GRAND MANAN, N.B.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:16 PM GMT on November 29, 2009

Partial overcast, a brisk WSW breeze 20-25KPH, temperature more seasonable hovering around the 1C mark, with the breeze seems cooler to say the least. Similar weather pattern for the next few days.

The local Xmas Market a huge success, with 600 plus paying at the door, combined with the vendors near half the population at the centre some time during the process.

The telethon another success the Club to enjoy a nice financial boost as a result. The boys played thier songs, and as anticipated not quite in the Xmas theme, however they took great pleasure in struttin thier stuff.

Should have the GRISWOLD effect in hand by dark today, just some accomplished yesterday. Rain and taking mom for her tour cut into the daylight hours, always nice to have something to do.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28/O9

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:56 AM GMT on November 28, 2009

Wet, seems to be attempting to clear at the moment, southerly breeze 25-30KPH, 7C for temp. Clearing in the forecast for later on, temps to remain nice for this time of year, however the cooling off later in the week is to be expected.

Emily out overnight, at her other home it seems, Rob below decks. Basketball game last night, practice this morning. If the effoprt they have put into getting it right is anything they should do well.

The Community Centre now transformed into a TV studio for tonights telethon, and vendors everywhere in the building, 70 or more selling thier wares. Each vendor has a minimum of 12' requires lots of space. Too bad the weather not better, but all is undercover so should be a fun time.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on November 27, 2009

Wet, breezey from NE @25-30KPH, nice temp 8C expected make into the double digits again today and tomorrow. Similar weather for the weekend, once the normal temps shows up will be a shock to the system.

Feather white in the harbour this morning, been quite awhile since that has occurred. A few the boats taking advantage of high water and loading bait on the high water, don't imagine they will be going too far outside in these conditions.

Rob and his group playing in the Boys&Girls Club telethon tomorrow evening. Something like his book report, a late minute decision, one of the music acts couldn't make it so the graciously said they could do it. Lots of practise last two days, any connection with Christmas season will be in passing, certainly not the traditional carols for sure.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on November 26, 2009

Hard to fathom it is late November, calm not enough draft to move the flag, 7C for temp to rise into double digit again, looking for rain today and into the weekend. No need for fire since last evening, we'll take it.

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends south of the 49th, family gatherings and the consumption of thousands of turkeys in the offing, all hands enjoy.

Second week of lobster fishing payday, indications are that price will remain in the $4/lb range. The catch level still very good, lobster in shallow water still in good numbers, not the norm by any stretch.

Rob mentioned that his peers have mentioned the decorations in the yard, he is feeling like Emily, a little embarassed. Wait till the yard is lit, plan is the weekend.

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NOVEMBER 24/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on November 25, 2009

Fog, a fairly stiff breeze 20-25KPH from NE, looking for rain today and the next couple. Temp remains real nice for this time of year with highs in the double digits, not dropping very low overnight.

Boats tied up yesterday for the most part, as wind quite nasty from east, same for today. The catch and price are not great incentives to beat around the bay.

No artificial ice capability, and this weather makes the new arena a large barn and nothing else. Rink Committee working to get funding from as many private donors as possible in hopes of making the dream come to fruition sooner than later.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:54 AM GMT on November 24, 2009

A wee change in the weather pattern, overcast, threatning to rain, a steady 15-20KPH NE breeze, 6C for temp. The weather is similar for the remainder of the week, temps still in high single digits with no freezing overnight for the forseeable future.

Fishing news remains the same, now down to work as the initial level of excitement replaced by repetition and reduced catch levels. The Novie traps go in the water today, I believe, will place a lot more product on the market in a hurry.

The Chhristmas preparation slowly picking up steam, will bring the tree in by the weekend so it can find the best location for the season. Requires moving a bit of furniture around for the next month till the tree is put away.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:40 AM GMT on November 23, 2009

Partial overcast, slight draft ESE, temp 2C. Forecast for sun, a gradual rise to high single digits as the day moves along. Moisture, nice temps and little breeze for the remainder of the week.

Lobster catch, for the most part, appears to be maintaining a good level. Suprisingly quite a few boats out yesterday taking advantage of yet another good day on the water.

Kids back in school today after having an extra long weekend. Of course Rob has a book report due in less than two weeks, with no book to report on as yet. That status will have changed by suppertime for sure.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:47 AM GMT on November 22, 2009

Clear, sun making an appearance over Ross Island, a bit cooler @2C, NW 10-15KPH, will give it a cooler feel, not to warm up as it has the past couple of weeks, single digits, but sun. Cooler for the upcoming week.

