GRAND MANAN, N.B.

Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:35 AM GMT on July 30, 2011

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A different weather morning underway, rain overnight, currently showers, a draft easterly, sky a little brighter over Ross Island. Showers for today clearing overnight and nice weather for the remainder of the holiday weekend.

A poor day for Emily's kids to participate in the ROTARY FESTIVAL PARADE, however don't believe the children really care as long as the parade takes place. Emily has passed the half way mark of her summer employment, loves the kids,and her bank account almost as much. She sees a vehicle in her future and working hard to hold up her end.

Lots of folks travelling yesterday, the five thirty trip left a large number of vehicles, first time this summer such a big crowd on the move.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:51 AM GMT on July 29, 2011

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Sun early, now becoming overcast with a slight southerly bringing fog in from offshore, temp 15C, rising to around 20 with threat of showers or Tstorms for today and tomorrow. Sunday looking good and the start of next week.

First look at the ADVENTURE impressed me, did manage to catch the BLACK BOAT and her passing in the harbour one coming the other going. When the Black Boat appeared nearly FIFTY years ago she was the ulitimate, seeing her beside the ADVENTURE makes one marvel of how far we have come prior to the BLACK BOAT, hoisted nine cars with one trip per day.

Weir herring showing up on the front of the island, lots of signs of more to come. No whales near Pettes Cove, lots back of White Head, a few porpoise off the light past couple of days, might be late season for herring.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:50 AM GMT on July 29, 2011

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Sun early, now becoming overcast with a slight southerly bringing fog in from offshore, temp 15C, rising to around 20 with threat of showers or Tstorms for today and tomorrow. Sunday looking good and the start of next week.

First look at the ADVENTURE impressed me, did manage to catch the BLACK BOAT and her passing in the harbour one coming the other going. When the Black Boat appeared nearly FIFTY years ago she was the ulitimate, seeing her beside the ADVENTURE makes one marvel of how far we have come prior to the BLACK BOAT, hoisted nine cars with one trip per day.

Weir herring showing up on the front of the island, lots of signs of more to come. No whales near Pettes Cove, lots back of White Head, a few porpoise off the light past couple of days, might be late season for herring.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:45 AM GMT on July 28, 2011

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A nice looking morning underway, clear, calm, 13C, looking good for the holiday weekend.

Quite a buzz about the arrival of the ADVENTURE, terms like awesome, anything good you can double it, impressive by the size and capacity. She is reported to be coming to the North Head terminal today to insure she can get in where she is supposed to. Fits to the inch at Blacks Harbour.

ROTARY FESTIVAL this weekend looks to be in good shape for weather, this is the weekend folks return for a visit, a chance to catch other expats doing the same thing.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:47 AM GMT on July 27, 2011

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A steady farmers rain at the moment, low lying clouds/fog at tree toop level on Ross Island, calm, 15C temp. Similar weather for the morning, possible clearing with threat of Tshowers this afternoon. Temp to hit around 20C, looking good for the holiday weekend.

ADVENTURE tied up in Blacks Harbour, impressive the pictures Emily has located on FACEBOOK. A story in the TELEGRAPH JOURNAL has a nice picture of the V & ADVENTURE, quite a contrast in size. Her arrival has caused quite a stir, the ADVENTURE was being referred to as the GRAND MANAN EVENTUALLY, always a wag to capture the delay factor.

Rob returned to late for me to quiz him on his impressions of the new vessel. Emily insists on picking up `my brother`to save me the effort of having to do so - very considerate young lady.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:51 AM GMT on July 26, 2011

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Ain't no complaining about the heat and humidity this morning, a slight draft SSE, showers overnight, makes the 13C quite chilly. Temp to rise near 20C, light rain in the forecast for the next couple of days. A good thing as grounds very dry.

Nothing official, that I have seen, but if the ADVENTURE was on time she will now be tied up in Blacks Harbour. Rob enroute for a day in St. John so he will have a first hand look at her. Will be interesting to hear the comments.

