. At Gibney beach this afternoon, the waves were coming in a bit and the waves were larger than usual as that is a sheltered beach. So all, good at the moment. Stay safe. Thanks Crabby for your end of the Isle update!

lowcalval

- Happy NOT to be boarding up!

From: "crabby" <crabbys at earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:43:42 -0400

It is really a relief to be sitting here at the computer vs. securing every possible projectile from outside! The center of Bill is forecast to pass some 300 miles from here, mid-day tomorrow. If this is anything like Cat 4 storms of the past that remained well off shore, we may not initially see any sign of the storm. But, as others have swung past (many, many miles off shore), the boats in Coral Harbor -- usually facing east -- all turn. It is an incredible thing. We have seen that happen several times without any real wave action. Have to keep an eye out tomorrow to see if Bill has the same effect.

- Emailing: 023

From: "crabbyswatersports" <crabbyswatersports at earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:28:25 -0400

TS Anna,Coral bay,10AM,Monday the 17th of Aug,2009

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- Emailing: 021

From: "crabbyswatersports" <crabbyswatersports at earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:25:49 -0400

10AM monday,Coral Bay,St.John,TS Anna after heavy rain

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- Emailing: 033

From: "crabbyswatersports" <crabbyswatersports at earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:24:00 -0400

Well, we've had good luck so far and let's hope it continues. In my yard inUpper Carolina, Coral Bay , I did lose a huge (five foot tall by five footwide) prickly pear cactus plant because it had numerous big heavy leaves,all bigger than ping pong paddles and they obviously caught all the wind.Hint,when trying to upright a big prickly pear, wear heavy duty gloves, Iwill next time.I took these couple of Coral Bay pictures of TS Anna around 10AMMonday,right after a heavy downpour. It was still pretty breezy at that timebut by 2PM the sun was peeking through the clouds. Today, Tuesday the 18th,is a beautiful day and we are all keeping our eyes on Bill and hoping allthe tracking predictions are correct. For now, it is still South and East ofus so it's not time to let your guard down yet. My best to all-Crabby

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- Ana

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:22:45 -0400

Good morning,

Ana is south-east of Ct Croix and moving. A few good gusts of wind and off and on down pours, but very dark skies right now another band coming through. Hurricane Bill is expected to pass well north of the islands but we should still keep an eye on him. Anyway....cisterns are being filled and plants getting watered!

- Preparing and waiting

From: "crabby" <crabbys at earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:29:47 -0400

People who know about Ana (and the storms following her) are taking the situation seriously. But, because many were focused on what is now TS Bill and not the resurrection of Ana, some are being caught off guard. Many people are off island for vacation; we know of several families that are due back this coming week. Don't know how those travel plans will go. Luckily, most closed up their houses before leaving, or know someone here to help them out. Because Labor Day is not that far off, others are getting ready to head off island for a few weeks. Not the best time for a string of storms to appear.

Here in Coral Bay, the sounds of power drills and saws could be heard in the distance yesterday. Screens are coming down, items are being secured, and boats are beginning to move to safer harbor. We are under a tropical storm watch. With the series of storms forecast to head this way, it appears we are in for an extended period of lock down. We are also making plans for our pets -- trying to figure out the best way to keep them safe and comfortable while being cooped up during these events.

- more

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 21:18:22 -0400

Okay folks,

we have Ana, now Bill ( Clinton?) and now maybe Claudette coming off the coast of A. Whoa baby...what's happening? Mother Nature....are you angry with us? Please stay alert and be prepared. Hopefully all will be just ducky!!! Heads Up!!!!!

lowcalval

- on the watch

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:11:22 -0400

Good morning.

I woke up this morning and looked out at the sky which was a pretty pink hued color. A very pretty, sunny morning at 6:00 a.m. ------ and then I thought of the saying:

"Pink sky at night, sailor's delight

Pink sky in morning, sailors take warning"

Then I turned on the radio to hear that we have newly formed Tropical storm Ana (previously 'fizzled' TD #2 ) The 3 day cone places her very close to us by Monday as a moderate Tropical storm ( winds about 40-60 mph). I think most folks had given up watching TD 2 and were focused on Invest 90 L. But it looks like we will need to deal with Ana first and then 90 L which will probably be TD #3 later today. It's circulation has not fully been established. The current models show 90 L to track a little more north than originally predicted, but it is a large storm and still several days out and will also be entering more favorable conditions for development. Not to be an alarmist...but...there is another blob just coming of the African coast as well. YIKES!!!!

