- Updates from the Islands -

- - Antigua - -

- - - 2005 Hurricane Season - - -

- MARCH

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 20:33:46 -0500

Title: Message

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST POSSIBLE WEATHER

CALM SEAS AND WINDS

COOLISH NIGHTS

GOOD FISHING

PARADISE

- MARCH 06

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 20:43:57 -0500

THE FIRST WOMAN TO EVER ROW ACROSS ANY OCEAN SINGLEHANDED ARRIVED IN ANTIGUA YESTERDAY THE 13TH MARCH AFTER 93 DAYS FROM GOMERA IN THE CANARY ISLANDS. SHE COULDN’T STAND UNAIDED FOR A WHILE. INCREDIBLE FEAT!!

- JANUARY

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 07:42:10 -0500

Title: Message

ITS BEEN SO COLD THAT THE BOYS IN THE BACKROOM SENT TO THE RED CROSS FOR BLANKETS

- Rough weather

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2006 09:38:02 -0400

Antigua has been having bad weather! AS MUCH OF THE islands have... VERY GUSTY WINDS -- 45 miles on my wind gauge on the Atlantic side. This is very bad for the Atlantic rowers (see Johns link to the rowers below). In fact they have just put out a call on our local radio for Antigua to pray for the rowers as they try to cover the last leg into Antigua with very bad seas around them. Very unusual to have this bad weather this time of year....

- JANUARY 06

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2006 18:08:58 -0500

LOOKS LIKE THE NORTH SEA OUT HERE

- GOOD SITE TO MONITOR THE TRANSATLANTIC ROWING BOAT RACE

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2006 20:55:35 -0500

  
The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:

Shortcut to: 
http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk/daily_progress/positions_chart_all.php


Note: To protect against computer viruses, e-mail programs may prevent sending 
or receiving certain types of file attachments.  Check your e-mail security 
settings to determine how attachments are handled.

Attachment: positions_chart_all.url
Description: Binary data

- Emailing: DSC01718

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2006 20:53:16 -0500

  
THE WINNERS OF THE TRANSATLANTIC ROWING BOAT RACE AS THEY CROSSED THE
LINE OUTSIDE ENGLISH HARBOUR YESTERDAY MIDDAY.

Attachment: DSC01718.JPG
Description: JPEG image

- ZETA

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2005 18:46:03 -0500

THE BOYS IN THE BACKROOM PERKED UP WHEN THEY HEARD THE WORD “ZETA” BUT WENT BACK TO SLEEP WHEN THEY REALIZED IT WAS NOT CATHERINE ZETA JONES.

- CHRISTMAS

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Sat, 24 Dec 2005 23:25:07 -0500

Title: Message

THE BOYS IN THE BACKROOM WISH ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

- Mini ice age ?

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2005 11:07:21 -0400

I came across this article; I certainly hope they are wrong.

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn8398

The temperatures have been quite low, for November/December, I don’t want to think what will happen in January-February!

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- Too cold for us...

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Tue, 29 Nov 2005 07:34:34 -0400

Starting last evening the temperature slowly dropped, for those of you who live in cold climates, it may be a bit of a joke or snicker but 21C is a bit too much for us. LOL

The temperature at the airport was 21C between 2-5AM. In some valleys it probably was a bit lower. Thank goodness for water heaters otherwise I would still be in bed.

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- I DELTA not

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2005 07:49:17 -0400

Looking at the sat maps this morning answered the question I posed yesterday. TS DELTA popped up on the maps this morning but does not appear to provide any threat to land. A few ships crossing the Atlantic may have a bit of a blow as it is already 65mph. The ARC is at Day 4, I hope they are all keeping an eye on this one.

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- Is it over?

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2005 14:59:59 -0400

The weather has been brilliant for the last few days but the morning temperatures have been slowly dropping. Thanks goodness for water heaters.

Most of today was clear skies but this afternoon, a few clouds seem to be moving in, no rain just some large patches of cloud cover.

