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- - - 2014 Hurricane Season - - -
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- Tropical Storm Ana
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Sat, 9 May 2015 19:21:10 -0400
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Ana originally formed as a subtropical storm off the coast of the
Carolinas late Thursday night.
Early Saturday morning, the
National Hurricane Center said that Ana had made a complete transition from a
subtropical storm to a full tropical storm. This was based on the fact that
shower and thunderstorm activity was more collocated with the center of
circulation, which is a characteristic of tropical storms.
So here I am, Dear Miss Mermaid, in the Sea Islands off the
coast of South Carolina, minding my own business in May and we have the first
named tropical storm Ana bearing down this way. Who'd a thunk
it? Hurricane season doesn't even start until June 1st. But here come
Ana, like a good ole southerner, not only prompt for the event, but early.
Waaaaaay early. The belle of the ball and we haven't even set up the band
yet. Let's hope she has no where to go and leaves us alone. I am supposed
to travel again tomorrow. But my motorhome betrayed me a day early and
announced her poop tank was full to the brim. I had to break camp to go to the
dump station. Oh the joys of camping. My stomach is not
cooperating with me. It's pitching a big fit just like it used to do when
hurricanes breathed down on me in the Caribbean. I wonder if it is
psychosomatic. I used to endure hurricanes ashore while my self-insured sailboat
rode out the hurricane on her lonesome; typically attached to six anchors with
numerous layers of chafing gear around the anchor rodes in hopes the choppy
waves and winds wouldn't bust her free. My stomach would do awful things because
typically where I took refuge ashore was no where near where I could watch my
precious sailboat bob helplessly upon the seas. Amazingly my boat
survived every time, though there were always some damages to endure, with
repairs to be made afterwards. A little old motorhome is no place to be
during a hurricane, but since it drives 60 miles per hour and hurricanes
typically travel at 5-15 miles per hour, theoretically I could outrun
Ana. Perhaps the Ohio valley would look good about right now.
Warm
and Sunny Regards,
Dear Miss Mermaid
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- Wet and Wild
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2015 13:40:43 -0500
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Not every day is perfect in the islands, some are rainbow
makers! 
Warm and Sunny Regards,
The Mermaids in the Virgin
Islands
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- Another fabulous day in paradise!
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 10:41:13 -0500
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2014 went by with no hurricane damages to the Virgin islands.
2015 rolled in with a big bang!
And the really GOOD news is that NO SNOW is expected at all
this winter!
I'll drink to that!
Warm and Sunny Regards,
The Mermaids in the Virgin
Islands
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- Winds are up!
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:21:35 -0400
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Good Afternoon!
Yesterday morning we had North West swells that turned more North East as the day went on, so where we are located we ended up being really protected. The big winds were pushed out a little and we are now experiencing gusty winds averaging 10-18 knots. Wind Guru is predicting this evening winds will be picking up to 25-28 knot gusts. Monday into Tuesday winds will continue to be high. Seems like the charter folks are still moving regularly, but they have limited time while on vacation so they are moving more often than the liveaboard cruisers. Rain has been sparse, but last night we had one good downpour that gave us some water in the dinghy and some in the stern tank. A welcomed sound....rain on the deck trickling into the stern tank!!! The islands are still green but as we are now coming into the dry season any amount of rain is appreciated!
Come down to the BVI and experience bit of paradise!!
Cheers!!! The Mermaid Gardener
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- Hurricane Gonzalo
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 16:08:38 -0400
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Hurricane Gonzalo looks like Alaska bearing down on the teeny
tiny islands. Well, he's not a hurricane yet, but he will be soon enough. 
From a boater in the BVI:
Begad!!!!! Yikes this one is
bearing down on us, time to batten down the hatches!!! Talked to a boater who
says he is securing everything onboard prepping the sailboat! That means
solar panels down, Bimini down, jib wrapped tight with extra rope, boom down
& tied securely and anything loose inside the boat is put on the floor
securely stowed. A huge job! Everyone shutter up, tie down, secure anything that
could fly or become loose, provision up, batteries, water, non perishables, and
don't forget the rum! Use for medicinal purposes only! (It calms the nerves
during a storm...)
Wet and Windy Regards,
Dear Miss Mermaid
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- Tropical Storm Gonzalo
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 09:39:47 -0400
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Sneaky Gonzalo formed Sunday afternoon.
Hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings have been issued
for Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the British
Virgin Islands. Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for islands as far
south as Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles.
Beware! Up to 12 inches of rain could cause flash flooding and
mudslides. He could very well be up to hurricane strength soon.
Gonzalo is moving toward the west at 10 to 15 mph, and is
expected to steadily gain strength over the next few days.
Gonzalo will spread showers with winds of tropical storm force
across the Leeward Islands Monday, then into the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
later Monday into Tuesday.
Swells generated by Gonzalo will lead to dangerous surf and
rip currents along area beaches, as well.
Time to stock up on Rum, candles, canned goods,
batteries and heavy duty garbage bags to protect sensitive electronics and
personal effects. You should already have these things on hand, but we all know
that in the islands, folks like to wait until the very last minute.
Remember employees want to go home and stores may close up
unexpectedly.
Wind and water can often stealthily find ways into your boat
and home when you least expect it, so a good supply of big heavy duty garbage
bags to protect your stuff can be so handy.
If your boat isn't in a hurricane hole, heaven help you, do
all you can to secure it where it is and say your prayers.
Warm and Gloomy Regards,
Dear Miss Mermaid
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- rain, no sunny, no it is rain... oh now sun but rain looks close
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 08:37:41 -0400
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Going to be one of those days..... 50 to 90% chance of rain showers for today and through the weekend. Monday is forecast to be clear then more showers building.
Well, we did need some rain but with it comes the mosquitoes and their growing problem. Always, keep something on your skin to protect from them. Lots of people down with illnesses from the daytime fliers and the sunrise and sunset group are far worst with the rains.
Was going to make a run into Road Town today but may put it off as the radar shows many many many showers heading our way this AM, some with very active elements, thunder boomies in the distance.
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Talk Like A Pirate Day
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 22:08:52 -0400
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Argh matey!
Today is talk like a pirate day you
old skallywag rum swilling bilge rats. If youse don't be talking like a pirate,
you might as well walk me plank and sleep with the smelly old fishes.
Put some jolly in your roger and talk like a
pirate!
