GRAND MANAN, N.B.

FRIDAY, MARCH 30/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:43 GMT le 30 Mars 2012

Winter like this morning a few flurries, calm, Ross Island barely visible across the harbour. Temp at the freezing mark, temp to rise into high single digits and clear as the day moves along. Similar conditions for the weekend.

Large flock of brant talking outside the porch this morning, largest gathering I have seen for a years. They were headed up the harbour early in the evening took minutes for them to go by, impressive.

Emily off to Quispam next boat - haven't learned what the must do reason this weekend, however I am certain it is more than valid.

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THURSDAY. MARCH 29/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:47 GMT le 29 Mars 2012

The KODAK MOMENT outside belongs on a Christmas Card, new snow, heavy overcast, the Ross Island Shore outlined by snow. Breeze NE 15-20KPH, temp just below the freezing mark, clearing and a rise in temp as the day moves along.

The snow started falling last evening, come on strong, however temps near the freezing mark kept the roads clear. This bit of stuff should be gone in the next day or so.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:44 GMT le 28 Mars 2012

Sun attempting to get the upperhand as it shows up from behind Ross Island. Not enough draft to move the flag, slight hint of overcast skies in the offing, a cool -3C, remaining clear with temps to get up above freezing ever so slight. Clear and a bit warmer over the next few days.

The new ferry a grand sea boat. Near gale force heading right into it yesterday going over, boat never moved, loud thuds when waves hit her, spray flying over the windows. Nary a move coming home, fair wind made grand time being ashore ten minutes early.

Trip to Hampton windy, must have been near the snow line as Moncton and PEI had quite a miserable day, with the schools closed on PEI. Managed to visit CANADIAN TIRE, nice to know it is still there.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 27/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 09:12 GMT le 27 Mars 2012

The hot weather has abandoned the area, now clear, a cold -6C being pushed around by near gale force NW winds. Wind to last for most of the day, letting up later on this afternoon.

A quick trip to Hampton for a business meeting, if the boat runs the order of the day.This much wind shouldn't have much trouble getting a seat on the boat this morning. Will see how things are when I get outside, want to make sure we have a ferry trip later on in the day, if not will stay put.

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MONDAY, MARCH 26/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:45 GMT le 26 Mars 2012

Overcast first thing, now Ross Island being hidden by a shroud of fog as it makes it way up the harbour. Total calm, temp 3C, remaining overcast, clearing tomorrow with temps remaining on the cool side especially in comparison to the highs of last week.

Mid-terms now behind the shcool crowd, Emily has a few weeks for her group to prepare for graduation, and finish the University Entrance process. Rob seems content to take things one day at a time, no great plans for down the road.

Hockey the topic this weekend, the Pee Wee team bringing home the banner as champions. Quite a feat having been in existance for less than one season. Local playoffs underway for the organized teams, well atended by general public.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 25/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:16 GMT le 25 Mars 2012

A KODAK MOMENT sunrise rapidly changing to overcast skies. The breeze from NW 10-15KPH making the -2C temp seem much cooler. Showers by this afternoon and the next day or so, seasonable conditions as they say.

The arena going into the final week of operation, hockey has been a huge success for all ages. A complete season operating on volunteer hours completely certainly has made the fiscal portion of the operation run in the black - continues to be a great community effort.

Few boats taking advantage of good weather with more traps going in the water. Have not heard of the price situation or level of the catch.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 24/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:29 GMT le 24 Mars 2012

Seaonable is the term for this morning, temp at freezing mark, rising to high single digits. Breeze from the north, clear for today, unsettled and cooler temps within the next day or so.

Emily making a short trip to visit whatshisname, to return later boat tomorrow. A good day to travel, afraid the little Rock dosen't have the same hold on her as a year or so ago.

A good weather day to manufacture some wood, have a couple of partial loads in the yard.

The snowbirds in Myrtle Beach have had a great run of weather, now will be casting thier minds to returning home in the next few weeks.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:49 GMT le 23 Mars 2012

Another nice one underway, temp near double digits at9C, wind shift to NW at 10KPH bringing the temps more inline with the date on the calander. High in low double digits, remains clear till Sunday and a gradual lower of temps with minus temps overnight. Still unusual for this time of year.

Lots of yardwork in commence with the good weather, still more observation there is work needed to be done 'before' spring gets too far along.