I certainly hope that GAMMA was the last of the many swirlies we saw attacking the northern hemisphere this season, WOW.

Have a good Thanksgiving to all who celebrate it.

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- FLAT CALM

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2005 05:56:49 -0500

Title: Message

NO WIND. COOL. SUNNY. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. OCEAN LIKE GLASS!! MAYBE THE FAT LADY HAS SUNG OUT HERE. BUT 5 YEARS AGO TODAY LENNY DUMPED 25 INCHES OF RAIN ON US.

- STORMY NIGHT

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 01:04:02 -0400

Was to do an all night photo shoot of baby turtles hatching on our famous JUMBY BAY BEACH - see below for more... but the heavens opened up and the the sea kicked up with whipping wind... finally had to abandon post about midnight as it is was impossible conditions to photograph in! This is a Hugh system over the leewards and the windward's now developed into TD 27. Thank goodness it seems it will pass through the islands before it develops. Hope no one else will get more. and lets hope that FAT LADY SINGS SOON... this is gettiing close to the end of november.. we are sick of hurricane season!

http://www.jbhawksbillproject.org/report/Turtle_story.pdf

http://www.jbhawksbillproject.org/Updates.html

- fat lady has not sung

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2005 09:38:53 -0500

Title: Message

Attachment: storm_94.jpg
Description: JPEG image

- breeze!

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2005 08:47:50 -0500

Title: Message

very windy here. seas very rough. sun still out.

- Sun is beginning to peek back out

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2005 14:00:00 -0400

After about 18 hours of overcast conditions, rain and some thunder/lightning last night, the sun is streaming back through the clouds. It is still a bit breezy with 15-20 knots and the trees are rocking quite a bit. Hopefully, we will have some nice sunshine for our Independence Day activities tomorrow.

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- weather coming!

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Sun, 30 Oct 2005 13:43:23 -0400

Have been "walk about" last days.. just back to THE ROCK/ on island to see THIS IS COMING towards us! just sent from a UK friend..... see photo.... Nice Sunday today..and just heading to sea for few hours before we start gettiing this weather on top of us... fear it is going to DEVELOPE and our brothers and sisters to above us in the Caribbean will possibly have to face GAMMA... maybe it won't develop!

Attachment: badwx.jpg
Description: JPEG image

- GAMMA?

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Sun, 30 Oct 2005 00:06:08 -0400

Title: Message

- MORE

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Sat, 29 Oct 2005 20:36:48 -0400

Title: Message

ATLANTIC OCEAN TROPICAL WAVE IS ALONG 51W SOUTH OF 19N MOVING
WEST 10 TO 15 KT. A SURFACE LOW IS FORMING ON THE WAVE AXIS.
SCATTERED MODERATE TO ISOLATED STRONG CONVECTION IS FROM 13N-17N
BETWEEN 50W-56W. CONTINUED SLOW DEVELOPMENT IS EXPECTED AS
UPPER-LEVEL WINDS BECOME MORE FAVORABLE DURING THE NEXT DAY OR
TWO.

- ??

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Sat, 29 Oct 2005 17:49:41 -0400

Title: Message

SATELLITE IMAGES INDICATE THAT THE SHOWER ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH A
TROPICAL WAVE LOCATED ABOUT 600 MILES EAST OF THE LESSER ANTILLES
IS SHOWING SOME SIGNS OF ORGANIZATION. UPPER-LEVEL WINDS ARE
BECOMING A LITTLE MORE FAVORABLE FOR SLOW DEVELOPMENT DURING THE
NEXT DAY OR TWO AS THE SYSTEM MOVES WESTWARD.

- Drenched early this morning, but nice weather right now..

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Fri, 28 Oct 2005 07:28:59 -0400

Didn’t realize it until I left for work but our yard is underwater and the gutters are flowing. Rain did wake me this morning a few times but I suspect there was more than I heard based on the amount of water around.