Will post more as we know more. Get the towels ready, check the batteries, water, pet food, non-perishables, put away possible flying objects and think about where to park/store your vehicle (ie: away from trees etc) I will keep you posted.

lowcalval

- wild wind

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:51:07 -0400

Good morning!

Weird skies yesterday... dark grey clouds, then bright sun, then clouds and very little rain. Only a few sprinkles and squirts. BUT....a beautiful sunset looking over Pillsbury Sound to St Thomas. Very interesting cloud colors and combinations of cloud formations. It finally did rain early, early this a.m. and now there are brisk and gusty winds and dry air following the backside of the wave that has passed. Radar does still show some showers in the area, but on our small island we could miss them all-together.

Now the big stuff... TD #2 has weakened somewhat and did not become ANA...yet. We do still need to keep an eye on it. Models are now predicting that it will track more south than originally shown.

The other worrisome blob behind TD #2 is also looking ready to strengthen and also definitely warrants watching. The ITCZ is wobbling up and down so we'll see what it's effect will be one the storms out there.

More later when we know more!

lowcalval

- 1 or 2 2 watch (((0)))

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:31:53 -0400

Hi all,

Just when you thought it was safe to ....Yup, those images on the Storm Surf/ storm surfing site are rather alarming. Yikes!!! Likewise, the models and satellite images and 'the watchers' are closely keeping an eye on this most recent "immigrant" from Africa. It also looks like the Saharan dust is breaking up a little bit. It has been rather clear and bright these past few days and the air quality has been better. TD#2 is also hanging out there and it is expected to veer North and away from the islands. That Storm surf site also does seem to indicate this.

Earlier this afternoon it looked like a big bunch of rain was coming right at Cruz Bay from both out past Lovango and also through Windward Passage. The wind became brisk and cool, the skies darkened, I CLOSED the windows to the jeep......nothing, not a drop, the sun is out again, hot and bright. I should have left the windows open : ) And watered the plants! And hung towels on the line...

As said, it has been hot and sunny for the past few days. All kitties are lounging on table tops, (yes they are allowed) cool tile floors, a window sill and in the shower (no it's not running -meow) anywhere that they can catch a breeze from a ceiling fan or window. What a life!

Well, since the rain isn't coming maybe off to the beach after a little gardening. Some Coleus that I've been procrastinating about propagating needs to get done.

Stay aware. Check your supplies: batteries, storm radios, gas tanks, mop-up towels, large trash bags, drinking water, clear gutters etc...If we do all of this plus wash our cars, water our gardens, hang out laundry, do exterior painting, pour concrete, it surely will keep storms away!

Happy Mid-week

lowcalval

- happy Friday!

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 10:51:04 -0400

Greetings from 18.3 N 64.8 W

89* this am with Easterly winds at 12 mph with milky, grey hazy skies. Walking to town from above Pillsbury Sound and Frank Bay, St Thomas was barely visible through this new on-slaught of Saharan dust. Grey and thick, it almost looks like rain clouds, but Nope....dust...cough, cough..It was tough on the members of my Bootcamp class this a.m . but we got through it anyway...yay team! The forecast for the weekend is for continued dry and breezy conditions, which is going to make my plants and gardens thirsty. Hey..wait...if I water it will rain...happens almost every time : - )

It looks like there is some weather along the ITCZ which is the area associated with the 2 recent airplane accidents. The waves keep coming of the African coast as does the Saharan dust and wind shear remains moderate enough to keep the blobs from becoming bombs. HOWEVER....please continue to be watchful it IS August!

Have a great weekend!

lowcalval

- Thirst-day

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 07:53:10 -0400

Good day all,

Had a bit of rain last night/early this am...of course it was because I left the car windows open...so soggy seats this am. A little cooler this am 79-80 with a little breeze (and not just the electric kind : ) and some hazy sunshine right now. We may (or may not) get some showers and T-storms today. Models are swaying in their predictions of where the rain will go...Wow ..technology at it's finest (giggle) Looks like more dust for the weekend but again, drier. There are a few waves bumping along but nothing that is predicted to become 'anything' for now but will keep on watch duty! Best to Miss Mermaid get well soon!

