GRAND MANAN, N.B.

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:45 AM GMT on January 30, 2012

+0

Morning looking good, calm for a change, red sky reflection on the harbour, partial overcast. Temp at the frezing mark declining this afternoon into minus -7C levels overnight. Southerly and showers by mid-week.

The GRAND MANAN ADVENTURE on the run, repairs adequate on an interim basis. She will be running to Halifax when room available in the drydock, seal to be replaced can only be handled when out of the water.

Kids have final exam they missed on Friday on the go this morning, a couple of 'turn around days' in the offing. Final semester gets underway in earnest next week.

Great seeing folks are enjoying the mini-documentary, no critics locally, a feat in itself.

Permalink | A A A

View Comments (3)

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:55 AM GMT on January 29, 2012

+0

Weather remains 'different', overcast, SSW breeze 15-20KPH, 3C temp. The forecast indicates similar conditions for the week ahead.

Haven't caught up on the ferry news, yesterday the ADVENTURE was on the run in the afternoon. No scuttlebut as to the reason, hoping they were able to repair the problem without taking her off the run.

Emily preparing for trip to Quispam next weekend, the longrange weather much more conducive to such a plan - at the moment at least.

Permalink | A A A

View Comments (7)

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:10 PM GMT on January 28, 2012

+0

A different weather day this morning, the forecast for yesterday pretty well on the mark for us. Lots of snow, rain, wind well into the night. Currently high winds 40-50KPH WNW, overcast and -2C with windchill seems in minus double digits. Clearing, sun, but wind to remain for the weekend.

Ferry remains tied up, the problem more serious than first thought. A seal where the shaft enters the hull has been the problem, remains to be determined if she can be repaired while in the water or a quick trip to dry dock to address the problem. The GRAND MANAN V being prepared to return, suspect she will be on the run when the ADVENTURE is given clearance to operate on one engine. The weather conditions not helping to allow her to travel. Last ferry trip was late on Thursday. Appears Emily destined to remain home this weekend regardless.

Great remarks on the MARS mini-documentary and ad, the ad will be released nationally on Monday.

Permalink | A A A

View Comments (5)

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:54 AM GMT on January 27, 2012

+0

Appears the forecast is correct, the front edge of the 'wintery mix' now arrived. Temp -3, a steady NE draft, currently only 10-15KPH, to increase and switch southerly giving a mix of snow, ice pellets, freezing rain and rain by late this afternoon. Windy and clear once this passess sometime tomorrow.

Ross Island disappeared behind the snow,visiblilty around 1/2 mile. School has been cancelled, Emily disappointed no travel this weekend, her final exam today now scheduled for Monday, her day to return from Quispam. One of the joys of living on the Bermuda of the Maritimes.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on January 26, 2012

+0

A bit more like the date this morning, from a weather perspective. Temp -5C, being pushed around by 15KPH NW breeze gives the outside a bit more of a bite. Clear, however dramatic change for the weekend, southerly winds, rain, sleet, just about whatever you want temps in the high single digits.

Lobster price, for those few still at it, reported to be over the $5/lb for the first time in a year. The hope is the prices are at that level come spring, unlikely if history has any credence in these things.

Haven't been in the woods as yet, have been accused of procrastination. Conditions in the bush not conducive to travel, the soft areas have no bottom, and ice over the water certainly will not take a load.

Permalink | A A A

View Comments (5)

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:44 AM GMT on January 25, 2012

+0

A nice looking morning in commence, a wee bit of overcast, a slight draft WSW, temp already 1C, to rise near double digits once again as the day moves along. Longrange indicating similar type temps for the next couple of weeks.

Exams moving along, Emily has been exempted, but going in for a bit of math review today. She seems to have embraced the Engineering choice, and is working hard to get the best marks possible. Rob still coasting along telling us not to worry, things are not at the 100% level, but still very good, at least in his mind.