Rob out overnight, Emily in her pit last night, quite bored it seems.

A good start on the lights, will get some done today, with the final touches by next weekend, that is the plan as of today.

Most of the fleet tied up yesterday, had sufficent days of hauling time to give them a chance to fish. Also the crews must be glad to stand down for a couple of days, unheard of not to have been forced to give it a rest due to weather conditions this far into the season.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:06 PM GMT on November 21, 2009

The rain quit early last evening, a sky full of stars and no wind was the result. This morning already 8C, a breeze from S @ 10-15KPH. Double digit temps forecast this weekend, with nice weather but cooler next week.

Emily out overnight, Rob in his pit, after an evening of attending basketball at school with Harvey visiting for the weekend.

The plan for the weekend will be to get the majority of the decorating completed as Christmas Month fast approaching.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:53 AM GMT on November 20, 2009

Another great weather morning, 8C, calm, with a slight draft still fromt he south. Looking for some rain and a bit of wind this afternoon, and back to clear and mild for tomorrow.

Price for last week lobster come in at $3.90, with a possibility of some of the buyers touching that by as much as a quarter. A bit better than last fall, but still far from the return to make the effort a worthwhile venture. Now the question is what will this week bring price wise.

Kids home from school parent teacher meetings, Emily babysitting this morning at 0530 till this afternoon. Rob and his gang split up around suppertime, a long birthday gathering for sure.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:54 AM GMT on November 19, 2009

The great unseasonable weather continues, calm, -2C temp, but rising into double digits again today. A chance of rain in the forecast for tomorrow, then back into the good weather pattern.

Donna and her buddy had to return can't imagine they had any room left in the van. The excursion was as planned, a success from a shopping and R&R perspective. The report is that the bulk of the shopping is now complete. Will be some odds and ends till the 24th of December, but am assurred the major things are stashed.

Rob the grand old age of FOURTEEN today, he had three or four of his cronies in overnight. Copious amounts of pizza, pop and whatever disappeared, disappointed that the XBOX was unable to work remote at the appointed hour to go online. They probably got some sleep they didn't intend on having.

Lobster price not known, best that I can secure as of yesterday $3.90/lb. There are several buyers in the mix, and they are vying for position as to what price they are willing to pay.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:39 AM GMT on November 18, 2009

Seasonal this morning, clear,calm and a cool 3C, temp to rise near double digits before the day is over. Another bright red sun making an appearance over Ross Island. Longrange still very positive with a bit of rain on Friday then back to this weather for a little while longer.

Report Cards show much improvement is required, however not as horrendous as I was prepared for, might say it is tempered for both groups.

The stretch of weather for lobster fishing this time of year is becoming unprecenented. One of the retired fisherman can go back seventy years or more, and can't recall a similar pattern from Opening Day continuing on for over a week with no interruption.

The price is the next hurdle, the final answer should be known today when the first cheques are issued for the first weeks catch.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:29 AM GMT on November 17, 2009

Overcast, a bit more seasonable temp @ 3C, wind NW 10-15KPH. Clearing as the day moves along with temps remaining in the single digits. Similar for remainder of the week.

The Xmas Shoppers doing well, having spent a full day crawling around Moncton. Reports are glowing that the majority of the must do's have been completed. The sleepover and cruising in St. John will be the icing on the trip. They move down this way later on today, trip home sometime tomorrow.

Another good day on the water, a couple of boats hauling traps infront of the house at daylight.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:24 AM GMT on November 16, 2009

Partial overcast, calm, still great temps at 11C, to remain thus for next few days, a slight draft from the west will bring clearing skies as the day moves on.

Donna and Patsy made the crossing with no problems, other folks travelling allowed for a visit to hasten the trip along. They will make the rounds in Moncton today and tomorrow before moving the expedition to St. John.

Made so inroads in the Christmas stuff, have the lights overhauled, and even managed to get a few more hung. Weather so warm hard to get into the idea that Santa is not far off, and one must get prepared for his arrival.

Still boats hauling traps in the harbour infront of the house, first time since we have been here for this time of year. Hopefully they are getting lots.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:15 PM GMT on November 15, 2009

Light rain, warm @13C, SE@15-20kph, this type of weather pattern for remainder of the day with wind letting up and a slight shift to SW. Clearing and nice temps for the remainder of the week.

Donna and her buddy should travel this morning on the second trip. Wind will be dying between now and 11:30, with fair wind pushing them to the mainland. They will have a good crossing, and a couple of games of Scrabble will put them into Blacks.

Both kids below decks last night Emily retrieved after supper, Rob had some movies to make his evening complete.