Have great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lowcalval

- Wednesday

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:30:05 -0400

Hey folks,

83 with sun and a nice breeze again today. We still expect quite a bit of Saharan dust haze today as we appear to be in the thick of the latest plume. Nothing to really be concerned about from the East. It's looking pretty benign out there !!!

Although a little rain would be nice right now seeing as we just used a considerable amount of water to fill up our newly purchased inflatable "swimming" pool... all 12 ft wide 3ft deep of it....yup, an inflatable pool from Cost-U-Less. It's a great end of the day way to unwind and cool off a bit. It even has a filter system...how deluxe!!! It took a while to figure out where to put it as the instructions really stressed the importance of placing it on level ground. St John doesn't really have any naturally occurring level ground and we did try to 'make' some in a few different spots. No luck. So the pool ended up on a raised platform behind our cottage and OF COURSE in full view of the large condo development less than 6 ft away. (ha ha ha we have a pool and you don't). So, as said a little rain would be kind of useful. So, I'll either have to water all the plants or have my husband wash, clean and detail the Suzuki to entice the rain clouds : )

Have a great Day!

lowcalval

- thirst-day

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:10:08 -0400

Hello all

82-83 this am with dusty hazy skies. This will be the pattern through the weekend as the dust cloud continues to move over us. The Saharan cloud that looked rather solid has fractured up a bit but is still quite impressive. Lots of red itchy eyes and throat tickles around...(cough..cough) All looks rather quiet and clear to the East. Nothing of concern coming off the African coast at this time.The surf was up on the south shore yesterday and those with boards were heading off to Reef Bay to catch a few waves !! Gibney beach on the north shore was pretty calm and the water nice and warm, just enough breeze ...mmmmmmmmm... and I'm heading there this am for some swim training.

Have a great day : )

lowcalval

- Invest 97

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:31:33 -0400

Good morning!

85 this am with weak sunshine and mixed to mostly cloudy. Had some good downpours yesterday along with a few rumbles of thunder and gusty winds as the tropical wave passed by. It was a good day to make the big trip to St Thomas for the monthly trip to K-mart, Cost-U-Less, Office Max etc... as well as Tire Kingdom for new tires. My husband was really excited about this part of the trip and was congratulated by the tire installers on his choice of tires. " Now your Suzuki REALLY looks like a jeep! " was expressed by all at the shop : ) Of course the new tires also required the purchase of tire foam to make them all nice and shiny. The STT trip was extremely a-traumatic with car barges actually being on time and not full, being able to find everything we went to get and no long lines at the check-outs! Woo hoo!!!......Anyway....

We are keeping an eye on Invest 97 which is not predicted at this time to become anything too significant. We'll probably get some rain out of it today through Tuesday but it is being given a less than 30% chance of development. Computer models show it heading south of us here in the USVI but we still should stay alert.If anything should change I'll let ya know.

lowcalval

- Looks like something soon come

From: crabbys at earthlink.net
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:30:51 -0400 (GMT-04:00)

The weather had begun to turn; skies are now darker looking east out into Coral 
Harbor.   We just had a quick shower pass through.  This appears to the the 
leading edge of a system that is moving into this part of the island chain.  
Sure looks impressive on satellite.  Local radar shows scattered showers.  

We moved into phase two of storm preparedness today; recut the tan tan that has 
spouted back up since the first cutback of the season -- to make sure utility 
lines stay clear in case the wind picks up.  We are keeping a close watch on 
invest 97 -- in the event that system decides to develop.  It might require us 
to move into the next phase: living with some of the smaller outdoor furniture 
inside the house from this part of the season forward.  Once the furniture 
comes in, only the really bulky things end up back outside after the first 
storm passes -- just so you can still live in the house.

- Super Saturday.

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2009 08:32:26 -0400

Good day !

Currently 85 in Cruz Bay with the sun shining and a very light intermittent breeze. I guess it will be warm and stifling for teaching my bootcamp class this am (boo hoo) however, the heavy, dusty air we had yesterday has cleared a bit after the showers we had yesterday.

Right now there are a few tropical waves out to the East 2 of which are being given an approximately 30% chance of development. We will probably get some moisture out of these systems but as always, we'll "keep an eye on the sky" . )

Okay a little meteorology lesson:

The ITCZ ; intertropical Convergence Zone : is a low pressure zone near the equator where the tradewinds of both hemispheres converge and coincides with the thermal equator, which is a mobile entity unlike the geographical equator. This zone is also associated with increased cloud formation and rainfall generation in the tropics. During the summer months the ITCZ begins to migrate northwards as it is currently being observed to be doing.