Weather conditions and time of year have the fishery news quiet. Guys were saying lobster price has improved to around the $5/lb level. Word has it there is none in the pipeline, combined with fewer traps in the water makes the law of supply and demand come into play on the side of the fisherman for a change.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on January 24, 2012

+0

Spring like this morning, with rain, temp 8C, SE breeze 30-035KPH, similar conditions for the remainder of the morning, clearing but breezy later on this afternoon.

Many schools around the Province closed on the mainland due to icy road condtions, no announcement for local school.

The weekend activity at the arena still subject of conversation, negative comments non exsistent, other than the cold sitting in the stands. The cold cannot be avoided, but obviously works well with that many bodies in the place.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:28 AM GMT on January 23, 2012

+0

Maritime weather at work, currently -3C, overcast, 15-20KPH SW, rain by this evening, near double digits and showers for tomorrow. The remainder of the week, highs near the freezing mark, and sunny.

Daylight beginning to show up a bit earliar in the morning, just noticable, the afternoon is getting noticably longer, all good.

Kids have exams this week, Emily exmpted from her math and sciences, not the case with her brother. He is indicating thngs are fine, not too worry.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:24 PM GMT on January 22, 2012

+0

Another bright winter like morning, a chilly -12C, once again forunate with just enough breeze from NW to move the flag about. Temp to slowly rise over next twenty-four hours to plus temps and rain for the first of the week.

Community still a buzz about the NHL LEGENDS game on Friday. Also the generous donation by Susian and Lee a topic of great appreciation. They had a bit of heath problems a few years past, their comment was the community assisted them at that time this was just a great opportunity for a little payback.

Fishing news once again fairly static witht he large swings in temp and wind this past week, not productive to be on the water.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:36 PM GMT on January 21, 2012

+0

Winter has returned, sea smoke in the harbour, a temp of -13C, with just a slight draft from NW, no moderation in the temps for a day or so. A southerly influence first of the week will turn things around again.

The NHL LEGENDS more than well attended, would have to say nearly 20% of the community, of all ages in attendance. A great performance by the LEGENDS, thier skill level if diminished still something to behold. Susian won the 50-50 draw, over $1k, immediately turned it over to the rink, another great example of support for the complex. No reports of the guys playing on the ice with the LEGENDS, but could see the smiles from a great distance. Two folks from MARS in attendance to present a plague and officially open the heated mezzenine. The mezzenine well represented with teenagers, old crocks in the stands, go figure. This will be a hard act to follow, the organizers did an excellent job.

Imagine there will be some entries on the GRAND MANAN COMMUNITY ARENA site on FACEBOOK.

Updated: 12:38 PM GMT on January 21, 2012

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on January 20, 2012

+0

Again Maritime weather in commence, easterly picking up with the sunrise, temp -2C, wind to increase snow or "wintry mix" till clearing skies tonight. Clear and cool for the remainder of the weekend.

NHL LEGENDS arriving this morning, ticket sales for the arena going very well. Activities involving the group this afternoon, school kids very excited for the planned assembly this afternoon. After school a clinic with the kids also planned, those participating looking forward to the event. Looking to be a quality event, another first for the community, not possible without the complex being in place.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:26 AM GMT on January 19, 2012

+0

Another weather change, temp -12C, just enough NW to move the flag, temp to remain at this level, clear, till this evening then a southerly flow brings temps on the plus side overnight. Southerly, SE wind, plus temps with a wintery mix in the forecast for tomorrow.

The NHL LEGENDS gaining speed now as the day draws nigh. We are ones that wait till the last moment to make a commitment, especially if it has a dollar tied to it. However lots of tickets on the move yesterday, support for the event has been great. One comment made to me 'this is something we have had to go to the mainland to enjoy', times they are a changing.