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- Talk Like A Pirate Day
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 21:55:55 -0400
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Argh matey!
Today is talk like a pirate day you
old skallywag rum swilling bilge rats. If youse don't be talking like a pirate,
you might as well walk me plank and sleep with the smelly old fishes.
Put some jolly in your roger and talk like a
pirate!
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- Rain showers as TROPWAVE passes
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 07:44:11 -0400
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Forecasters indicate we should have a higher chance of some rain showers over the remainder of the week.
Light winds of about 8 kts with seas under 4 feet in the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Mostly sunny sky with some rain showing up north of us on Radar but looks like it will stay north for a bit this AM. Had just a very light couple of showers last evening with a great night over all. No other major weather events for the next couple of days according to present forecast.
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- UP Date
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 16:52:12 -0400
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This is for a storm that is Just Off Africa and already has a 30 to 50% chance of becoming a Tropical Cyclone in 5 days.
It is the strongest wave moving off Africa so far this season. We all need to keep an eye on this one for sure
--
later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Hot and windy with dust
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 12:49:51 -0400
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WOW the airport is reporting 90 F with a heat Index of 105 and winds at 16 MPH with winds expected to be as high as 30 mph over the next few days. Radar shows a few small rain cells moving toward us but chance of seeing something is only 20% today and tonight but 60% Thursday then 40 to 50% over the weekend with those increased winds. Invest 97L has lost its name but a mob of heavy weather still shows up on radar and sat's so these winds could turn into something as they get close or past us.
Meanwhile we have Invest 98L up in the Gulf and tracks have it visiting either south Texas or Mexico as bad weather but probably not a Major Storm.
Today as I looked out across the Sir Francis Drake channel I had a hard time making out the islands due to haze. Checked the sat photos and Yes we have dust once again. Not a thick and wide layer but none the less we have it over us in a narrow band for now but it looks to grow. We still have large gaps between us and the never ending line of puff balls now coming off Africa. BUT... it could help.
stay safe
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Bright and sunny AM ...But....
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 09:04:15 -0400
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Great looking AM today as was most of a Sunny Sunday. Even had the opportunity to get off the boat to hike about the Eastern part of the island over to Beef Island for a nice brunch at Loose Mongoose then back making it a nice change from the boat.
While the road construction detour is still in place, most traffic on Sunday was noted to bypass it and go direct to the Airport area. Not 2-way in many places but it can and was done but when workers return Monday it will probably be enforced. Work is not due to the passing storm but on going infrastructure improvements... which means it could last for years if not decades IE Hospital....
A wave will move through the islands as early as Tuesday through Wednesday bringing marginally higher winds and seas with increased chances of Thunder Storms. Winds up to 30 Mph are forecast by several services on Tuesday / Wed and seas of up to 7 feet are forecast for the period between Wed night and the weekend. This seems a bit high to me but we should not be too surprised since the area around us now is without the dust layer overcap and the counter winds are not doing their thing for the next several days or possibly week.
the But...  This one Invest 97L is forecast to visit us possibly late in the weekend or early next week. It is presently in an area with higher Dry Dust which will help keep it from gaining as much power as it could and we hope it is enough as it will also run out of this area before it possibly reaches us. Remember the last one made TS just after passing us...
Two other waves are behind this one and an 1008 Low still over Africa could make its wet appearance in a week or so. Active is an understatement for the systems rolling off Africa for the upcoming weeks.
Several readers have requested Bar readings... well Barometers give uncorrected readings and can be misleading. Best to use those corrected at major sites but even many you normally get are actually uncorrected anyway. Here on the boat my reading is 1011.8 which is the same report as I received from a HF station on St John this AM. Normally they are a bit different as I am at sea level and they are a bit higher overlooking Coral Bay. These readings are a bit lower than the present weather would indicate but are very indicative of what forecast show is going to be heading our way within 48 hours which is one advantage of keeping a watch on the BAR even if it is not corrected... it will still show a trend in pressure which is very useful.
Stay informed and say safe.
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- gloomy
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 10:53:43 -0400 (EDT)
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Windy, dark, cloudy at nearly noon.
Warm
and Windy Regards,
DearMissMermaid.com |
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- That is da Sun
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 10:34:21 -0400
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Well I hope most of you got your cisterns all topped up as I got my water tanks filled. I even had some excess I collected in extra containers I had around for some clean ups I plan over the next day or so. But even if you didn't fill up, you will probably have another chance coming soon.
One wave out about 45 west runs from about 25 North to 10 North and could be visiting us by mid week maybe as early as Tuesday and run through Thursday. Forecast for winds to be back up in the 17 to 23 knots area with seas running 5 to 6 feet. At this time rain chances are not very great but with the diminished dry air and lower dust with reduced shear winds this wave could grow faster than our recently departed wave. Many forecasters are looking a very large Low still over Africa that will move over to the Atlantic in the next few days. This one appears to have many characteristics of one that could become a named storm early in its life cycle. It needs to be watched until it shows its colors.
It appears from East End that other than a few problems with excess rain and minor wind damage, most of us did OK. Roads here appear to be near normal this AM but I think I'll just put off my long walks until maybe Sunday when we should get lots of Sun and low chance of rain. Not that I object to a bit of a shower while I hike around the island, it keeps me cool.
Got a message from Al in West End that they got lots of rain and the light show was great to watch over toward the USVI. Loved to the photos but don't have time to get them cut to size to post this AM. Info from St John on the radio this AM indicated they had 3 inches on the South side of the island and reports of 4 on the North face. I'm not a fan of watching lightning.... not while I'm on a boat!!!!!
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Drip drop plip plop
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:47:18 -0400 (EDT)
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Dark clouds, disturbed weather, flash flood warnings. The seas
are rough, the heavens are crying.
The BVI lost a beloved soul recently.
Gary Roy was found deceased in his home. If you've ever partied in the BVI then
chances are you knew, met or saw Gary, known for his trademark mustache and
happy smile. He tirelessly worked as a food and beverage manager for many
popular watering holes including Pussers, Foxy's, Bananakeet, Jolly Roger,
Myetts,and Peg Legs. Gary was a happy energetic person who put
his heart and soul into his work. He was always a can-do person who could keep
his cool under the most trying chaotic situations. He was a shining example of
the ideal manager.