The boats hard at again yesterday, lots of semi's going with the catch. This will start to let up soon, with so many fishing days now in the bag.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:16 PM GMT on November 14, 2009

Overcast, wind NE @ 20KPH, breeze seems steady to pick up during the day, appears the weather forecast for the weekend might be held to south for a little while longer. Rain and southerly for tomorrow.

Both kids out overnight, Rob bonding with his peer group, Emily with her good friend. They will once again drift back to the house as the day unfolds.

May get a few more lights up today, the wind is not an issue as yet, just have to locate some that I have stored in an area I can retieve in short order - if I can recall where that is.

Lobster catch reported good inshore, not so good offshore. A boat just brought some into the harbour infront of the house, something that is usually done during the last few weeks of spring fishing, not this time of year.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:51 AM GMT on November 13, 2009

Calm, a cool -7C, heavy frost in evidence, sky indicating that there is a change in the weather pattern this way comes. Looking for lots of easterly within the next twenty-four hours hanging around for a couple of days.

The body not in too much pain yesterday, pleasantly surprised that it didn't feel more abused, and let me know, able to hold it at bay with a couple of Advil.

Haven't got any 'wharf talk' as to the level of catch or what the boats can expect for price. The weather has allowed the gear to be overhauled a couple of times this early is unusual from a historical perspective.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:53 AM GMT on November 12, 2009

Another far from average day for November, clear, calm, a cool -5C, brilliant sun. This type of weather remains in the offing for next couple of days at least.

The harbour mill pond like, a few waterfowel patrolling infront of the house. At daylight lots of seasmoke in evidence, and a heavy frost, picutresque to say the least.

A great day on the water, head down ass up from day light till dark, all but 30-40 of the gang hauled. Catch was very good, didn't stay around once we got to the wharf for final tally. Glad to be released for supper, and a shower. Then ironed out the couch for a little, when rested enough crawled onto the rack till daylight this morning.

Emily's cooking foray a great success, with smoked salmon crepes the centre piece. Then for supper constructed a 'jigs dinner', she enjoyed, even the potatoes, wouldn't eat it when Donna built it for whatever reason.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 9:36 AM GMT on November 11, 2009

Calm, 6C expected to rise near double digits again today. A little northerly expected later on today, not any extremes, the forecast remains positive for the next few days.

Rememberance Day today, past and present members of the Armed Forces recognized for thier dedication to the Country. Our small part of the world is well represented with two local young men now serving a tour with the Canaddian contingent in Afganastan.

An ideal day to set traps yesterday, no negative weather or equipment factor come into play. Boats formed up as usual, however the Fisheries aircraft insured no early departures by even the customary few minutes. Our three trips went well with the crew we had to load and set made it easy on all hands. I was home right on time for supper, did hit the rack a little earliar than usual.

The plan is to be at the first buoay at first light, haul as many of the gang as we can. If tide serves just right should get to the majority of the 375 traps. Weather is co-operating so that a fellow is not constantly working to keep his feet under him.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:00 AM GMT on November 10, 2009

Wind shifting from southerly to northerly, slight at the moment calling for higher 20-25KT for a brief period then diminishing as the day moves along. Temp a warm 10C, remaining in double digits for the day. Similar forecast for next few days.

Weather looking good for getting the traps in the water, and a few days of hauling. The norm is the other extreme it seems, high winds and low temps. Boats leave in another hour, traffic heading for the wharf now a steady stream going by the house.

Emily out overnight, today is "Take your Kid to Work Day", as I understand it the plan is a cooking lesson is in the works or maybe not. The for certain is that she is not attending school. Rob is going to school, he certainly had no plans to becoming involved in the fishery as long as there is a possiblity the boat maybe influenced by the water, motion is not his forte.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:18 AM GMT on November 09, 2009

Clear, calm, temp on the rise at 4C at the moment, to get into double digits by noon. Wind to rise from SW still not bad. Setting DAy still looking good with wind change to northerly, still nice temps and wind within good range.

Just about to get the tedious part of the process underway, loading the boat, hauling the traps to the wharf and baiting all the gear. Much the same as harvesting winter wood, lots of handling before any results. We have a large gang, albiet a bit long in the tooth, but this makes the whole process easiar and quicker.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:05 PM GMT on November 08, 2009

Overcast, a breeze @20-25KPH from SW, temp 8C, temp to remain in that area for the day, a good possiblity of rain today. Outlook for sun and warm tomorrow.

Emily off to White Head overnight, Rob and a group of his cronies at another locale. Will gather them up as the day moves along.

Setting Day weather looking good with first day to haul lots of NE in the forecast for most of the day.