However, the sky is blue and the sun is coming up, seems like it will be a nice day for the beach, I am sure our visitors will be happy.

Tuesday marks 24 years of our Independence so lots of festivities abound.

I wish all the residents in the aftermaths of the onslaught experienced in this hemisphere a speedy recovery and prayers to our Central American neighbours as BETA charges up for another.

Do have a good weekend.

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- EAST

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2005 22:25:06 -0400

WTHOUT MAKING LIGHT OF THE TRAGEDIES WROUGHT BY KATRINA ET AL , WE OUT EAST ON THE FIRST DEFENSIVE PERIMETER CANNOT BOAST TO HAVE HAD ANY ACTION AT ALL. NOT A SINGLE ATLANTIC HURRICANE FOR THE SEASON!!

THE BOYS ARE STILL ESTIVATING.

- TD 25 to become ALPHA

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Sat, 22 Oct 2005 10:57:34 -0400

As we thought TD 25 has just formed...which started to develop as it passed thru Antigua and the surrounding islands during the last few days bringing the bad weather we have had. This will surely be ALPHA which will be HISTORY for the most active storm season in HISTORY. Let's hope the fat lady sings soon and we come to an end of this hurricane season. One model has it turning north and not affecting Florida, which we hope will be the case. Our weather is still overcast but the rain has stopped.

Still watching WILMA and thinking of all affected.

- weather weather everywhere

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Fri, 21 Oct 2005 17:28:42 -0400

WEATHER TO THE RIGHT WEATHER TO THE LEFT.. WE ARE SURROUNDED

BY THESE STORM CLOUDS

THIS SAT SHOT SHOWS THE ISLANDS COVERED IN HEAVY WEATHER.

YOU CAN HARDLY SEE THE ISLANDS UNDER THE CLOUDS. THIS IS

WHY WE HAVE HAD THIS HEAVY WEATHER FOR SEV. DAYS NOW

WITH GUSTY WINDS AND LOTS OF RAIN AND HEAVY SEAS.

THE ISLANDS TO OUR WEST SHOULD KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THIS

SYSTEM AS IT MOVES ACROSS.

- ANTIGUA WEATHER

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Fri, 21 Oct 2005 16:45:47 -0400

Antigua is having very stormy weather and lots of just now as reported below... but this system should not develop until it is past the leewards, thank goodness. It will most likely become APLHA. We are making history here.

We are getting much rain and lots of gusty wind but are thankful it is not worse..I have heard the weather channel mention us but be assured we are fine and it is nothing like a hurricane. we hope we will continue to be lucky as this hurricane season comes to an end soon.

Thinking of those in the path of WILMA right now!

A WESTWARD MOVING TROPICAL WAVE THAT HAS ENTERED THE EASTERN
CARIBBEAN SEA THIS MORNING IS PRODUCING SHOWERS AND GUSTY WINDS
OVER PORTIONS OF THE LESSER ANTILLES. THERE ARE SOME INDICATIONS
FROM SATELLITE IMAGERY THAT A SURFACE CIRCULATION COULD BE
FORMING... AND SHOWER ACTIVITY REMAINS FAIRLY CONCENTRATED NEAR THE
DEVELOPING CIRCULATION CENTER.

- SEAS

From: "fullaw" <fullaw at candw.ag>
Date: Fri, 21 Oct 2005 12:49:43 -0400

15 FOOT WAVES SOUTH OF ISLAND!!

- Very windy with strong gusts

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Fri, 21 Oct 2005 10:59:01 -0400

For the last 30 minutes, the wind got really strong blowing between 25-35 knotrs with a short gust that was even higher.

Since I have no wind instruments I will not hazard a guess. It has dropped down a bit but still blowing somewhat.

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- Overcast but some blue peeking out...

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Fri, 21 Oct 2005 07:26:41 -0400

Last night we had somewhat of a misty but clear enough sky to see the moon and some stars. However, in some parts, the wind was howling 20-25 knots with some gusts that could have approached 30 or more. The winds are light today with the tree tops just barely dancing around. Not sure what the forecasts for later are but the weekend should bring some nicer (hot) weather again.