I first met him in the late 80's and
he became a treasured friend that often told me the most hilarious
stories. He could make such funny faces, especially when he imitated
something bizarre. I (like so many) could tell you
hundreds of wonderful fabulous stories about Gary. He was always quick with a
smile, very accommodating and sincerely loved his work, his
friends and his adventurous life.
Wet and Sad Regards,
Dear Miss
Mermaid |
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- X marks the spot!
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 23:28:47 -0400 (EDT)
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X marks the spot!
The next storm or buried treasure? Time to make your boats
safe and stock up on rum... just in case!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Years back on a super hot summer day, we
were in a grocery store adjacent to a hospital on a certain island, I shall
leave unnamed (but many of you may figure it out anyhow). We kept bumping into
zombies. People that had glazed over eyes, shuffling up and down the aisles.
They had no carts, no hand baskets.
It was crazy! The store was crowded with
these non-shoppers. We had a heck of a time trying to assemble our groceries
because these people staring far off into space were dragging their feet,
blocking shoppers. Some of them just stood motionless in the narrow aisles
staring with a faraway look.
At a waterfront bar that evening, we
mentioned this to other islanders, about the strange zombies crowding up the
grocery store. Someone burst out laughing and said "Oh the flight deck lost
their air conditioning again."
It was explained to us that the "flight
deck" was the nickname for the top floor of the nearby hospital where they kept
the mental patients.
The hospital didn't have air
conditioning when it was first built, but people on the top floor mental ward
would occasionally fling themselves out the open windows, hence the "flight
deck" nickname. At some point, it was decided to air condition that ward so the
windows could be kept closed and presumably the patients would be safer.
When the air conditioning broke on a super
hot day, they drugged up the patients so they wouldn't resist, then
deposited them in the nearby air conditioned grocery store to stay cool while
they worked on repairing their air conditioning.
The story made sense, we had surely seen the
zombie-like people that were not shopping, just creating havoc in the narrow
aisles.
I have no idea if this was true or not, but
it sure made a great story and the bar was a lively spot as we laughed and
giggled about the absurdity of it all.
Warm and Goofy Regards,
Dear Miss Mermaid
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- What is your guess?????
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 12:50:47 -0400
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Well all last evening and earlier today all forecast were for this invest 96L to run under us with us getting winds in the upper 20's and seas 7 to 11 feet. How as us noon we see this.
The most recent plots once again place us about dead of the estimates........ It does not appear the local forecast have been updated yet..... but the BVI does have a small craft warning in place from today until Saturday night.
Chance of formation in 48 hours is 50% and 70% in 5 days but without regard to formation of a TS, Gusty winds and heavy rains are most probably over the Virgin Islands Friday and Saturday. The dry /air Sahara dust, is no longer present and the shear winds have also reduced AND the water is far warmer once this thing crossed the lower islands. Still no one has a good idea how much it will strengthen but it will and everyone needs to keep track of the developments.
As I was coming back from Road Town in a Bus I asked the driver if he was ready for the rain and winds on Friday... he and no one else on the bus had any idea invest 96L or any significant weather event was possible if not probably for the next 48 hours. This I have found over the past 5 years to be very typical of the area. Few people pay any attention to weather matters until they start to occur.
--
later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Time to consider actions
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2014 08:30:06 -0400
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Last evening the forecast for area over the coming weekend took a decided move toward the unpleasant.
WindGURU for the BVI now shows a forecast of winds between 21 and 27 knots with gust between 22 and 33 knots with possibility of higher within squall's. Those are about my limit for sitting on my rear and getting about doing some higher level prep here on da boat.
Meet Invest 96L which appearance caused these increased forecast.
While most plots place this potential TS below the BVI we will be once again on the North East side where the most adverse weather normally occurs. How close it gets to us from the South will be a huge factor in what we will see. We may not know more until Thursday mid day on the most likely paths and impact to the BVI.
Just behind 96L is another potential weather event which should reach a few days later than 96L. We are looking at a high potential for increased local winds and seas with increased chances of heaver rain and a potential for squalls passing over the area. At this time No Local advisories are in effect. This could change by tonight.
About mid day on the 19th a series of Thunder Storms moved over the southern off shore area of the BVI and some rain was observed over several of the islands. The Thunder was pronounced as where I was located it was rather clear and I was in a good bit of sunshine but I did get some stray raindrops on and off over the afternoon and night. Early this AM we did have a shower pass over and the dark clouds persisted for some time. Looks like we should get nice sun for at least part of today but I would think by Thursday we will see mostly cloudy sky with some rain. Friday could be more of a handful. Keep aware of what is going on locally.
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Two systems moving our way
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 11:01:13 -0400
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These two systems are still a good distance from us now and in areas that we hope will hinder development but we do need to keep a close watch as the near BVI conditions could provide a better area for them to develop as they draw near. Both are given an under 30% chance of development in next 5 days.
We will be getting some increased winds and higher seas starting Thursday from the first wave which should provide more rain chances but as always things can change from forecast and all should maintain a close watch of weather conditions locally.
We did have a few showers over night but today has started out as a very nice bright day with a NE breeze that feels very nice. Well I'm off to the store for some things to cook... thinking about "unstuffed cabbage" MMmmmm I hope.
--
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- Mix of sun and clouds with hazy conditions.
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 09:13:37 -0400
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94 L is no more but we will see what is left of it over the weekend in the form of increased clouds, a bit higher winds in the mid 20's and increased chances of rain. That is much better than what it looked like days ago.
NWS reports: A TROPICAL WAVE MOVING ACROSS THE W CARIBBEAN WILL
MOVE W OF THE AREA EARLY THU. A SECOND TROPICAL WAVE E OF THE
AREA WILL ENTER THE TROPICAL N ATLC WATERS FRI...THE EASTERN
CARIBBEAN SAT...THE CENTRAL CARIBBEAN SUN...AND THE WESTERN
CARIBBEAN MON. EXPECT INCREASING WINDS...BUILDING SEAS AND
UNSTABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH THE WAVE PASSAGE.
We have lots of haze, the islands across the Sir Francis Drake Channel have no detail to them more like darker cutouts. This is due to increased moisture and the dust from Africa. This is also one of the major factors in us not having 94L become a TS. This factor and the increased shear winds to the south east toward Africa are causing most of the blobs moving off Africa to fall apart before they can be a problem for us.