Started overhauling my Christmas Lights, already wonder why I put so many in the box that aren't working. The wire sculptures have need of lots of lights also, will be busy getting it ready in time for Christmas month.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 12:02 PM GMT on November 07, 2009

Clear, calm, cool 1C, looking good for today with a chance of moisture for tomorrow. Overall not a bad weather outlook for the next few days.

Weather for Setting Day looking pretty fair with good temps and no heavy wind in the forecast. The first day of hauling is forecasting a fair amount of southerly, if the amount stays where it is forecast will not be bad.

House again empty overnight, kids spread out over the island probably will gather them up as the day moves along.

The local clinic held to address the priority groups for H1N1 seems to have been successful. Anyone in the priority group that wished to have the shot seems to have been accomodated with no problems.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:48 AM GMT on November 06, 2009

Overcast, rained overnight, wind trying to move from NE to NW appears to be dropping back from 50KPH now in the mid 20's range. Temp in at 2C rising slightly as the day moves along, calling for snow on the mainland, showers in our area.

Trip to the big smoke went well, lots of people travelling on both trips we were on, probably had to leave some coming home. A few items purchased for Christmas now whether or not it survives to the season remains to be determined, Emily had to give Donna one of her purchases shortly after getting home.

The two day H1N1 clinic scheduled for the school was completed yesterday. Emily, reluctantly, got hers on the way home last evening. No complaints of soreness from either of them this morning. The non priority group clinic a couple of weeks in the future.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:17 AM GMT on November 05, 2009

Calm, partial overcast, -1C rising to mid single digits before the temp turns down again this evening. Weather pattern headed our way tomorrow with a N'oreast 'wintery mix' in the offing for our part of the world.

Marks returning, no weeping and wailing as yet, Rob has changed his tune from 'no problem' to glad I passed. In other words the high marks he anticipated not in his portfolio at this time.

The annual ritual of traps moving to the wharf well underway, a few of the fellows getting a couple of days in the woods before the off shore work starts.

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WEDNSDAY, NOVEMBER 4/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:41 AM GMT on November 04, 2009

Overcast, wind NW @ a consistant 20-25KPH, 5C temp, looking for a chance of showers today and for a couple more days at least.

Paper advises that H1N1 flu clinic for the school children a go as planned. Some of the other clinics planned have been cancelled due to lack of vacine with no date for the go ahead.

Long range looking good temperature wise to put traps in the water next week, a little stretch to get an idea of what the wind conditions may be.

Both kids telling the old folks not to worry about exams they are unfolding as they should, will wait and see.

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TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 3/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:13 AM GMT on November 03, 2009

Overcast, 15-20KPH easterly, threat of rain for next couple of days, temps still fairly nice @ 7C. Long range indicating a number of fair weather days may be headed our way.

One week from 0700 lobster season commences, weather permitting. A first for our area, lobster sector have agreed that if wind is 35KT setting of traps will be delayed. Even at 35KT there is plenty of potential for trouble with boats overloaded, however it is a step towards safety for all participants.

Kids writing exams, Rob started out well, studied(his words) for math, only to learn the exam was Social Studies. Could be an interesting Report Card at this rate. Emily says she is doing alright, but is cutting into her social activities for sure.

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MONDAY NOVEMBER 2/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:52 AM GMT on November 02, 2009

Brilliant sun this morning, a brisk northerly 20-25KPH, a cool 4C, to rise near double digits before the day is over. Similar weather pattern for remainder of the week, with a little moisture thrown in to complete the mix.

No stories of Halloween madness to report, not a lot of visitors in most cases. No damage or eggs being thrown at cars that I have been made aware of at least.

Lots of traps now on the move with all wharves getting some placed in thier alloted spots. Still only speculation on what the opening price will be, however seems the lowest have heard $4/lb from there on up. Four sounds better than three fifty, still far a good return on the investment needed to land a pound.

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SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1/09

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:43 AM GMT on November 01, 2009

Rain and wind has quit, calm, 10C, attempting to clear, or remain overcast, radar shows the rain moved off to the east. Still calling for good temps during the day the next few days.

Halloween spooks pretty well a non event at our place. Very few kids, what few did drop by were done by 7PM, Donna checking with a crony later on in the evening pretty well the same scenario. Weather was condusive to getting out and around, hard to say if the H1N1 fears had any part in it or not.

The flu has hit SW portion of the Province hard, five schools closed till mid week. Just a matter of time till it makes it way across the Bay to our part of the world.

Kids out overnight, Rob summonsed at suppertime, Emily did her thing with the youngsters, then movie time at a friends house.

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