Kids off school today, Rob out overnight, Emily making plans for the weekend, a brief mainland trip in the offing I am told.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 22/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:44 GMT le 22 Mars 2012

A repeat of yesterday getting underway, bright red sun, temp an amazing 15C, not enough draft to move the flag. Temp to rise into mid 20's, yesterday nearly 27C by mid-afternoon. Temp and weather pattern today beginnng to lose some temp by the weekend, still very nice.

Managed to locate some trees for wood manufacture, clearing site for new Nursing Home has three or four cord ready to saw into stove length, good chance for sure.

Local hockey still in good demand, playoffs for local league in commence. End of the month the plant turned off till next fall, the complex being well used, a grand addition to the community.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:49 GMT le 21 Mars 2012

She's a grand one underway this morning,harbour mill pond like, bright red sun, temp already 7C, expected to reach 20C, with more of the same for next couple of days. The sun has started working its way from showing up over the thouroughfare to mid Ross Island summer home.

Enough daylight one can think about starting to putter around the yard doing some spring cleaning after supper. The trick is to get the idea from thought to action - have been gently reminded this is a possibility, especially due to the weather conditions.

Kids have short week at school, midterms underway at the moment. No indication of how things are going other than Rob says they are 'hard'.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 20/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:49 GMT le 20 Mars 2012

Overcast, 4C temp, 10KPH breezed southerly, forecast to clear, temp to rise into mid teens, well above norms for the week. Record temps into 20's by Thursday, with clear skies the order of the day.

Lobster price in the $6/lb range, still traps to go in the water, slowly getting them in fishing order. Price this high goes back a few years, skeptical that it will remain once a few are landed. Indication is their remains a steady market for the beast, even in slow economic times.

The annual return of the geese on the lawn underway, a pair at the moment. They are persistant, the dog enjoys them from the verandah, of course they are bigger than he, best he respect thier size.

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MONDAY, MARCH 19/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:41 GMT le 19 Mars 2012

Partial overcast, red sky behind Ross Island and now beginning to show over the harbour. Temp already @13C, a breeze 10-15KPH from NW. Clearing and warm temps the order of the day, more high temps as the week moves along.

Efforts to clean up after the winter months moving ahead. Some pick up of winter debris, and small fixing jobs accomplished over the weekend, emphasis on small.

Fishery news remains quiet, a few boats remain scalloping, have noticed some wrinkles being harvested, along with clammers. Signs of spring with the brant number increasing, and more geese returning on a daily basis.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 18/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:02 GMT le 18 Mars 2012

The sun attempting to get the upperhand, lots of red sky over Ross Island at the moement. Anticipate clearing as the day moves along. Long range looking more like late April with clear skies and temps in high teens. A steady breeze from SW temp 5C order of the day at the moment.

Yesterday, a spring like effort, managed to get a few things 'started', was reminded didn't appear any of them were completed. Attention span on one thing was suggested as a possible reason.

Complex going great yesterday, Market over noon hour,Pee Wee hockey playoffs after the first boat, Boys & Girls Club Bingo in gym last evening and old timers hockey in the evening followed by Youth Group skating from 10-midnight, great stuff.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 17/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:23 GMT le 17 Mars 2012

St. PATRICKS' DAY, beginning with a breeze from NW overcast, temp 1C, forecast for clearing and temps near double digits by afternoon. Clear and mid teens for tomorrow and high teens middle of the next week.

No more trips in the woods for this season, at least till it dries up, no fun playing with trees in the heat. Have to get some already manufactured, first time since returning home, weather conditions have changed for sure, at least this past few seasons.

Emily home for this weekend, on the road next weekend. Rob below decks also, however the plan is to attempt to get thier sky trip in next weekend.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:51 GMT le 16 Mars 2012

Total calm, overcast, -2C to rise with clearing skies to mid single digits as the day moves along. Spring like conditions in the forecast double digits and sun for the weekend. Has been suggested the new BBQ currently in the box requires an attempt at the term 'some assembly required'.

Otis's house remains high and dry, foundation has been removed for at least half of the structure, still digging underneath to retrieve contaminated soil. He is concerned the foundation that held the place aloft for over 100 years had to be sacrificed to get the mess cleaned up.

Lots of birds showing up in the harbour, geese coming in supper time yesterday, brant in the harbour most mornings, any number or species of sea ducks on patrol early in the morning. The harbour showing signs of spring awakening for sure.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 15/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:47 GMT le 15 Mars 2012

Typical mid-March morning ground snow covered overnight, plow going by with sparks flying making sure road safe for the school bus crowd. Temp right at the freezing mark to rise mid single digits overcast for the day. A breeze 20-25KPH northerly for the day, warmer temps with double digits on the plus side by the weekend.