Lots of swell for those guys working a bit of shore, something akin to a roller coaster hauling trawl. A day of those conditions takes a toll on the body, no problem turning in at night.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on January 18, 2012

+0

Must be the Martitimes, weather 7C, showers, SW 15KPH, temp to drop this evening into minus double digits, similar for tomorrow. Friday a wintry mix in the offing.

Friday becoming a big day for the arena, Government officials have decided early afternoon would be a good time for the official opening of the complex. This combined with the arrival of the NHL LEGENDS, and representatives from MARS BAR to dedicate the mezzanine a bit to put together and not lose your audience with all the comments. The folks will be there to see the LEGENDS and want to get it on.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on January 17, 2012

+0

Definately the Maritimes, temp this morning on the plus side @ 1C, a westerly draft moving the cloud cover away. Expected to stay around the freezing mark for the day, warm and cold temps for the remainder of the week.

The Nursing Home closed to visitors, attempting to isolate a flu in one wing that has afflicted a half dozen of the residents. Mom in lockdown, understands the need, however misses the comings and goings of the folks during the day.

Fishery news remains static, a few lobster, some boats still egging, a few more scraping the bottom for a few scallops.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on January 16, 2012

+0

Winter conditions prevail, currently -15C wind from NW 20KPH giving a windchill of -25C. Clear, temp to gradualy rise as the wind swings to the south. Plus temps and rain possible for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Emily has the trip from Quispam to the Blacks down to the minute where she should be. Plans in the works for a trip in a couple of weeks.

Scalloping disappointing, no quantity, with the extra boats the landings per boat poor. The off shore lobster fishing still ongoing with good catches for this time of year. Price may be on the rise, for the first time this season.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:04 PM GMT on January 15, 2012

+0

Looking across the harbour no problem telling it is January. Vapour beginning to hide the Ross Island shore, attempting snow flurries. A NW breeze 15-20KPH makes the -16C outside temp down to -25C with the windchill. No expectation to rise much as the day moves along, however by Tuesday a bit of respit.

Hockey game a success, with the ISLANDERS coming out with a 4-3 victory. The complex a happening spot with a Market underway at the same time, also a basketball game at the school give one many choices.

On the tour with mom lots of folks at the soutehrn end of the island taking in the fruits of the strong winds we have had this past few days. Lots of surf, nice to watch and listen with the tide well up quite a display. Mom has poor vision, however she had no problem taking in the show.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:32 PM GMT on January 14, 2012

+0

A touch of old winter this way headed, currently beginning to clear after howling SWer most of the night. Temp on decline from 8C to the minus mid teens by supper time. Wind shifting to the NW as the day moves along, with fairly stiff breezes for the next couple fo days.

Emily once again on the move to her other family in Quispam, I am certain it is the whole family she enjoys being with.A social gathering of peers that she had to be a part of tonight is the rationale I was given.

Too early to know if the group from KV ventured onto the ferry this morning. Trip would be no problem, however telling somebody from the valley that 40KPH not a challenge for the ADVENTURE understandably could be a strectch. The Hockey Team are 10-12 year olds probably not a problem for them rather the old folks travelling with them. The mayor to drop the puck for this historical game, a first for Grand Manan. The team have new uniforms, quite a logo, a fisherman in oil skins, sou'wester, holding a hockey stick - name ISLANDERS go ISLANDERS.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on January 13, 2012

+0

Quiet this morning, a dramatic change in the weather, last night high winds and rain. This morning a slight SW draft, temp 5C expect to have drizzle and higher temps till overnight. Fog in the harbour, Ross Island is not visible.

Kids stumbling around getting ready for school, they were quite convinced that last night's weather conditions meant no school today.

Alarms going at the complex, went to check the situation, found no power in the northern part of the island the cause for the situation. Power restored early evening, no such problem in our area, just a few flickers indicating a problem.