Generally, it is also cooling down. The shower temperature was NOT warm this morning either ;-)

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- Overcast very wet and windy

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 11:42:46 -0400

Although it had cleared up a bit, the weather has taken a turn for the worse. Total cloud cover (8 oktas), rain is heavy and the trees are blowing about.

I just spoke to the met office here about a trip to Grenada today and his words were “tell him don’t go”. So I suspect the wave may be coming a little more than just a wave.

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- is this ALPHA

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 08:36:02 -0400

WE ARE ALL WATCHING WILMA... with thoughts of all in her path...but what is forming on our own doorstep ? Cant find much on it at this point but certainly bears watching. Will this become ALPHA? Today is a stormy day in Antigua .

Attachment: WILMA ALPHA BEHIND copy.jpg
Description: JPEG image

- Tropical Wave?

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 07:44:20 -0400

While all the focus is on WILMA, the wave sitting off the Windwards is not looking pretty. I hope the picture looks more alarming for what it seems. So far, we have had thunder and rain this morning, and it is completely overcast from my vantage point. It is windy with light gusts but it is also cool J

Our prayers go out to the affected areas, stay safe it will pass.

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- WILMA

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2005 06:54:57 -0400

Title: Message

IN ADDITION TO THE SPECTACULAR CLOUD PATTERN OBSERVED ON SATELLITE
...AN AIR FORCE RECONNAISSANCE PLANE MEASURED 168 KNOTS AT 700 MB
AND ESTIMATED A MINIMUM PRESSURE OF 884 MB EXTRAPOLATED FROM 700MB.
UNOFFICIALLY...THE METEOROLOGIST ON BOARD THE PLANE RELAYED AN
EXTRAPOLATED 881 MB PRESSURE AND MEASURED 884 MB WITH A DROPSONDE.
THIS IS ALL IN ASSOCIATION WITH A VERY SMALL EYE THAT HAS BEEN
OSCILLATING BETWEEN 2 AND 4 N MI DURING EYE PENETRATIONS. THIS IS
PROBABLY THE LOWEST MINIMUM PRESSURE EVER OBSERVED IN THE ATLANTIC
BASIN AND IS FOLLOWED BY THE 888 MB MINIMUM PRESSURE ASSOCIATED
WITH HURRICANE GILBERT IN 1988. HOWEVER...ONE MUST BE VERY CAREFUL
BEFORE IT IS DECLARED A RECORD MINIMUM PRESSURE UNTIL A FULL AND
DETAILED CALIBRATION OF THE INSTRUMENTS AND CALCULATIONS IS
PERFORMED. SO PLEASE DO NOT JUMP INTO CONCLUSIONS YET...BE PATIENT.

- ANTIGUA LIFE

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2005 08:46:29 -0400

Have been "walk about " like Crocodile Dundee!! and missed the skies opening up in Antigua for the past weeks... ( rain has been good for our gardens -

Last night was FULL MOON and I was at sea for the evening... most beautiful place ever to watch the full moon. Today is a beautiful day in Antigua and as we watch this late season WILMA develop we are reminded "but for the grace of God, there go I "! and hope Florida will be spared.

Let us all hope this is the last storm of the season... but still recall having TWO HURRICANES in Antigua in NOVEMBER 99 - JOSE and LENNY --- so.. the fat lady has not sung yet!

- Beautiful day...

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2005 08:41:40 -0400

For the time being, most of the rain is gone. There is a light breeze, the sky is brilliant blue and the sea is calm (all the clams are gone J).

Looks like it will be a nice day for a visit to the beaches.

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- wisps of clouds but the sun is out again

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Tue, 11 Oct 2005 07:35:32 -0400

After not seeing the sun for a few days, it is back out in full glory this morning. There is quite a bit of clouds around but significant patches of blue sky. The sea is glass clam and there is not much wind at the moment. Hopefully, the sun can dry us out a bit as there is still a bit of water on the ground.