No traps moving this week, wind nasty with a bit of easterly in it, not worth the banging around for the return, better weather not far off.

Ice withdrawal settling in, plant to be shut off by months end. Rob played for four hours last evening, his regular group then mens. Nearly fifty bodies for the mens, grand time by all, nobody keeping score just having at it.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:48 GMT le 14 Mars 2012

Half nasty this morning, NE 20-25KPH, rain, temp 2C, on the mainland freezing rain, and snow the order of the day. No relief for next couple of days, weekend looking promising at the moment.

Fishery news remains quiet, combination of weather conditions, few lobsters the main rationale for little news. A few of the boats remain scalloping, see we have a few pounds in the freezer, should no doubt get a few more before the end of the month. Always good with a steak in mid-July.

Rob has healed enough to get his place back on the ice this evening. Going to be a hole in the week for the hockey zealots, end of the month shut down till fall. Already withdrawal from some, baseball a few months away as yet.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 13/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:51 GMT le 13 Mars 2012

Interesting looking sunrise this morning, mostly cloud cover with a patch of red sky over Chalk Island Cover. Suspect the overcast will be complete soon, rain in the fordcast for next couple of days. Temps looking good with near double digits expected.

Yesterday weather was stellar to say the least, bright sun, slight draft, temp in the low teens, all good stuff.

Rob once again failed his drivers written exam, there are five different ones, next time around he will have gone through the complete set. A bit disappointed, but seems to put it in perspective fairly quick and move on. Hockey injury seems under control. However have learned they may have an 'away' game this weekend he will be healed for sure by that time, or at least that is what I am being advised.

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MONDAY, MARCH 12/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:49 GMT le 12 Mars 2012

The weatherman appears to have it correct this morning, a slight draft westerly with a hint of south in it. Hazy, red sky, temp 3C will attempt to sragger to double digits, sunshine the order of the day.

Emily returned to the fold having a stop on her way home to check in on her friend. In the interim I made a run to hospital with Rob, thought he fractured some ribs playing hockey. More a bruise than anything, he is stumbling around this morning making noise he is ready to go tonight - NOT.

Work on Otis's basement continues, appears the contaminated soil has been removed house jacked up ready to put a new foundation under the place. Amazing what stone work the tradesmen did to build foundation well over a century ago.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 11/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:20 GMT le 11 Mars 2012

A great sun rise now clouds taking over, a cool -9C, total calm, full tides, looks as if one could walk to the Ross Island Shore this morning. Temp to rise a bit, great conditions for the first few days of the week, sun and double digit temps on the plus side.

Emily to return to the fold by midafternoon, has had a grand time in Quispam, now time to get back to the real world, at least for a few days.

More traps going in the water yesterday, nothing frantic just a few at a time. They will soon have enough to haul when they set a few, before too long the gang is back in the water.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 10/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:11 GMT le 10 Mars 2012

A bright morninng underway, a draft 10-015KPH northerly, lots of sun, expect to rise in temps near the freezing mark. Overnight temp to rise, clouds with rain or snow tomorrow. Nice temps and mix of weather for next week, always subject to change it seems.

Boat started her run yesterday a few hours late, managed to be back on schedule by 5:30PM. A number of folks caught when she went down, and missed those late trips.

The southern travellers should be returning over the weekend, March Break concluded time to get the run to graduation underway.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 9/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:55 GMT le 09 Mars 2012

Nasty weather this morning, lots of wind and rain, temp 3C, rain to let up near noon as wind attempting to swing from southerly to west. Clear and fair temps for the weekend.

Due to wind yesterday Emily cleared on 1130HRS trip, fortunate she did. The ferry unable to leave due to failure of the bow thrusters, not able to repair locally. Boat was loaded, passengars had to disembark, no late word on what the expectation is for continuation of service.

The weather brings the return of brown lawn, have a pond between here and the seawall, tolling in a few ducks this morning.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:54 GMT le 08 Mars 2012

Clear, warm 6C should rise near double digits, wind from the south rising to gale force this afternoon. Similar conditions with a chance of showers next couple of days, winds shifting for the weekend to northerly influence a bit cooler by then.

Emily and Whatshisname arrived yesterday, with the wind coming on they will no doubt be best advised to leave on the next trip. At least did get to speak with Andrew for a few minutes before the pressure of other duties had him have to move along.