Emily travelling tomorrow, some event at Quispam that she 'invited' to attend. Don't see her much on the weekends this past few weeks.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on January 13, 2012

+0

Quiet this morning, a dramatic change in the weather, last night high winds and rain. This morning a slight SW draft, temp 5C expect to have drizzle and higher temps till overnight. Fog in the harbour, Ross Island is not visible.

Kids stumbling around getting ready for school, they were quite convinced that last night's weather conditions meant no school today.

Alarms going at the complex, went to check the situation, found no power in the northern part of the island the cause for the situation. Power restored early evening, no such problem in our area, just a few flickers indicating a problem.

Emily travelling tomorrow, some event at Quispam that she 'invited' to attend. Don't see her much on the weekends this past few weeks.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 AM GMT on January 12, 2012

+0

An ominous sliver of bright red sky peering through the cloud cover over Ross Island. A steady breeze from NNE a harbinger of the messey weather headed both from the south and west. Gale force from noon today till tomorrow afternoon. We are on the edge of a snow event then rain, wth a bit of freezing rain in the mix during the transition from snow to rain sometime within the next twenty-four hours.

No direct report from anyone scalloping, just anecdotal they are scarce with the most being reported in the two basket tow then dropping off to less after a very few tows. Yesterday the fleet had spread out some, today will be difficult to find an area the wind won't drive them.

NHL LEGENDS game getting more interest, one of the players had to drop off. The replacement Matt STAIRS, a New Brunswick native retired from Major League baseball this past season, folks excited to have him in the mix.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:41 AM GMT on January 11, 2012

+0

More typical January weather this morning, temp a cool -11C, a slight draft from NW, clear, wind and temp to remain similar for the remainder of the day. Gale force easterly and poor conditions in the offing for tomorrow.

Counted over two dozen scollpers turning over Duck Island Sound yesterday, an odd egging boat amongst them. A busy time, haven't heard what the catch looks like.

Locally things pretty quiet, slowly gaining some momentum towards the NHL LEGENDS game on 20 JAN 12. The full slate of activities not known as yet, some indication the official opening of the facility may take place on that date.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:49 AM GMT on January 10, 2012

+0

First day of the scallop season not looking too bad. A slight southerly temp near the freezing level, to remain similar till this evening then temps to drop dramatically for a day or so, more southerly by Thursday.

The price of scallops expected to be highest offered for many years. The fleet will soon learn if the increased pressure will reduce the catch per boat thus negating any increase in the price. The lobster catch remains high for some of the offshore boats, however no increase in price.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:46 AM GMT on January 09, 2012

+0

A more typical January morning unfolding, overcast, a slight draft from NW, temp -7C. Temp to remain below the freezing level overnight, rain/showers for a period tomorrow then cooler temps once again.

The school routine attempting to be implemented, Rob has showered, no conversation. Emily remains among the missing, will be a frantic preparation for first class.

Daylight remains noticeably longer in the evening, however the start of the day not the case.

Permalink | A A A

View Comments (3)

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:26 PM GMT on January 08, 2012

+0

A grand morning underway, high tide, sun just up over Ross Island, total calm, temp near the freezing mark. Conditions to remains similar for next few days, with a possiblility of a few flurries, temps to remain similar.

Many boats geared for scalloping starting on Tues. morning @ 0600. Price reported to be higher than in years past. The combination of depressed lobster prices, and high scallop price have some boats involved in scalloping that haven't been so inclined in recent seasons.

Emily returns from Quispam on 5:30PM trip, both back in school on Monday. The winter routine about to restart, however busy time for both, exams by the end of the month.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:44 PM GMT on January 07, 2012

+0

Another change in the weather, more like March than the first week of January. Overcast, not a draft of air moving, 1C. Temp to remain high with drizzle in the forecast for this afternoon.

Emily in Quispam till tomorrow, Rob hanging close to the arena for the weekend. Teen skate last evening he and his friend attended, then back here for a movie, and conversation I am sure.