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- LOTS OF RAIN yesterday

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Mon, 10 Oct 2005 07:56:14 -0400

We were dumped on by the heavens yesterday, attached are a few photos of what Lower Fort Road looked like yesterday.

The sky is still overcast with some patches of blue, but I strongly suspect there will be more rain today

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

Attachment: DSCN5364.JPG
Description: JPEG image

Attachment: DSCN5363.JPG
Description: JPEG image

- SURROUNDED

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Sun, 9 Oct 2005 14:03:18 -0400

Title: Message

WE'RE ENCIRCLED BY STORMS,THUNDER, LIGHTNING, RAIN AND OVERGROWN PLANTS THAT CAN'T POSSIBLY USE ALL THE WATER.

GOOD DAY TO PLAY SCRABBLE. WAS GOING FISHING.

- THE FAT LADY IS YET TO SING

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2005 17:38:32 -0400

Title: Message

AN AREA OF LOW PRES...1010 MB...IS CENTERED OVER THE CENTRAL
ATLANTIC ABOUT 1150 NM ESE OF THE LESSER ANTILLES NEAR 9N42W AND
IS ASSOCIATED WITH A TROPICAL WAVE ALONG 42W S OF 15N WHICH IS
MOVING W 10-15 KT. THE SURFACE CIRCULATION AROUND THE LOW IS NOT
VERY WELL-DEFINED AT THE MOMENT ALTHOUGH THERE IS A MID-LEVEL
CIRCULATION NOTED NEAR 8N43W. THE WAVE HAS A SHARP SIGNATURE AND
MOST OF THE LOW-LEVEL CONVERGENCE IS LOCATED N OF THE LOW ALONG
THIS AXIS. SCATTERED MODERATE CONVECTION IS FROM 10N-16N BETWEEN
38W-45W. WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS/TSTMS ELSEWHERE FROM 4N-10N
BETWEEN 36W-46W. TROPICAL CYCLONE DEVELOPMENT IS POSSIBLE WITHIN
THE NEXT 24 HRS WITH THIS SYSTEM...ESPECIALLY IF CONVECTION
CONSOLIDATES CLOSER TO THE LOW CENTER OR A NEW LOW DEVELOPS
WITHIN THE STRONGEST CONVECTION.

- TS TAMMY?

From: <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Wed, 5 Oct 2005 08:06:08 -0400

Just my luck that a storm would form off the FL coast while I am up here on a 
seminar. In any case, I should continue my duty as a weather reporter. It is 
still very overcast, yesterday was quite windy with gusts near 25-30 in 
addition to some torrential downpours in the evening on Biscayne Bay. It is 
much calmer today and the sun just peeked out from some clouds. 

Alan B. Scholl (in Miami) 
http://www.digitalphoto.ag

- WOW

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Mon, 3 Oct 2005 22:35:59 -0400

WE ARE HAVING AN INCREDIBLE THUNDER AND LIGHTENING STORM…WITH MUCHO RAIN!!!!!!!!

- STORMY WEATHER

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2005 13:30:15 -0400

LOTS OF RAIN/ thunder and lightening today with a system passing over. Getting closer to the end of HURRICANE SEASON and hope the islands continue to be spared.

- WATCH THE EYES!

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 20:41:14 -0400

Hey.. it is usually the EYE OF A HURRICANE we think about.. but different eye today... as the back room boys told you in the previous posting..

we had a baby hooded seal strand on Antigua in 2001

sites below tell some of the successful story of the rehab and RELEASE to FREEDom of the first seal named WADADLI.. the original awark name of ANTIUGA... (also the name of our local beer.. possible more well known by some .. ..

http://whale.wheelock.edu/whalenet-stuff/StopWadadli/

http://www.sas.upenn.edu/earth/envs200/hw1.html

A super group of guys have been working on the rescue of this wonderful little fella all day...(and are spending the night with him tonight to be sure is well..

today I watched the EYES OF THE HOODED baby seal (see photo attached) steal my heart as he fought for life.. more fetching than the eye of a hurricane! We think he will be "rescued" tomorrow by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in San Juan... trying now to make all arrangements for the plane to come rescue SEEMORE THE SEAL..as he has been named.. in the hope ... he will SEE MORE as he is a young baby... and should see more!