Work at Otis's moving along, the house being prepared for new foundation. The old house will require some expertise to insure no damage on the inside when the jack it up. Can't imagine the heft, house three stories, well over a hundred years, large material to construct.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:45 GMT le 07 Mars 2012

A KODAK MOMENT sunrise giving over to overcast skies moving in from the south. An impressive looking sight over the harbour to Ross Island. Total calm, cool @ -7C, temp expected to rise dramatically with plus temps by this afternoon. Possible snow flurries before clear giving rain for tomorrow and Friday.

Yesterday a foray to Calais for a bit of Cross Border Shopping. Walmart still in the same place, a fair number of like minded folks in evidence.

Crew returned to Otis's to complete the oil spill cleanup, he has been sitting with his yard literaly torn up for the past several weeks. Requires some extensive repairs to the foundation, repaving of the driveway and filling in the yard that is dug up.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 6/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:13 GMT le 06 Mars 2012

Cold this morning -8C, calm, temp to rise slightly, remains cool till tomorrow with moderating temps the forecast for the remainder of the week.

Contact with Quispam limited to a couple of short txts per day, good morning and good night.The plan is for them to return as a couple for a couple of days then back to Quispam to complete the March Break.

Rob has been busy in the 'woods' with some of his peers harvesting trees. Whether or not constructively or just to knock down trees unknown at this time. However certainly keeping him occupied from shortly after daylight till dark.

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MONDAY, MARCH 5/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:43 GMT le 05 Mars 2012

Don't know where the white stuff come from, just below the freezing mark overnight, appears to be 3-4 inches on the ground. Calm, temp rising onto the plus side as the day moves along, appears this weather pattern coming and going for the next few days.

Hockey active over the weekend, an Oldtimers Team from Fredericton made the trip on Saturday. To be commended must have been a poor drive and lots of wind coming across. The weather didn't soften them up enough as the beat the locals by a couple of goals.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 4/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:12 GMT le 04 Mars 2012

The hint of sun at sunrise now hiding behind the clouds, a slight draft WSW, temps 3C, expected to rise a bit, overnight temps to dip just below the freezing mark. Similar conditions till midweek.

Emily off to Quispam this morning, much better conditons to travel. A basketball game this afternoon is the highlight of the day, or at leat for Andrew. Rob still sequestered below decks, every few hours surfaces for sweets then returns to his electronic maze.

Fishery news static, a few traps making the trip off shoret, operative word few. Price dropped back to $4.75 this past week, supply or demand must have changed.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 3/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:33 GMT le 03 Mars 2012

Weataherman has it correct this morning, temp on the rise, curretntyl at thr freezing mark, to climb to 6C. A bit of snow overnight, wind increasing swinging to the SE, a bit of freezing rain, then rain by this afternoon. Gale force till late tis evening, clearing, going westerly with a nice couple of days, supposedly, headed our way.

Winter like across the harbour this morning, Ross Island shore outlined in snow, with ominous clouds and a few spits of snow making it look worse than it is.

Emily stood down till tomorrow for her trip to Quispam, stayed with the kids she tends at the Boys & Girls Club for a 'sleepover' in gym at the complex. Probably good things she has an opportunity to rest prior to heading off to the wilds of Quispam.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 2/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:08 GMT le 02 Mars 2012

Winter like conditions remain in place, still some remnants of snow flurries, wind from NE 30-35KPH, temp -6C windchill making it feel in the minus double digits. Suposed to moderate, clear, with winds gradually dying down, overnight southerly influence, brings warm temps, high winds and rain.

A trip to St. John this morning, Donna's dad has a couple of appointments with eye people. The rough weather sometimes bothers him this past little while, motion and poor vision not a good mix.

Rob's trip to Poley Mtn. postponed, one of the chaperones not feeling good. With a dozen mid teens most of which are male one has to be on top their game to make it work.

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MARCH 1/12

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:50 GMT le 01 Mars 2012

March coming in like a lion, gale warning in effect till late this afternoon, now 55-65KPH from NE, temp a cool -5C, overcast certainly looking like snow. Similar conditions tomorrow with a slight drop in wind the only change, warming up with 'wintry mix' for Saturday.

Rob and his group to travel on skiing trip to POLEY tomorrow afternoon, can't recall they have had good travel weather for this annual venture. Emily may have to hold off her travel plans till at least Sunday, not good weather for Saturday. She has no trouble with the boat, however wintry mix something she has no experience with behind the wheel.

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