The visiting hockey team not this weekend, however a schedule in place for different teams to visit starting next week. Quite a thing for us to be able to properly host another sport other than baseball or basketball, both of which we have been well represented for decades.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:31 AM GMT on January 06, 2012

+0

A nice looking morning unfolding, albiet cool @-9C, calm, red sky showing behind Ross Island. Remains cool for today, begins to moderate tomorrow, temps to be near the freezing mark for the weekend highs.

Emily off to Quispam for a couple of days prior to getting back into the school grind. A busy few months ahead of her as they plan for graduation and university entrance all in the same breath.

Now the Holiday buzz is past more interest in the upcoming visit by the NHL LEGENDS in two weeks beginning to take shape. Lots of interest locally, with MARS becoming involved may just be a national story in the offing. The arena ice system now installed for a year, the use still hasn't let up. A first for Grand Manan a visiting hockey team to play our locals tomorrow, an historical event in our sports history.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:29 AM GMT on January 05, 2012

+0

Temp has moderated somewhat @-6C as the sun begins to make an appearance over Ross Island. Calm, weatherman indicating some wind outside till this afternoon. Looking good with temps on the plus side for the weekend.

Rob missed his permit by the proverbial 'one question'. I believe he is learning that anything in the manual could be on a test. Must be a number of people coming of age, no room on the list here for next month. He can't write for another two weeks so will have to see where that puts him on another possible list.

Lots of folks travelling yesterday, boat not full of vehicles, however a large number of individuals aboard. A good time to visit, never got any reading done, makes the 90 minutes go real fast.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:13 AM GMT on January 04, 2012

+0

A chilly one unfolding this morning, -14C, calm, a skiff of snow on the ground from some overnight activity. The next day or so similar conditions moderating by the weekend. The tail end of some serious weather coming up the eastern seaboard, freezing temps all the way down to Florida.

A trip to the mainland in an attempt to have Rob get his Driving Permit, unable to get an appointment here till Feb. If he successful it will be September before he can go for his license.

First day back to work after the two major holidays not much of a shock. Certainly things that needed attention waiting for us.

Kids out of school till next week, then a long haul before thier next break. However with the way time goes by won't be but a moment before it is here and gone.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:46 AM GMT on January 03, 2012

+0

Holidays now over, except for students school dosn't resume till next week. Weather more January like, partial overcast, draft of wind from the north, temp seaonal -3C. Temp to drop as the day moves along, clear and very cold overnight. Remainder of the week will assure us that it is January with seasonal type highs.

Emily returned to the fold last evening, a very successful few days in Quispam. Planning return ASAP.

Local fishery has been quiet due to weather I suspect. However sea urchin price not worth pursuing at the moment, stood down for this week. Those boats planning on scalloping will be getting serious about gearing up for next week.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:10 PM GMT on January 02, 2012

+0

Managed to enter the New Year number fist go, another swing in the weather, showers, SSW25-30KPH in the forecast. Temp now 7C, a gradual swing to northerly brings clearing skies,and cooler temps by this evening.

Emily remains in Quispam, returning sometime tomorrow. She has certainly had a busy time in her new location, loving it a great deal.

The NHL LEGENDS hockey experience next event on the community schedule, they will be here on 20 JAN 12. A bit of preparation remains to make it the success it should be.Indication is MARS CANADA will be here at the same time to officially open the new heated area in the arena.

Permalink | A A A

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 1:40 PM GMT on January 01, 2012

+0

The New Year attempting to decide if overcast or clear to be the order of the day. Temp at the freezing mark, blue sky here and there, however mostly overcast. This will be the order of the day for next couple of days then temp to dip and remains clear and cool for the rest of the week.

Ushered in the New Year with a grand meal and good company, managed to stay awake till 2012 showed up,then off home very early after the New Year rung in.

Rob out till 0300, no report from Emily as to how things went down in Quispam. No ferry today should find out when she plans on returning to her orginal berth.

Permalink | A A A