A few wier herring, but nothing speacil, the netters had a good week starting out, then not so good past week. A few boats scalloping, no idea of how that is going.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:42 AM GMT on July 25, 2011

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Another ideal morning, total calm, temp 13C am advised will rise into mid 20's. Gets warm with no air moving, forecast is for some moisture over next couple of days, the plants can use a little natural watering, especially the lawn.

Trip to St. John busy, as anticipated, helped out the local economy, and Emily had an opportunity to drive on the mainland. She done well, however it is a bit different than going to North Head to catch up with a friend. Boat full, a combination of 'strangers from away' and locals. One of the few times could have remained outside on deck with no jacket, warm the whole trip across.

One must assume the ADVENTURE nearing Canadian waters, no contact with her on the computer since she cleared Florida on Friday, when asked the site says 'OUT OF RANGE'.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 9:07 AM GMT on July 24, 2011

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Another calm morning, harbour high tide giving the impression of a reflecting pond. Temp a mild 13C will increase to at least mid 20's once again by afternoon.

Hot yesterday, picked mom for our weekly tour, 29C at the North Head, pockets of similar air and cooler during the afternoon. The cooles at Ingalls Head at 17C.

A quick trip to Quispam to retrieve Emily, on the backhaul and opportunity for them to do some power shopping.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:13 AM GMT on July 23, 2011

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Hazy, Ross Island light an outline, total calm, already 19C, overcast conditions to remain for the day, temp to rise into mid 20's. Weatherman calling for similar conditions well into next week.

Emily caught 5:30 boat last evening for the weekend in Quispam, plan is to retrieve her tomorrow.

The ADVENURE underway, out in the Atlantic headed for Blacks Harbour, with an ETA early Tuesday morning. Can find her on computer once in awhile, making good time @ nearly 18 knots.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:48 AM GMT on July 22, 2011

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Haze/fog this morning, can make out the Ross Island shoreline, wind is gone, temp a sultry 19C, humidity high. Weatherman suggesting Tstorms during the day, weather to remain hot and humid for the next several days. Still nothing like what is going on just south of us and on the mainland.

The ADVENTURE reported to be on her way north, still no official word that such is the case. Led to believe the officials may have a Press Release advising of her progress later on today.

Emily feeling confident in the vehicle, especially considering she wasn't allowed to bike to Grand Harbour until she was fifteen, times have changed. She off on late boat to renew acquaintances in Quispam this evening.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:45 AM GMT on July 21, 2011

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Weather remains the same, hazy this morning, 10-15 KPH SW, temp 17C, humidity once again going to be high. Similar weather still int he forecast moving forward for the next several days.

GRAND MANAN ADVENTURE headed north as of late last evening, according to unofficial sources. She will be here early next week for final preparations prior to her going into service.

Quite a contrast in temps and weather conditions between Fredericton and Grand Manan yesterday. Left Fredericton mid aftertoon 29C arrived in Blacks Harbour a within two hours a pleasant 17C with a fairly strong southerly movement of air.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 9:07 AM GMT on July 20, 2011

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The weather remains consistant, absolute calm, currently temp a modest 9C, forecast temp to high 20's, similar pattern for the next several days. No sign of rain for next couple of weeks.

Last evening first time Emily mobile on her own, didn't take too long after supper for a plan to be discussed that she had to have the car for. Her buddy also was successful in getting her license. She needed Donna's car to get to her house so they could go out her folks car to do some chores. Also had to pick up 'my brother' to save me the effort to do so. See the vehicle on the road quite a bit more than prior to yesterday, also my truck has become very attractive for some reason, before this not something she expresed an interest in driving.

Rumour has it, on pretty good source, the ADVENTURE getting underway to head home this morning. If such is the case she will be here first of next week, should know more today.

Quick trip to Fredericton this morning, Nursing Home meeting, will know when we leave there what the plans are for constructing a replacement for the tired one in use at the moment. Also will have some exposure to heat, Fredericton should be well into the 30's before we pull out for home later on this afternoon.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:58 AM GMT on July 19, 2011

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A humid, sultry morning, already 17C, hazy, flat calm, expected to rise into high 20's for temp. Did have the heavens open up last night for a few minutes give all the yard a drink, little evidence of the water this morning. This weather pattern to remain in place for a few days, still nothing like the middle of the country.