We should have a good chance of rain Saturday but local forecast show only minor amounts with increased winds which will probably dry it out before it can do much good. Hope I get some into my water tanks when it comes by.
Otherwise it look like safe weather for the next 5 or more days.
--
later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Invest94L
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 09:35:15 -0400
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Here is the plot of 94L at this time. Like most at this point it is all over the place with me about center, LOL. Only time will tell where it will go or if it becomes Cristobal our 3rd storm of this suppose to be quiet storm year
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Yet Another ONE
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 09:58:03 -0400
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Looks like we need to keep out heads up for another system developing out in the Atlantic.
Today the seas and winds are just returning to their pre Bertha ranges. We have had fresh breezes since Bertha left us with spotty light rain. I just returned to the boat full time after having had her at Trellis Bay for Bertha. Why is it so much more difficult to put "stuff' BACK on a boat than take it off????
We should have more typical weather for then next few days and that will make most of the charter people happy and maybe the people working on the road to the Airport will be able to move a bit faster?? LOL
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Festival parade highlights!
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2014 14:41:42 -0300
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Good Afternoon!
Yesterday was August Monday, which meant that the 60 Anniversary Emancipation parade took place. It started almost on time or I should say that it started earlier than in the past, right around 1:30pm. This years viewing spot was Capriccio's for a calzone and antipasti salad! Excellent choice and great seats. We did eventually make our way up the parade to check out the different troupes of dancers. Just love the wild colors of each of the troupes! Met up with friends for some laughs, chilled beverages and cheering on the parade participants.
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- Morning after....no hurricane just junk food hangover
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2014 16:33:07 -0300
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Good afternoon,
Bertha has left us with little damage, just plenty of leaf debris about. No power outages, have not heard of any mud slides or road closures.
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- Bye bye Bertha
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2014 11:16:01 -0400 (EDT)
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So glad Bertha moved along. But she is eyeballing other
islands and places to be.
I was in another Bertha back in
1996 in the BVI. I stayed in a condo with about 2 dozen other sailors while
taking refuge from my sailboat which I lived aboard fulltime. The owner of the
condo was off island and had left his keys with his girlfriend.
Somehow he managed to come home
weeks early, just after the storm had passed but not before the sailors taking
refuge in his condo had moved out.
Boy was he ever in for a shock to
walk in his door and see a crowd of people in his home, celebrating the passing
of the storm by drinking libations and making dinner. I was trying to
assemble a lasagne for the gas oven, someone else was chopping up veggies for a
salad. There was no electricity. Coolers were stacked up five feet high in
three piles. Every inch of his kitchen counters were covered with either liquor
bottles or food.
Make shift beds were laying
everywhere, most assembled from boat or cockpit cushions.
Luckily, he was a good sport about
it all being a sailboat owner himself plus people were tripping each other
up to make him a stiff drink in a hurry. After dinner, we all hastily
moved back to our boats to give him some privacy.
I wish they would wait at least 100
years before recycling storm names. For me it's confusing to have two Bertha's.
But some say I am always confused... so what's the
difference...
Warm and Sunny Regards,
Dear Miss Mermaid
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- Bertha passes
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2014 22:21:35 -0300
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Good Evening
Bertha has passed us, all warnings are cancelled. Tomorrow ferry service will be back in operation.
We still have gusty winds but no rain over the last few hours. Very hazy and cloudy.
Today we did get several inches of rain, the run off in Fat Hog Bay is very evident with the bay turning brown. Along the south coast line the storm surge and waves did make the coast line murky. Any kind of construction, dredging, clearing of the mangroves, or destruction of the ocean floor is harmful to the environment when it comes to hurricanes. Mangroves help assist in keeping the shoreline intact. Lets hope that we will continue to become more aware and educate people on the benefits of Mangroves. The murky waters will take quite a while to clear, and settle back into our beautiful shoreline that we all know and love.
I must admit I was hoping one of our readers would catch my snafu in my last post....not all ports in the US were closed today!!! I meant to say that the USVI ports were closed due to Bertha!! Need to laugh at myself sometimes.
Have a nice night!!!
Cheers!
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- I hear thunder in them there hills!
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2014 11:14:10 -0300
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Good Morning,
Weather update is that we have experienced a slight reduction in wind gust but just to our south west there is thunder and it is pitch black over Peter Island. Seas are roughly 5 feet here in the Sir Frances Drake Channel.
Saw 4 power cats coming into Hodges Creek Marina. First one came from the west, they were probably down at Norman. 5 crew members all up in the Tuna tower hanging on waiting for the Dock guys to come out and assist. Once aboard the dock guys, put out fenders, lines and zoomed into Maya Cove. Good job done by the dock guys to assist this vessel that was taking 5 foot seas on the bow. The other 3 power cats must have came from Trellis they too needed some assistance to come through the markers to the dock.
Channel 16 reported moments ago that all ports of operation in the US and USVI are closed, most ports Puerto Rico are currently closed and any vessels wanting to come in cannot.
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- Bertha bands are here
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2014 08:01:00 -0300
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Bertha bands are starting to effect us. We currently have winds at 20 knots but gusting higher, there is a squall line that has started to effect us and we have a rain rolling through and the seas are starting to mash up and churn!
I look out over towards Peter Island it has disappeared but I can still make out the crashing waves on the back side of Peter near their spa section.
Be Safe!
the Mermaid Gardener
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- Bertha and being a CLOD
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2014 22:56:32 -0300
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Good Evening,
Okay I'm more attune to being in between a land lubber and a cruiser. A couple of years ago I was informed that a Cruiser Living on Dirt is a CLOD. Thought it was quite funny but have to admit after cruising for over a year living on a sailboat I understand the CLOD mentality!! Last August we dodged a bullet with the tropical storm that came through St. Luci. We were anchored on the island Cannouan south of St.Lucia and opted to batten down the sailboat, get off her and spend 2 lovely nights at a Bed and Breakfast, if you can believe it, until the storm passed north of us near St. Lucia. Frankly we were told to head for the Tobago Cays, but in looking at the situation and the direction of the storm we decided to stay put, and hope for the best. It was 2 wonderful days of hot showers, air conditioning, good food, and a birds eye view of the sailboat getting spanked by large waves and high winds. We survived, the sailboat was just fine with being on a mooring and an anchor out as well. Lesson learned...try to have a great B&B nearby to enjoy some of the pleasures of living on dirt!