The tropical waves to our East are tracking almost in parallel with the ITCZ. As the ITCZ moves north, the waves off of Africa tend to track more northwards also. So now is the time to really be watchful. Be ready!!!!! Okay...lesson is over : )

lowcalval

- ,mfr (Sinbad's typing)

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:57:35 -0400

Good Day all,

Quite a few heavy showers last night with the younger kitties flying all around the house and disturbing the mature kitties sleep. Also, OF COURSE, I left the windows of the Suzuki down so soggy seats this morning. : (

Showers and breezy this am temp 81. Nope now it's sunny. This is to be the pattern today, clouds, showers, sun... after all I did water the plants yesterday... More and thicker Saharan dust on the way otherwise no big, bad storms, or other severe weather on the horizon.

Have a great day!

lowcalval

- Sunday Funday again

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:23:07 -0400

Good morning all,

I actually got to observe the weather both in Cruz Bay AND Coral Bay this am.as I drove out to Coral Bay to meet a friend to go biking. Yup, we actually drive places to go riding. We road from the Coral Bay triangle up to Bordeaux . Nice ride. Saw a few new baby donkeys with their mamas lazing and grazing by the roadside. So cute! Nice breeze and temp about 83 on both sides of the island. Hazy sunshine but not too dense and good blue sky visible. Maybe a pop -up shower in the afternoon, but otherwise 'lookin good'. A possible wave by mid-week but predictions are still under question. The plants could use a little of Nature's water.

The drive back to Cruz Bay was equally as nice. Took North Shore road just so I could pass by all the lovely beaches. Maho was stunning and calm so I just had to stop and look. Of course the overlook at Trunk Bay is always a favorite and this am there was no one there but me! Getting closer to town the Caneel view was also gorgeous, again no one else around : ) Looking over Cruz Bay and home over Pillsbury Sound the skies and sea look like summer!

Enjoy your day!

lowcalval

- Happy Friday

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:45:16 -0400

Good day all,

82 this am in Cruz Bay, nice breeze, drier air...plain ole pleasant!!!!! Looks like the next few days will be typical of this with scattered clouds; especially those streamer clouds that pass over the island and over some of the North shore beaches and town, also, possible showers in the afternoon and the Sahara dust plume should be affecting us this weekend. There are a few tropical waves lined up but nothing to worry about at the time.

Carnival is over and island life is settling down to summer laziness. ..Ahhhhh....

Stay aware

lowcalval

- Rumble and Bumble

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2009 16:05:06 -0400

Good afternoon/ day after THE DAY and all recovering from Carnival

Okay---- Who asked for this afternoon interlude??? Yup, a wave was predicted to come through, but where was mentioned HOUSE SHAKING claps of thunder?? And scary lightning? It got dark...really dark ..and still. I could see strange clouds and thunderheads looming over St Cx. But it wasn't really looking like coming this way too fast. So I continued gardening and transplanting etc.. Then the first few drops and then REALLY dark.

Okay, I'm pretty much terrified of thunder and lightning. My mother instilled this in me early on how electricity/ lightning travels . " You can't turn on the water faucet or take a shower or wash dishes because you'll get struck by lightning." "Don't stand by windows, or talk on the phone, you'll get struck by lightning." "Don't stand under trees or walk by or be near metal fences, you'll be struck by lightning". So, I adhere to this advice. Actually, I have had some near encounters with said lightning incidents and just know it's coming to get me.

The cats were all worried but trying to stay composed, except for Sinbad who was hiding under the blankets all curled up. Cleopatra, who is normally very quiet let out a few meows after some particularly loud and shaking rumbles that almost knocked her off the kitchen island. (Yup they go there, they rule the house)

So now it's a little quieter, not alot of rain with this event. Still dark and circular rumbling. Sahara dust ( big-time ) on the way. Actually, a good way to wrap up a long holiday weekend in the USVI

Stay aware!

lowcalval

- warm and humid for the 4th

From: "crabby" <crabbys at earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 10:44:07 -0400

It really feels like summer has arrived. The temperature is already in the mid 80s at 10:30 am with 84 percent humidity -- warm for up here (on the hillside overlooking Coral Harbor). It has been overcast, so that is keeping the heat down a bit. Showers and possible thunderstorms are forecast for the next day and half; could be an interesting Independence Day.