Emily attempts her driving test once again this morning. Has decided to use our vehicle, a bit larger than the FOCUS, however she is confident it will work for her. Her grandmother seems more on edge than she does, just hope she can hold that level of confidence when she sits with the examiner.

Local eating establishments advising not as many guests showing up as in the past. Interesting to know if it is all economic, travel requirements to cross the border or the publicity about the ferry earliar this spring.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:46 AM GMT on July 18, 2011

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Hazy, overcast, a slight draft from the south, warm already @17C, weatherman suggesting low 20's with chance of Tstorms later on. A long way from the hot conditions a few miles south and into the midwest.

A few weir herring showing up, one of the carrier captains was telling me the catch 10% of the same time last year. Seiners catching enough to keep the plant going, but just barely, and quality of the fish sometimes not the best.

Rob has a few chores lined up this week, now just a matter of him having the inclination to get them underway.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:17 AM GMT on July 17, 2011

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Another grand looking morning, total calm, warm @19C, weatherman suggesting heading to the 20's for high today. Threat of T.showers and hot conditions for the next few days.

Yesterday not too bad for heat, managed to get the lawn mowed and presentable. My man off catching up on his social calander, out overnight. Emily did not have any shifts this weekend, probably a good thing as she has an opportunity to recharge for her wards next week.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:32 AM GMT on July 16, 2011

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What a morning, harbour reflecting pond, lots of sun, the start of a hot day, even here at Ingalls Head. Current temp a mere 14C, but will be on the rise big time very shortly. Next few days the same thing in store, the heat wave from the south making a foray over the 49th.

Emily has another week behind her, certainly keeping her busy. She had to do some 'drving', and while out insured her cheque was in the bank. Rob made $50 mowing, and managed to purchase $200 worth of must have stereo equipment as a consequence. His grandmother allowed him some coin out of his cash stash.

A few of the tourist operators and telling me that not as busy as have been in previous seasons by this time. Great whale watching weather this past week, some whales about, no humpbacks or right whaltes reported, that I am aware of at least.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:45 AM GMT on July 15, 2011

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Weatherman off the mark, so far, mostly overcast, cool @12C, a breeze from NW @ 15-20KPH. The not weather from the south expected to invade over the next few days, lots of sun.

Fishery news still fairly quiet, a few weir herring showing up, still a long way to go to catch up to what should be ashore by this time. Haven't heard how the boats that are netting are doing, a few scalloping, scallop price farily high. Lobster boats in the 'grey zone' number 8-10.

Rob landed another mowing job, did well, but wasn't prepared discuss the cost of the gas or the wear and tear on the mower. Funny how that works, good for him I suppose.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:55 AM GMT on July 14, 2011

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Weatherman has it correct, mostly cloudy, a brisk movement of air from the NE @ 15-20KPH, much cooler at 12C. This the pattern for the remainder of the day, a great looking weekend suggested with lots of sun and just about right for temps.

Emily and her group spent the day on Whitehead, all hands enjoyed so much for the remainder of the summer Whitehead Wednesday is penciled in, weathe permitting. Rob had a hard day at MILLERS POND keeping up with the BBQ and time in the water.

Tourist traffic beginning to increase, more operators advising that bookings finally starting to increase. No word on the ADVENTURE as yet - she still resides in Florida, no idea of what problems she is encountering to continue to hold her up.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:55 AM GMT on July 13, 2011

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Hazy, warm and humid, a slight draft from NW, weatherman indicating chance of showers later on in the day. Weather looking good over next few days.

Interesting day yesterday, Minister responsible for Nursing Home come to the island to announce commitment to the new Nursing Home. No dates or time line, guess I am somewhat like the folks from Missouri 'Show Me', at least a step forward. The group doing the MARS BAR thing interesting, and have been impressed with the Grand Manan story, and hospitality they have been show.