This afternoon things shifted a bit with the eminent Bertha looming out on the horizon. We are spending the evening hold up on the land until Bertha passes. Currently having variable winds from 9 knots to 13 knots, no rain or lightening at all. Plenty of Cat's went into Paraquetta Bay this afternoon one right after another hunkering down. Hodges Creek was busy with one boat after another trying to come in for a space on the dock. Cooper island from the picture I've attached looks deserted after last night being full up!! As I type the winds are picking up will go out with my wind odometer a do a reading.As of 944pm winds are now steady at 15 knots. Will sign off for now and charge up my computer battery in case BVI Electricity turns off the power, it's the island way cut the power when things start to get bad. A good idea but you have to be diligent on making sure everything has power.
Will post again. Cheers from a CLOD! the Mermaid Gardener |
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- Dawn this morning
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2014 07:42:55 -0300
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- Bertha update
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2014 05:58:50 -0300
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The Department of Disaster Management here in the BVI has issued the following statement:
A tropical storm watch was issued at 2am this morning August 1st. This means that tropical storm conditions are possible withing the watch area generally within the next 48 hours.
At 1100pm last night the center of Tropical Storm Bertha was located near Latitude 12.3 north Longitude 55.5 east. Moving toward the west northwest near 20 mph ..31 KM/H.
Bertha is expected to pass near Barbados Friday afternoon and move through the central lesser Antilles Friday evening.
Basically model guidance suggest that near gale-force winds, moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to spread across the Leeward islands beginning overnight tonight and the British Virgin Islands from Saturday morning.
My observations right now at 500am, are that winds have picked up, though dark out I can make out some cloud cover in our area and to the south of us. No rain has fallen at this point. There is lightening off to our south east.
FYI a near gale force winds based up on the Beaufort wind force scale means that we are looking at "near gale" that equals 30 Knots of wind with rough-very rough sea conditions.
It's time to batten down the hatches both here on the land and at sea. I'm going to charge up all my electronics while I still have power.....get my list of last minute shopping items and prep the house.
Will continue to monitor the weather throughout the day while trying to enjoy a bit of festival events this morning while in Road Town. For those out sailing time to find a safe place to hunker down.
Be prepared!
the Mermaid Gardener
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- Hunter finds storm
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 20:14:01 -0400
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TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
800 PM EDT THU JUL 31 2014
For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:
1. An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft this afternoon and
evening investigated the well-defined low pressure system located
about 350 miles east-southeast of Barbados, and found surface winds
of 40 to 45 mph across the northern and eastern portions of the
circulation. Showers and thunderstorms have increased east of the
center during the past couple of hours, and if this development
trend continues a tropical storm could form later tonight or early
Friday. Regardless of development, gale-force winds are likely to
spread across portions of the central Lesser Antilles beginning by
midday Friday. Interests in these areas should continue to monitor
the progress of this disturbance as it moves west-northwestward near
20 mph, since watches or warnings could be required for some of
these islands later tonight or Friday.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...80 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...high...80 percent.
Forecaster Stewart
Looks like I'll be finishing up on precautions at a stepped up rate.
Be safe
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Pre- Bertha the pain goes on
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 13:38:48 -0400
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The soon to be, Probably, Bertha is just not acting as forecasters figured she would. Big News??? LOL not a huge surprise for most of us. I sometime think these things have an internet connection and they do what they can to go a different way from what is Standard. This one is hanging on to the ITCZ and is not moving as much North like it was expected to do.
For us that means what we will possibly see is different today from forecast yesterday .... actually different from last night and even earlier this AM. While most of the plots on the path were in agreement late yesterday, placing us about dead center of the path,or possibly a bit South of it which would normally give us lower chance of the worst winds and seas. Now it looks as though it may go a bit more to the South which is not really a good thing but if it goes well South then that could be a good thing... it appears LOL.
The real question everyone has is what will the conditions be. The present forecast vary for the BVI anywhere from a wet 27 knots to 32 knot wind and seas about 8 feet up to 38 to 43 knots on a forecast I have liked for my sailing use when on passages. That one has 11 foot seas and very wet conditions. All the text forecast end with the warning that it could be at Tropical Storm Levels but are not saying at the high or low end yet.
Until this thing makes its move North we will probably not know much although the USAF is sending out the Hunter this afternoon and we may have a better bit of data for the forecasters to work with.
I've got most if the work done on my boat but am delaying the pulling down of the solar panels and Bimini just yet. I have no problem with them being up in high 20's or low Low 30's but draw the line about 35 knots. They are just such a pain to put back up single handed as I will be by that time next week. Well have done it before but it sure is nice to have another pair of nice looking hands helping.
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Hurricanes and road repair?!?
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 00:47:33 -0300
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Frustrated by my laptop!! It just ate my posting!! :(
Here is a simplified version.
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- expecting Bertha?
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 13:24:18 -0400
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Showers and thunderstorms
associated with an area of low pressure located about 1150 miles east of the
southern Windward Islands remain limited. This system continues to show
signs of organization, however, and the low could develop into a tropical
depression later today or tomorrow while it moves generally west-northwestward
near 15 mph. Interests in the Lesser Antilles should monitor the progress
of this system.
Let me interpret this for you... Stock up on Rum!
It's time to fill the pantry with canned goods, water and
candles. If you are prepared then nothing will happen. 
2014 Hurricane Names:
Arthur Bertha Cristobal Dolly Edouard Fay Gustav Hanna Ike
Josephine Kyle Laura Marco Nana Omar Paloma Rene Sally Teddy Vicky
Wilfred
Warm
and Wily Regards,
The
Mermaids in the Virgin Islands
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- Going for a ride!
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 19:49:00 -0300
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Good afternoon!
Looking out over the Sir Frances Drake channel we have no humidity generated haze and no Sahara Dust. It is clear as a bell overlooking the islands, picture perfect.
It looks like 93L may be affected by some dry air, though still well defined, the showers and thunder storms have diminished today. It is encountering dry air which will limit it's ability to intensify. Looks like we still need to keep a watch of this one.
Today was extremely hot and quite sunny.