The recent rains still have everything looking green and lush; many signs of ample food in the wild, including baby donkeys and birds.

- HOT HOT HOT

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 07:43:04 -0400

Welcome to July!

82 at 7:30 am. We has a brief and gentle rain shower around 5:30 am. Now the skies are sunny and the air feels drier. Looks like this will be the pattern for the rest of the week except for some more Saharan dust later today and the possibility or some wet stuff around on Sat ?-Sun?

It CAN'T rain on the parade on Sat July 4th!

So....Carnival is also really heating up with music LOUD and LONG. Thanks to the benevolence of friends we were allowed to stay in a nice quiet little place for the night. Heavenly, blissful, un-broken sleep! No music, no voices, best of all NO middle of the night ROOSTERS! Yipee-yay : ) Funny though, when I came into our cottage this am, Sinbad (my Siamese furry friend) who usually can't get enough of me, was shying away from me. Did I change that much in 8 hrs? Hmmm. Or maybe it's because I didn't feed him in the middle of the night. Silly kitty.

Here' to a good day!

lowcalval

- manic monday

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:22:17 -0400

Good day!

82 at 7 am. Skies are much more clear. The thick band of Sahara dust is finally passing by, but it looks like there will be more on the way mid-week.The east seas look pretty benign right now with a wave coming of the African coast. We'll keep and eye on it.

Tonight is the opening of Festival Village here in Cruz Bay which also means the beginning of sleepless nights of LOUD music coming from town. Even if you don't want to 'participate ' in the nights activities, they show up in your living room anyway...Oh well, it's only until July 4th, well actually July 5th as the music does continue after the BIG parade on 7/4. It'll be a long week. At least, the 'cold beverage' fairies seem to be keeping up with their job. Just when the small refrigerator appears to be empty (or close to it), well what do you know....it has been re-filled. I love that magic machine : )

Hey, Have a Great Monday!

lowcalval

- A hazy, dusty Friday hey

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:40:32 -0400

Happy Friday all!

Well, the tropical wave that seemed to be breaking the Sahara Dust flow into 2 pieces has failed and 'de dust dun com' thick and heavy and grey. Looking over Pillsbury Sound towards St Tom some of the hills are barely visible.The sky almost looks overcast but, nope, it's dust. A little breeze with bigger gusts here and again which is nice as it's been quite warm.

For me; it can not ever be too hot, but to some this is wat too warm. I was teaching one of my outdoor Bootcamp classes this am and everyone was moaning and groaning and sweating and red faced and one member pointed out that I was not even perspiring. ( I was a little) Guess I'm made for this place!

Okay...the humidity seems higher as well as the temp. We haven't had much rain lately so my plants and gardens will need some supplimental H2O later today. And OF COURSE as I was coming through town Alfredo's Garden Center was having a plant sale at Connections and OF COURSE I had to stop and look and look some more, but alas, I was on foot and couldn't carry too many plants back up the hill, but.....there is the Suzuki...

It was 82 at 6 am and will be quite warm by this afternoon which will necessitate a dip in the now warm blue-green/aquamarine sea. It IS Friday after all, the last Friday of June, and the true beginning of Carnival activities , so it's okay to sneak out a little early, yes?

Anyway..on the horizon, there are a string of waves coming off of Africa, but with the heavy dust things should not progress. HOWEVER : do not let your guard down. June is almost past and June is our quietest month of 'the season' stay aware and be prepared (almost sounds like a Carnival theme).

Happy Friday!!!!!!

lowcalval

- Day after Monday

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:08:34 -0400

Good day all

81 this am with partly cloudy skies. As has been the case lately, clouds seem to just come right over Margaret hill and over Contant. No real rain predicted and the Saharan dust should be getting here later this week. The funny weather pattern of west to east moving systems stll seems to be occuring and there isn't anything worrisome coming off of Africa. Hot to hotter afternoons should be the norm for the week with light breezes.

We are going out for a sunset sail tonight on Cloud 9 out of Cruz Bay Creek. Should be a nice one, as well as a way to get away from the ravage of mosquitos! We actually made our 'virgin voyage" on the JY15 this Sunday. Yipee! The winds were just about right . Only a few drop-offs to nothing, but good conditions to get a feel for the boat and for handling it. Good fun : ) We sailed out of Cruz Bay out towards Caneel Bay, around and back out towards Henley Cay .