Will keep you posted...

Attachment: DSC00105.JPG
Description: JPEG image

- hooded seal

From: "john fuller" <fullerj at candw.ag>
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 18:11:28 -0400

Title: Message

A YOUNG HOODED SEAL CAME ASHORE VERY WEAK ON THE NORTH COAST TODAY.

THIS IS THE SECOND ONE -THE LAST WAS ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO. IT WAS FLOWN TO PUERTO RICO AND ON TO MASSACHUSETS WHERE IT WAS RELEASED.

THE PRESENT ONE IS BEING HELD AT A LOCAL ICE HOUSE.

BIG NORTH EAST SWELLS, LITTLE WIND AND STILL HOT AND SUNNY.

WAHOOS RUNNING.

- GREAT ANTIGUA TRIPS

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005 12:27:35 -0400

FOR THOSE who LOVE ANTIGUA.. this may be a chance to pick up a great holidayhotel package at a bargain price... So consider MAKING A BID!

I would not normally post something like this on the Hurricane site but am sure Gert will support it.. as it is for PROTECTION OF OUR MARINE ENVIRONEMENT by providing scholarships to young women entering the marine world.

SUBJECT   WOMEN DIVERS HALL OF FAME ANNUAL FUND RAISING EVENT at DEMA October 5^th, 2005

See:   http://www.wdhof.org/ducks.html

Or   http://www.divenewswire.com/NewsITems.aspx?newsID=7573

Women Divers Hall of Fame invites you to purchase tickets and

DUCKS and Mallards for this exciting event (you can purchase on line; see above web site). It promises to be an unforgettable evening with ROBIN LEACH of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous as our M.C., with a Caribbean theme complete with steel band music.

Please review these fabulous prizes ? over $40,000 of big prizes and forward to all in your address book. If you are not able to attend the WDHOF DUCK DERBY and wish to email a bid on any of these fabulous prizes please email

ITEM NUMBER/ Amount of Bid to Kathy.weydig at wdhof.org

Please note, value listed is the retail value. Prizes will go to the highest bidder.

Credit cards accepted.

The trips are to a variety of Antigua resorts from the most luxurious to a casual, family resort. If you wish more details we can forward detailed individual descriptions.

ITEM 1. Villa Dominique, Antigua, W.I. donated by CARIB REP VILLAS $8000 value, 7 day 8 night stay. For up to 8 in luxury villa (Meals not included) www.caribrepvillas.com

ITEM 2 Carlisle Bay, Antigua, W.I. $5800 value, 4 night stay for 2, Includes Breakfast / Afternoon tea / Dinner www.carlisle-bay.com/antigua/home/index.html

ITEM 3 Curtain Bluff, Antigua, W.I. $5000 value, 4 night stay for 2. Includes 3 meals, afternoon tea,bar drinks,scuba diving, waterskiing www.curtainbluff.com

ITEM 4. Galleon Beach, Antigua, W.I. $5000 value. 5 night stay. 3 bedroom villa for 6 (meals not included) www.galleonbeach.com

ITEM 5 Long Bay, Antigua, W.I. $4500 value, 10 day stay for 2. Includes breakfast, dinner, taxes www.longbayhotel.com

ITEM 6 Jumby Bay, Antigua, W.I. $4000 value, 4 day stay for 2. Rondavel Room all daily food beverages www.jumbybayresort.com