I'm always surprised here on the island, you just never know what you will encounter even when you need to just run errands. It wasn't even a couple minutes down the hill when looking through the windshield, I was quite surprised that I had a hitchhiker. This little fella really thought it was fun riding down the side road with me, hanging on to the windshield wiper. I wasn't going very fast and was a bit concerned that he was going to ride all the way into Road Town with a chance of going airborne and flying off without having wings. Yes, I almost thought about trying to capture the lizard and do a catch and release! But this guy was in it for the pure joy or was terrified!! At the end of his journey before I turned onto the highway he looked like he was yelling Yipee! Then, all of a sudden the lizard leaped off my windshield onto a passing Oleander. You be the judge I think he was saying Yipee! But maybe he was screaming in lizard language "OMG Get Me Off This Thing!"
Cheer!
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- Great day today BUT look out for the weekend!!!!!!
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 09:29:24 -0400
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Today is a great looking day with mild winds and low seas but we do need to watch the weather for the next few days as the Invest should turn into a full depression and probably a Tropical Storm by Friday. It could be here about that time as no significant dust dry air or shear winds are in the area for the next few days and will probably be too late for us when they reappear.
Chances are about 80% now that this bit of weather will be a Tropical Storm and the plots still are going on both sides of us but most inputs appear to think it will pass on one of the Northern plots which places us in the path. Most weather forecast are now showing winds between 25 and 30 knots for us this weekend from 10 AM Saturday to 10 AM Sunday..... that is a LONG time. The change in seas is from 4 feet to 11 feet for the BVI. Now that would be some ride and one I don't care to go through.
While things can change, both ways, this should not be ignored and we should all take care and make plans for the possible event.
For those of us on Boats: If you lose internet you should still get storm info on Local Radio both AM and FM. The USCG weather channel # 6 will give this areas weather reports for the USVI which are good enough to go on in both English and Spanish. For those with HF SSB radios you have several frequencies in both the Marine bands and Amateur(Ham) Bands. One local (Ham) band weather report is called the Caribbean Martine Mobile Weather Net and it meets at 7 AM each day except Sunday but will attempt to operate on Sunday and other times when threatening weather is present. They meet on 7250 LSB. This station is located on St. John in Coral Bay and they read the various weather report for several areas with detailed info on the Virgin Islands. Another Ham station is know as the Chris Parker Weather Net and is a paid service but you can listen in for free but should have a License to talk, however in a life threatening situation you can make contact anyway possible with or without license. He is located in Florida and the following times and frequencies are in use July and August. 6:30 AM 4045.0 USB; 7:00 AM 8137 USB; 8:30 AM 8140 USB; 9:15 AM 12350 USB; 9:30 AM 6221 USB; 7PM 8104 USB only when threating weather is present. Many other Nets exist such as the Martine Mobile Net at 14.300 operates 24 hours a day but they do change Net Control operators often through the day and you may not be able to contact some. Almost all of these Net Controller's are in the US but have very powerful directional systems where they and point to you and often have great contacts and some of these will handle "Traffic" or messages to 3rd parties.
Be Safe... --
later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Invest 93L
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 14:48:24 -0400
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We have a new invest off Africa that has potential of becoming a TS over the next 3 to 5 days of 70% and could possibly effect this area. While it is too early to determine where and what strength this event could have locally, the existing plots are shown below.
This is only one group of plots another set shows a scatter more to both sides of us. By mid week we should get a better idea of what is going to occur.
Today is a wonderful sunny day in da islands with few clouds and seas running below 4 feet for the next few days and winds between 8 and 15 Knots most of the time. Little chance of rain and none for snow....... I could use either as my tanks are getting a bit low on water. Had a nice day at the beach on Sunday at Josiah Bay. Trellis Bay had a Great BBQ going on at Da Loose Mongoose Friday as they now always do and if in the area you should stop be. The beach Bar area is being expanded and now has sit down table with great food and drinks. The road from Road Town to the Airport is in a real mess with construction taking place and this will last for some time.... it is da islands after all.
Stay safe and enjoy the island on great days like today.
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Between da Waves
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 11:33:43 -0400
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Nice but slow day here in Trellis Bay. Had a few short showers over night and this AM but the Sun has popped out for now and few boats are around. Most you see here are always here. Maybe 4 or 5 charter boats will be in overnight unlike the prime seasons. Still you can often get a great show watching the boats come and go. Had Great BBQ at the New Loose Mongoose last night.... 2 Fridays in a row so it must be good. The Sunday Brunch is also very nice. Lots of Mongoose activity going on and it is looking good....
-- later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Where in the world?
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- From: mermaid gardener <mermaidgardener at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 09:27:27 -0300
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Good Morning Readers!
After a long walkabout or should I say a transition from living on dirt to becoming a liveaboard cruiser, okay in simple terms, I confess and come clean, I have just spent the last 18 months cruising and "limin" errrr living aboard a lovely sailboat, cruising the Caribbean! Our sail started well over a year ago from the USVI and we ended up as far south as Grenada. What a fantastic journey!!!
The other confession is that da Wayward Sailor and I sailed together off into the Windward sunset and back. Fulfilling a dream come true for the both of us. We are back at our home port, living the dream of cruising around the Lesser Antilles, dodging squalls, hurricanes, and downing a few Ti Punches along the way. That's another story.
It's great to be back! More tidbits of our journey, lessons learned and experiences will be forthcoming until then the weather.
Reports are as follows: the last tropical wave passed over the BVI yesterday, leaving unsettled weather especially to the south of us, the tropical wave is moving at 20 kt across the Caribbean and will continue to give us strong tradewinds. Today's winds are from 17Kt, later this evening 20 kt, Saturday early winds at 17kt gusting to 20kt easing to 18kt Saturday night. Current temperature is 82 degrees.
This morning we have had several showers passing us by but with no accumulation, off to the south I can see several larger cells but not a wash out kind of day.
Enjoy paradise wherever you are!