Festival/Carnival happenings are really getting into full gear. Friday is Festival Mix, Saturday: Miss St John Contest, Sunday: Food Fair and Coronation and the BIG ONE: Festival Village opens on Monday! The customs/town parking lot is closed now (boo for those who need to use it for bussiness etc...) and construction of booths is underway.St John is heating up! By the way, I was wrong, yup, it even happens to me ( tee hee ). There is a Festival theme : Come Jingle and Unwind for Festival 2009.

Be safe and well!

lowcalval

- Finally Friday!

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:12:30 -0400

Good morning all, and happy Friday.

79 this am with sun shinning through lightly scattered clouds and drier air. The closets, clothes and cats are drying out a bit now. Wish the roosters (3-5 of them) would dry up and go away. We have a neighborhood pellet rifle that gets passed around to whoever seems to have the most troublesome birds. We try to stun them in the bum to move them along. We usually hope to send them into the large nearby condo development still being constructed. (close to 8 yrs now !) Somehow they usually return and sometimes bring friends. Many mornings as well as various times during the night they'll call to each other. Of course these guys range in ages so their crows have all kinds of variations (many of which I can imitate very well :) ) so it's a rather off-key kind of concert........ Okay back to the weather : Looks pretty good coming up. Radar shows rather clear skies. Probably just the high scattered clouds, usually streamer types along parts of the North shore but drier conditions and refreshing breezes. No scary blobs to be seen and maybe a little dust but nothing much. YAY! Conditions should be good for the St John Festival bike race being held Saturday am as well as the Princess and Price Show on Sunday pm. Festival village will soon come and then Festival/Carnival will be in full swing. It's funny that this year there isn't a slogan for festival. Last year was jump up and congregate in 2008, where's the one for 2009. How about Come out and shine in Festival 2009? Oh well...

Have a great day

lowcalval

- Is crazy wetta

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:21:44 -0400

Hi all

So, this early am the slightly bright son done come out for a visit. But not soon into the mid-morning the torrential rains came to Cruz Bay and probably to Coral Bay as well. This funny stuff seemed to move East to North to West. Soon the electricity went down on both sides of the rock. First just flicker, flicker on, flicker, flicker on, then flicker, flicker OFF. At the same time, I can't remember seeing skies so dark steel grey/ blue with what looked like billowing thunder heads. St Thomas was barely visable looking ghostly VERY EERIE :< just very dark and still... little breeze. Next comes the over-head bowling match. Thunder rumbles almost in a circle around the island. Loud, louder, softer, louder softer, softer now almost gone but NO RAIN ? Hmmm. Feels like it looks like , predicted but Zip. Very grey still, looking towards Lovango. By the way, did you know that Lovango was once a 'Brothel' island frequented by wayward sailors and pirates...Hence the name Love-an-Go .) :) :) ! Well, no afternoon beach or bike ride today. Of which, this weekend brings the St John Carnival (whoops..Festival) Bike race on Sat 6/20. The ride starts in Cruz Bay, follows Centerline Rd to Coral Bay then back up the hill to King's Hill and DOWWWNNN King's hill , along Northshore road and finishes at Hawksnest Beach...whew! Anyway, the bowling match has started up again and will send this out before electicity decides to take a nap. Best to all. Really start at least thinking about supplies and materials for "the season".

Stay dry!

lowcalval

- middle of the month Monday

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:39:42 -0400

Good day all.
This a.m. finds the temp at 81 with 83% humidity and high scattered =
clouds which has become a familiar pattern these last few weeks. A =
liitle breeze has returned to help push all of the recently arrived =
mosquitos around .) June is a typically quiet month for hurricane/storm =
activity and so far all looks to be okay. The water is getting warmer =
and warmer and I can finally get in all the way! There does look as if =
we will experience some Sahara dust this week although is doesn't look =
too dense.