ITEM 7 Jolly Beach, Antigua, W.I. $2100 value, 7 night stay for 2. All inclusive of food, beverages, watersports, activities, tax and service charge. NOTE: this prize will be raffled off at $10 per raffle ticket. http://www.jollybeachresort.com

ITEM 8 Treetops Cottage, Antigua, W.I. $2000 value, 5 night stay. TREETOPS self catering cottage. www.caribbeanavenue.com/treetops/rates.html

ITEM 9 Blue Waters, Antigua, W.I. $1455 value, 4 night stay for 2. With breakfast; tax and service. www.bluewaters.net

ITEM 10 Harmony Hall , Antigua, W.I. $950 value, 5 night stay for 2. With breakfast, taxes daily boat to island. www.harmonyhallantigua.com

ITEM 11. Kyocera SS-66K Satellite Phone $2000 value. The Kyocera SS-66K phone provides any business, leisure or government traveler s with satellite communication via the Iridium satellite network. Package includes many extras.

ITEM 12 AquaLung Mistral Limited Edition Regulator $2500 Value. The new Mistral is a modern version of the original double hose regulator invented by Aqua Lung founder Jacques Cousteau and Emille Gagnan in 1943 http://www.aqualung.com/products/mistral.html

We will also host a silent auction at the event with a variety of exciting prizes. Hope to see you there.

Martha Watkins Gilkes Women Divers Hall of Fame President

- Thunder & sulphur

From: "Alan Scholl" <scholla at candw.ag>
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2005 21:52:47 -0400

The wind has shifted and is primarily from the South and south-west. We have been smelling foul odour for the last two days. The volcano’s gases are quite present. All day I had wondered what on earth was that smell even indoors! The western side of Antigua, usually calm, is quite rough. I just heard a few louds rolls of thunder to the north. Other than a few showers, there is not much to worry about here weatherwise.

Our prayers go out to the Gulf coast, it is almost like watching the movie “The day after tomorrow” but it is real!

Alan B. Scholl

http://www.digitalphoto.ag/scholla

Amateur Radio: V21BF

Antigua, West Indies - "Where Land & Sea Make Beauty..."

- TUESDAY MORNING

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2005 07:38:04 -0400

Today is typical summer weather.... already very hot and still. Sea never got very rough

from PHILLIPE..and it is quite calm this morning along the Atlantic. It appears Philippe will not bring ill winds to anyone, thank goodness... with RITA now over

Florida...and thoughts of all on her course. Of course we are watching the African coast and those waves rolling off.

This is ONE HURRICANE season
I will be glad to see pass...and not soon enough.

- Hurricanes... TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT

From: "Martha Watkins Gilkes" <gilkesm at candw.ag>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2005 09:19:47 -0400

So sorry to see RITA on the doorstep of Florida.... meanwhile... in our neck of the woods it is very hot and we are thankful Philippe is staying away...

5 AM EDT MON SEP 19 2005

..PHILIPPE PASSING EAST OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS...

AT 5 AM EDT...0900Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE PHILIPPE WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 17.1 NORTH... LONGITUDE 56.0 WEST OR ABOUT 385
MILES... 615 KM... EAST OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS.

PHILIPPE IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NEAR 7 MPH ...11 KM/HR...AND A
GENERALLY NORTH-NORTHWESTWARD MOTION IS EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 24
HOURS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 75 MPH

Results for Antigua (17.12N, 61.78W):
The approximate Closest Point of Approach (CPA) is located near 19.7N, 57.8W or about 318.0 miles (511.8 km) from your location. The estimated time of when the eye will be at that location is in about 33.8 hours

ANTIGUA is the little dot above the "butterfly shape - Guaduloupe...we are heavily overcast off to the Atlantic and had hard rain in the night on the Atlantic side of the island... I think we will get more rain as Phillipe passes

But thank goodness the hurricane is

moving NORTH just to the east of us. A bit un-nerving to see it so close.

We are STILL WATCHING it however. This is the closest call we have had this season.... but the season is NOT OVER.