Cheers!
the Mermaid Gardener
Attachment:
Bequia.jpg
Description: JPEG image
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- Two weather waves this weekend
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 08:48:34 -0400
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.SYNOPSIS...A TROPICAL WAVE...THE REMNANTS OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION
TWO...IS MOVING THROUGH THE LESSER ANTILES AND WILL ENTER THE
CENTRAL CARIBBEAN FRI...THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN SAT AND PASS W OF
THE AREA MON. A SECOND TROPICAL WAVE WILL ENTER THE TROPICAL N
ATLC FRI...THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SAT...THE CENTRAL CARIBBEAN SUN
AND THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN MON
TD 2 is no more but will provide us with increased winds and seas with some rain and possible thunder storms over the weekend when a second wave follows it into our area. Things should get back to more normal by early Monday. Small Craft should take caution as some gust could be over 25 knots and seas will build even in the Sir Francis Drake Channel. I can see some white caps that are wind blown and the areas between the outer islands have higher seas coming through the passages. I saw one charter boat in Trellis Bay take over an hour to hook up to a mooring last evening. Seems higher winds and far excessive use of power controls is a bad combination..... but many of us had a good show for free.
With the winds having a bit of North in them, many of the ferry boats coming into Trellis Bay are causing Very Large Wakes into the bay. Some of these are over 4 feet and the boat operators seem to not take any notice at the potential damage and injury this poor seamanship could cause. They seem for forget that THEY can be held responsible for such damage and injury.
--
later
da Wayward Sailor
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- TD 2 should loose steam
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:59:46 -0400
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.SYNOPSIS...TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO NEAR 14N 56W 1012 MB AT 11 AM
EDT TODAY MOVING W OR 275 DEG AT 22 KT. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS
30 KT WITH GUSTS TO 40 KT. THE DEPRESSION WILL WEAKEN TO A REMNANT
LOW PRESSURE NEAR 14.5N 58W AT 8 PM EDT TONIGHT AND THEN WEAKEN TO
AN OPEN TROUGH BY EARLY THU. A TROPICAL WAVE WILL MOVE THROUGH
THE TROPICAL ATLC WATERS ON FRI NIGHT AND SAT AND THROUGH THE
EASTERN CARIBBEAN ON SUN AND MON. FRESH TO STRONG TRADES WILL
CONTINUE ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND SW CARIBBEAN
We should get winds on Thursday and Friday up to 23 Knots with a chance of higher gust. The rain seems to be lower than first thought, we should get more on the afternoon and night of Thursday through Friday AM with good low and high level cloud cover but it is forecast to clear for the weekend
--
later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Shop for Rum
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 18:31:59 -0400 (EDT)
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Stock up on rum!
Tropical depression rolling across the Atlantic.  Looks like another one
coming off Africa too.
While it's not a hurricane, it's been proven time and time
again that before a hurricane strike, RUM is the first thing to sell out in the
islands. So stock up now, so you don't be rushing around looking for that
elusive rum supply if there really is a hurricane coming.
Rummy
Yummy Regards,
The
Mermaids in the Virgin Islands
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- Hello BVI, da Wayward Sailor is back
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- From: da Wayward Sailor <dawaywardsailor at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:24:44 -0400
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Hi everyone, some of you may know I've been away for about 18 months sailing the islands and have just a few days ago returned to the BVI. Hope all is well with everyone one and I'll be doing some posting when time and needs occur.
Tropical update from US Weather TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWO NEAR 12.2N 46.4W 1012 MB AT
0900 UTC JUL 22 MOVING W OR 280 DEG AT 14 KT. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED
WINDS 30 KT GUSTS 40 KT. THE DEPRESSION WILL MAINTAIN ITS CURRENT
INTENSITY AS IT REACHES THE TROPICAL N ATLC OFFSHORE ZONE LATE
WED...THEN DISSIPATE BEFORE IT REACHES THE ISLANDS THU. A
TROPICAL WAVE ALONG 80W WILL MOVE W OF THE AREA WED NIGHT. A
SECOND TROPICAL WAVE WILL MOVE INTO THE TROPICAL N ATLC THU NIGHT
AND THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SAT. FRESH TO STRONG TRADES WILL
CONTINUE ACROSS THE S CENTRAL CARIBBEAN THROUGH FRI
NIGHT...REACHING GALE FORCE ALONG THE COAST OF COLOMBIA THIS
MORNING AND WED MORNIN
![[Image of 5-day forecast and coastal areas under a warning or a watch]](http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT02/refresh/AL0214W5_NL_sm2+gif/120531W5_NL_sm.gif)
Weather discussion are not clear on what the BVI will see. While some forecast models show TD 2 may grow into a larger storm and possibly impact BVI Most show the storm is more likely to become a remnant wave and would bring us only higher winds and rain. Next 24 hours we all need to watch the weather reports. For those on boats who may not have good internet service several weather reports are available on SSB HF Radio both Marine and Ham bands which are received here in the Virgin Islands. Local radio stations AM and FM also often carry a weather report and most marinas will have copies of the weather reports posted each day.
Stay aware of the conditions and be prepared and be safe.
--
later
da Wayward Sailor
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- Dusty and Dark
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 15:08:37 -0400 (EDT)
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Another power outage in Road Town and no telling where else.
Paradise is great! Power outages means you need to go to the
beach or go sailing, solar power your body and water cool with the ocean.
Works for me!
A piece of Africa—actually lots of
them—began to arrive in the Americas in June 2014. On June 23, a lengthy river
of dust from western Africa began to push across the Atlantic Ocean on easterly
winds. A week later, the influx of dust was affecting air quality as far away as
the southeastern United States.
Warm and Dusty Regards,
The Mermaids in the Virgin
Islands
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- Mermaids and Dolphins
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 18:26:46 -0400 (EDT)
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Hot in the mid 80's with scant trade winds. A good day to cool
off at the beach for sure. No tropical disturbances on the horizon!
Break the Grip of the Rip is now a
course discussing the structure of rip
currents, how they form, and the different types you may encounter. The course
also explains why you are vulnerable to rip currents, how to spot them, how
forecasters predict them, and safety guidelines that can be used to keep you and
your family safe. And it's FREE.
Warm and Steamy Regards,
The Mermaids in the Virgin
Islands |
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- Supersize the Super Moon
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 15:53:13 -0400 (EDT)
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The full moon tonight plus the ones in August and September
will all be super moons.
Nuts and bolts...
The scientific term for the phenomenon (super
moon) is "perigee moon." Full Moons vary in size because of the oval shape of
the Moon's orbit. The Moon follows an elliptical path around Earth with one side
("perigee") about 50,000 km closer than the other ("apogee"). Full Moons
that occur on the perigee side of the Moon's orbit seem super sized and
brighter.