The weekend weather was also similar and felt quite warm and no real =
rain to shout about . Which was a good thing as Saturday was the day to =
fetch the JY 15 out of Coral Bay. We got the call around 11 am that a =
vehicle with a trailor hitch was available to go and trailor the boat =
toCruz Bay. Yay!! So, we and another couple set to the project. First, =
we had to go and get the trailor which was being stored at a house up =
above Cruz Bay. Said trailor was to be found stored on an old pation =
behind a broken down jeep that we were told may or may not start....Not =
. Wel being strong and active the jeep was popped into neutral and =
pushed out of the way. Okay we're on the way! Next, does the ball on the =
trailor hitch fit the trailor yes or no? ...NO. So of cousre the =
resourceful men did come prepared with all sorts of toole etc 'just in =
case '. But was there another ball to fit the trailor. There were lots =
of boat parts and things sitting around so one was found but of course =
it did not fit. We knew that if the trailor got up to this house there =
must be a correctly fitting ball. So a call tot he owner was made and =
sure enough it was there. But it was inside the house and also inside =
was a very LARGE dog. "Oh she won't bite , she'll just bark alot" we =
were told. Well, my fearless husband challanged the dog first by =
throwing a ball to her and then handfulls of dog food while snagging the =
ball from on top of the refrigerator and running out the door. Next was =
attaching the correct ball to the hitch 'without a hitch' Ha not to =
happen. So the ball was attached directly to the bumper and secured with =
a chain and so OFF TO CORAL BAY. We only had to stop acouple times to =
set tha trailor back on the road and tighten the axels, but we made it! =
After all that work it was DEFINATELY time for lunch at Island Blues =
and of course after that it was NECESSARY to stop in at the new 2nd hand =
store across the street : New 2 U and finding items to good to pass up. =
Okay that done ...onto the boat yard and getting the boat onto the =
trailor. This was done relatively smoothly, however the mast did hang =
off the end and the only red material happened to be my tank top! No =
that did not happen, we went flagleess. So then it was decided that if =
we were able to drive 50 yds from the boat yard we should go to Skinny =
Legs and celebrate! We made it and off to Skinny"s we go. At long last =
we made the journey back to Cruz Bay, over the hills and around the =
curves slowly but successfully. Such a St John adventure! Wonder what =
will be next!?!

Have a great Day!

lowcalval

- smoke on the water

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:51:49 -0400

Hi folks!

Smoke on the water is just what the sea and sky have looked like these past SEVERAL days. Thick blue-grey haze that just lingers and washes out the sun. There isn't any significant Sahara dust around yet to be causing these conditions as well as no reports of bursts from Montserrat. No real breeze to move it along, sticky and still.

Yesterday felt especially oppressive, but this could be due to the fact that The Marketplace was urgently evacuated at around noon due to a large propane tank leak . Those of us who were working or shopping heard the alarms going off but OF COURSE paid no attention and continued on until management came into the establishments yelling for us to GET OUT NOW!!! Then we all scrambled out to the parking lots and just stood around trying to find out what was going on (even though you could smell gas) Again, management told us to leave the property NOW. Soon the fire trucks and police cars were arriving as the parking lots were trying to empty. They all did a great job with traffic control and a smooth evacuation. All in all everything was back to normal within a few hours. ST John excitement!!

Back to weather:

One tropical wave has passed by and another is following along but does not seem to pose any threats. This am is warm, 83 hazy sun and slight occaisional breezes. A 50% chance of rain expected today.

Okay, all cats ( 4 indoor, 3+ outdoor) are crying for food so I must obey them :)

Have a good day!

lowcalval

- cats and dogs!

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 07:40:21 -0400

Good morning!

Was awakened at around 12:30pm with rain coming down in cats and dogs and elephants and frogs. Okay, I should have seen it coming, my husband did not wash the jeep but DID scrub and clean and wax the JY 15 he just bought. I dropped him off at the boat yard in Coral Bay while I went biking. Returned about 2 hrs later and he was still at it. As finishing up, the heavy clouds began to roll in from over Tortola and rain soon come. So it was a good excuse to stop for a late breakfast at Donkey Diner...YUM... before heading Alllll the way back to Cruz Bay .)

Those clouds were just a tease as the sun did come out nicely in the afternoon and made for a nice swim at Gibney Beach which actually had alot of beach due to the very low tide. As well as clear skies for full moon activities. Of which there was a Full Moon pig roast at Miss Lucy's and some friends were planning on a full moon hike out to Ram's Head.

Milky sunny skies this am and the tropical wave responsible for last nights rain and booming and flashes seems to have passed. We are to expect periods of clouds and showers and then sun again for today (ho hum) Don't forget hurricane season is here so do begin to think about and start preparations.

Enjoy the day!

lowcalval

- "Hump Day"

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2009 07:33:01 -0400

Greetings from the Island of John!