READERS DIGEST have published that GRAND MANAN is #3 in the world of small islands to visit. In very impressive company and beat out spots in the Meditreanean and Hawaii.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:48 AM GMT on July 12, 2011

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A different weather pattern this morning, thick fog, calm, 15C. Weatherman suggesting that we are having 'patchy fog' this morning. I would have to suggest the patches are pretty well complete. A southerly draft indicates fog will be here for a time. Tshowers possible this evening.

Rob mananged to get the lawn up to standard yesterday, has a bit of coin as a result. Emily certainly enjoying her tenure at the Club.

A couple of things in the offing this morning, Minister responsible for Nursing Home paying a quick visit this morning, in on one boat out on another, no indication for what purpose. An ad agency in town from Toronto to research an international ad campaign for MARS BAR centred around the hockey mania we had this past winter. A long story, but well down the road to being a done deal.

A fair number of tourists about, about time, still no word on the ADVENTURE.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:40 AM GMT on July 11, 2011

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A different weather pattern this morning, rain overnight, a southerly draft, temp a pleasant 16C, weatherman suggesting it will clear by this afternoon with threat of T.Storms. Outlook for the remainder of the week looking good.

Fishery news relatively quiet, a few boats rigged for netting, scallops at a premium price a few boats involved, a shrimper having some success. The herring in the weirs non existant, a little squirt a week or so ago, no great quantity since.

Emily had a busy weekend with partial shifts at the store Sat.&Sun., back in harness for the Club this morning. Rob will have work here and his grandfathers once the weather allows yardwork to commence once again.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:09 AM GMT on July 10, 2011

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A few hours makes a great difference in the weather, clear, a pleasant 15C, a slight draft from the west indicating the weather pattern to hold. The weather for the next week looking good.

Lots of rain the order of the day yesterday, cleared later in the afternoon. Front yard lots of puddles, but now disappearing.

No official word, however rumour has it the ADVENTURE had a good sea trial this past week, further training for the crew, then head north by mid-week. Her arrival would be a grand addition to the ROTARY FESTIVAL celebrations, the holiday weekend in August.

Emily shift at the store last evening, Rob out overnight. Obviously both are busy, one earning cash the other attempting to keep abreast of his social calandar.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:21 AM GMT on July 09, 2011

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Heavy rain first thing this morning, beginning to let up some, with signs of clearing. Weatherman advising clearing with possible Tstorms later on this afternoon. Calm, drizzle, temp 15C, outlook for tomorrow and moving into next week very good.

BLACK BOAT back on the run yesterday, the GRAND MANAN ADVENTURE still in Florida going through sea trials. Nothing official for when she will be headed this way, however have crew enough on hand to bring her along when the decision is made to head to the Bay of Fundy.

Nursing Home situation remains static, twenty residents in EIGHT ROOMS, needless to day not all are compatable in such cramped quarters. Staff coping as are the residents, keep hoping that decision makers will step up and give some relief, at least of the mind that things are on the move.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:48 AM GMT on July 08, 2011

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A bit cooler this morning @ 10C, a slight overcast, calm, outlook for the remainder of the day on the positive with sun and increase in temps in the forecast, moving forward looking good with sun and nice temps.

Yesterday down to one ferry once again, the BLACK BOAT, required parts from Montreal. No trips yesterday, hoping things will be back to what passes for normal sometime today.

Nursing Home noon hour rally had approx. 200 locals attending to voice their concern about the lack of action on the situation. Also to show the residents, at least locally, they are not a forgotten group. The residents appreciated the level of support and concern.

Emily having a grand time with her group, lunch bag being shared each day with her 'friends'. All hands having a grand time. Rob is 'available' for whatever comes along, but does take the opportunity to get on the beach or MILLERS POND whenever the opportunity presents itself.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:44 AM GMT on July 07, 2011

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A grand looking one this morning, calm, a bit of haze, already 17C, warm and humid the order of the day. Similar weather conditions for the next few days, beaches will be enjoyed for sure.