This coincidence happens three times in
2014. On July 12th and Sept 9th the Moon becomes full on the same day as
perigee. On August 10th it becomes full during the same hour as
perigee—arguably making it an extra-super-duper Moon."
Warm and
Super Regards,
The Mermaids in the Virgin
Islands
A fabulous beach read;
by Dear Miss Mermaid
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- Hot Sultry Daze
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 09:01:41 -0400 (EDT)
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No tropical disturbances at this time. Fabulous news but it's
only July. Hot, sultry weather with tradwinds.
Full moon Saturday night which means the Fool Moon parties at
Bomba's and Trellis Bay will be in full swing!
Sunset from the islands. Life is awesome!
Warm
and Sultry Regards,
The
Mermaids in the Virgin Islands
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- Smooth Sailing, No Tropical Cyclones or Storms Expected This Week
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2014 09:23:10 -0400 (EDT)
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Paradise gone fancy at Ivan's on Jost Van Dykes.
Cloudy and overcast today with a chance of scattered short
showers. Mid 80's, no storms on the horizon.
The first time I went to
Ivan's bar on Jost Van Dyke when it opened sometime in the early
90's it was a self serve honor affair much of the day. You just found
your way around the bar, made your drink, wrote up your tab and paid Ivan when
you could find him. If you couldn't find him, you just left your money on the
bar with something to weigh it down like a big seashell or a rock so the
tradewinds wouldn't blow it away.
Warm
and Wet Regards,
The
Mermaids in the Virgin Islands
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- Happy Days
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2014 21:39:56 -0400 (EDT)
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Fabulous news we love to see this time of year! No tropical
cyclone activity!
Hurricane Arthur is yesterday's news, thank
goodness.
Somebody is not a happy boater...
Mind the rudder... or meet the rocks!
That is current cut and if you take the wrong side in the
middle of the night... you could end up like this. Ouch!
From The Mermaids in the Virgin
Islands
A great beach read;
by Dear Miss Mermaid
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- Author Arthur penning a new track
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Thu, 3 Jul 2014 14:37:36 -0400 (EDT)
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Tropical Storm Arthur as authored a new name as
Hurricane Arthur.
Luckily the Virgin Islands are under no threat at this time
as Hurricane Arthur is far north eyeballing other islands, namely the Outer
Banks.
While the Virgin Islands are tall and mountainous, the Outer
Banks are nearly flat with no mountains at all. Hence they are subject to
severe flooding from the storm surge. Because their sand dunes are pretty
tall, the sand can and does spill over into the only highway during bad
storms.
Temps in the Virgin Islands are in the mid 80's with balmy
trade winds around 16 miles per hour, perfect for sailing.
Swimming and diving are great ways to cool off and meet
interesting critters.
Warm and Sultry
Regards,
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- Almost Hurricane Authur
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2014 11:57:16 -0400 (EDT)
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While tropical storm Arthur is not a threat to the
Virgin Islands, it's a sobering reminder to stock up now with hurricane supplies
(and don't forget the rum!)
Forecast indicate that hurricane Arthur could skim the Outher
Banks, a series of beaches and islands along the eastern coast of North
Carolina.
Arthur is authoring the introduction of the 2014 hurricane
season. I used to refer to the male named hurricanes as himmacanes rather than
hurricanes. Some people got this joke, and others wrote me asking what in the
world was I talking about?
Dear Miss Mermaid toured the Outer Banks in October 2013
searching for more mermaids. The sand dunes there are incredibly tall,
like 4 story buildings.
Tropical storm Arthur churns off the coast of Florida with an
eye towards traveling northerly.
Meanwhile in the Virgin Islands, weather is sultry and summery
with the typical scattered clouds and occasional 5 minute rain shower.
Warm and Sunny
Regards,
Dear Miss
Mermaid
author of
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- No Worries Mon
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 13:03:50 -0400 (EDT)
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No hurricanes, no tropical cyclones, no disturbances, just
another fantastic day in paradise.
Who would have thought the Virgin Islands would have their own
air freshener now? Life is goof...
Warm and Fragrant Regards,
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- Friday the 13th Full Moon
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2014 15:13:05 -0400 (EDT)
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No hurricanes for the Caribbean on the horizon.
Hurricane Christina is in the Pacific. Today is Friday the 13th and it's a full
moon.
To compound the unique date the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration warned Wednesday that solar flares could send a
"shockwave" to Earth on June 13 and briefly disrupt communications.
So you might as well go sailing or swim at the beach. 
Tonight is the Fool Moon party where you can dance on the
beach to live music at the Bomba Shack or Trellis Bay.
From The Mermaids in the Virgin
Islands
For a good time
read:
by Dear Miss
Mermaid |
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- Weather is wonderful!
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2014 20:58:49 -0400 (EDT)
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Indians and surfers, what a mix!
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- No hurricanes, just a pirate!
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- From: DearMissMermaid at aol.com
- Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2014 12:16:06 -0400 (EDT)
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Wonderful weather, no hurricanes.
Bert Kilbride put BVI scuba diving on the map!
However, I've got some good news. In spite of our policy of giving the
award to a person who would be able to personally accept it, I've discussed with
the family the wide range of contributions made by Bert to our profession. They
unanimously agreed and I'm honored to be the first to tell you about his
nomination for this year's Mel Fisher Lifetime Achievement Award. Please send me
an address to where we can send the official nomination request. Also I and
others would love to see you and as many members of your family down here in
July to participate in the award ceremony. Thanks, and Congratulations on an
award much deserved. - Pat
 His nomination is final. He is this year's recipient of the
MFLAA." Mel Fisher Days In The
NewsPlease pass the word to everybody :)
Good time of the year in Key West 
Saturday
July 12th
Sizzlin
Street Fair:
Rock
with the Spam All-stars, bid on over $20,000 in silent auction items, and try
your luck at the dunk tank.
Follow
your Dreams at the Tropic Cinema:
For
the first time the Fisher family offers a public screening of videos from Mel
Fisher's early treasure hunting expeditions. Before the Encore show the Mel
Fisher Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to the family of 'Sir' Bert
Kilbride.
More
information at
http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp
Saba Rock when Bert and Gayla Kilbride lived there.
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![[Click on image to close window]](http://ral.ucar.edu/hurricanes/realtime/plots/northatlantic/2014/al932014/track_early/mostrecent_track_early.png)