Today, again starts with some weak sun and ominous looking clouds coming over Margaret Hill in Cruz Bay. Last night the skies opened up with buckets of rain and strong gusts of cool wind. I was covered in cats most of the night :) Cleopatra is officially 'the cat hat' as her favorite place to sleep is around my head !

Since the mosquitos are finally and probably temporarily at bay I finally got around to propagating some coleus, transplanting a bunch of Anthurium Cordata, continuing to stack a dry stack stone wall and dividing wild oregano and giving everything a BIG drink....therefore the big rain! Same principle as washing and cleaning the Suzuki...rain. Come to think about it the day before the rain of May 3rd my husband spent a few hours washing, cleaning and even waxing said Suzuki! Hmmmm.

Looks like we are in this weather pattern for a few more days with showers, scattered downpours, sun and so on. Hopefully better for the weekend!

Have a great Day!

lowcalval

- Suuny Sunday Fun Day

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 31 May 2009 16:41:16 -0400

All I can say is WOW!!!! What a beautiful, clear, day.

I went biking this a.m. and out at Leinster Bay the tide seemed unusually far out. Lots of sand and stones close to shore. Also, it has been reported that MANY sea stars ( Starfish) have been sited out at Leinster Bay. Worth a check out .) (this is a wink)

Coming back on the North Shore road was breath takingly beautiful. Clear, bright blue skies, calm seas, light breeze, no dust, not humid : had to stop at the overlooks, just because....mmmmmmmm! Today we can see St Croix quite clearly from Cruz Bay which is also an unusual event.( Hmm, is there something cosmic going on here?)

Some fiends are hosting a pig roast this afternoon at P+P BY The Sea on Moorehead point. May try to make it for some of the fun, but we'll see how the rest of the yard work/gardening comes along!

Happy Sunday Fun Day.

lowcalval

- Fridayay!

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 07:00:13 -0400

Good day all. Well here we go again...Tropical depression 1 has formed in the Atlantic but appears to pose no threat to any land masses. Just a practice run by Mother Nature. Which should also spur us on to begin preparations for 'the season'. June 1st is Monday.

This morning on St John we actually had BRIGHT not hazy sunshine coming over Margaret Hill and gently pink skies. Maybe this heavy air is beginning to clear out. Yesterday we still had hazy, ashy, dusty still and humid air, but some good later afternoon sun and was able to get in a swim at Hawksnest Beach. But once out of the water the no-see-ums came to visit in full force :( The weekend should be okay with more of the same....Summer is here!

Happy Friday!

- A Sunday good morning

From: "val donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 24 May 2009 06:41:33 -0400

Here on St John we have another grey sky start without a breeze to be found. Temp at 83 and humidity at 92%. Yesterday gave us a few peaks of ash hazy sunshine which made the heat and still air even warmer. This cloud system just seems to like us and wants to hang around ) :

Today is the Beach-Beach Power swim here on St John. Sounds like there will be a good turnout with some stiffer competition this year. The lack of breeze and flat surf should make for a smooth and quick race..YAY!

Enjoy your Sunday and for US residents a good holiday weekend!

Best,

Loecalval

- murky thursday

From: "Val Donaghue" <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 16:05:09 -0400

Greetings from St John!

Just a quick report and introduction from 'lowcalval' a new St John Storm Carib team Member. I've been an avid site follower for many years and decided it was time to jump in and help out to give you St John storm conditions (there will be none this year!) St John tidbits, weather and sea condition updates, fun facts and local events worthy of travel to our small island :)

Today, as also yesterday and back to the big rain on Mon May 4th we've had clouds, haze, humidity, spotty showers with some periods of buckets of rain followed by, yup, mosquitos.At least they don't like to feed on me as much anymore! The air is very still so no help from the breeze to move the nasty buggers on their way. All of my indoor cats (4 total) look like they are melting on the kitchen floor. It looks like we still have a bit more of this "pea soup" weather to contend with, but maybe by the early weekend a break of sunshine.

Hopefully, Because St John is hosting the Beach-Beach Power Swim this Sunday, May 25th. This is a fund raiser sponsored by The Friends Of The National Park here. The swim Starts at Maho Bay and there are 3 legs to the race: 1St to Cinnamon Bay, 2nd Trunk Bay, and for the brave and fit 3rd is Hawksnest Beach. It's a great event for swimmers, volunteers and cheerer-ons. The surf may be a bit rolly for the swim so that should be kept in mind!

Have a great USA holiday weekend (Memorial Day)

lowcalval