Nursing Home situation remains up in the air, no input from Provincial Government on a timeline for replacement. This unknown along with current situation compounds the problem, morale amoung the residents, staff and families beginning to wane. Amazing how the residents have adapted to the condtions, at least for the moment, can't imagine it being the same air of resignation to the situation in a weeks time. Still no contact from the Province on when the new building can get back on the rails to continue the process, an obvious lack of leadership.

Emily getting more sunburn each day, her red tone easy to burn. Rob becoming a groundskeeper, with Donna as the foreman he gets quite a bit accomplished.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:45 AM GMT on July 06, 2011

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Hazy or low clouds this morning, barely a drafdt from SW, a nice 15C, sun and temps in 20's with a shower overnight is the forecast. Long range looking pretty fair with sun, nice temps during the day and good sleeping temps overnight.

Rob pressed into groundskeeper yesterday, kept his head down and got it done. A bit more this afternoon, then transfers to his great grandfathers to do some scraping and painting. Emily having a grand time with her group, she has them convinced that fresh carrot sticks, peppers, etc. are treats - go figure.

Nursing Home transfers ongoing, with ten of the residents having to be moved to the hospital and other homes on the mainland. Our home in present configuration more of a warehouse than a home, will be next week before any mitigation can be undertaken, not good.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:51 AM GMT on July 05, 2011

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The wooliness continues, calm, temp 14C, weatherman promises clearing by afternoon, with high temps in the mid 20's, same for tomorrow, but showers for the remainder of the week.

Emily enjoyed her first day at work, the young ladies she is working with have been at the Club for quite sometime. She has to increase her lunch bag as she gives most of it to her wards, as always another persons lunch is better than one before you.

Rumour mill has the ADVENTURE doing more sea trials then heading north. if all goese well, by end of the week, nothing official.

Nursing Home in turmoil, mould situation growing into unmanageable proportions. Fully a third of the residence have to be removed from the building. Eight off the island, two into the local hospital. The remaining residents crammed into the mould free rooms. A single room now a double, a double has three residents, no shorterm solution as the situation appears at the moment. Where is the dignity of these folks at their stage in life?

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 10:41 AM GMT on July 04, 2011

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A wooly INDEPENDANCE DAY here in the Bay of Fundy, fog and drizzle, a slight southerly draft, temp 14C, expecting showers with a chnace of Tstorms and clearing later on in the day. Tomorrow sun, but not so good outlook for the remainder of the week.

A few boats geared up for netting, noticed ice going by yesterday, assume they must be setting out last evening for the run to the fishing grounds. No great activity in the herring area.

Emily begins her career in child care this morning, has had a busy weekend witht her shifts at the store, and gearing down to the pace here as opposed to Quispam.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:12 AM GMT on July 03, 2011

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A wooly one this morning, barely make out the shoreline, a slight draft southerly dosen't harken well for any clearing, temp 12C. Showers for tomorrow, overall the week shaping up pretty well weatherwise at least.

Emily back in the fold, did a shift last evening at the conveninance store, one this evening, starts at the Club tomorrow. She will have a busy summer if this type of work comes her way, Rob is now available for 'whatever'.

Yesterday one of the brightest Saturdays in some time, for moms tour. Even with her retricted vision could see things at a great distance.

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Posted by: GRANDMANAN, 11:27 AM GMT on July 02, 2011

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A grand looking morning, becoming overcast, not a breath of air moving, temp a pleasant 14C, Ross Island outline reflecting in the harbour, tide running in, a nice KODAK moment. Similar weather for tomorrow, with a suggestion of rain first of the week.

Emily reluctantly returns this afternoon, learning thier is more to the world than our portion, and she can get on for extended periods without her grandmother. Having said that Donna's txting skills greatly improved this past week or so.

Managed to get a dent in the heavy yardwork,Rob pressed into service, he worked hard, and was surprised to get some cash as a result. I wasn't able to match his lobster fishing tally, but put some coin in his pocket for the day.

Didn't take in any of the celebrations, opted to enjoy the view and cool beverage on the verandah, works for me.

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