Hurricane Irene - Wednesday, Aug 24

Hurricane Irene, having strengthened to a Major Hurricane, is making her way through The Bahamas today.  With maximum sustained winds of 115 miles per hour, the large Category Three storm is running the length of The Bahamas, and  virtually every one of the nations 3,077 islands, cays, and islets will be affected.

Residents on New Providence, where Nassau is located, have been boarding up, and shelters have been opened.  A bit farther to the north, similar preparations are, do doubt, taking place in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, and on the Abacos to the east.

In the small island chain of the Berry Islands, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is battening down and evacuating its private island of Coco Cay.

CRUISE NEWS:  To date, at least 15 cruise ship itineraries have been altered to avoid the monster storm.

Related Articles:

• 2011 Hurricane Predictions
• Tips for Cruising in Hurricane Season
• 2011 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Journal

Tomorrow is National Aviation Day

Tomorrow is set aside as National Aviation Day in the United States.  August 19 was chosen as a day to honor the development of aviation because it is the birthday of one of our great early aviators, Orville Wright. 

NOAA Hurricane Hunter in flight
(public domain photo)

As my own contribution to National Aviation Day, I would like to invite you to read my tribute to some folks who do some amazing work in the air today - Hurricane Hunters.  Here's the link to the article I wrote about them:  Hurricane Hunters - Heroes Flying into the Eye of the Storm. 

There's a place for your comments near the end of the article.  Why not take a moment to add your own note of thanks to these modern day aviation heroes?

About Cruise Ship Swimming Pools

Here's a link to a little article I wote about Cruise Ship Swimming Pools that my readers might find interesting.

It includes a pretty amazing video showing acrual breakers in the pool as a ship sails through high seas.  This, alone, is really quite something!

I'd love your thoughts on the article linked above...  there's a place at the bottom for your comments, and your visit and comments would be greatly appreciated.

Peak Hurricane Season is upon us

Peak Hurricane Season for the Atlantic Basin historically kicks in sometime in the first half of August. 
FYI- the Atlantic Basin includes the Atlantic Ocean the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico
Photo: Hurricane at Lake Worth Beach by heatherlacroix

So, here we are in the very beginning of the peak of the season, climatologically speaking.  What will this peak season bring?


If you're considering taking a cruise, this is certainly a time of year when you can get a pretty good deal... if you are willing to take the (relatively low) risks associated with cruising during hurricane season.  Check out the deals!

For homeowners who live in hurricane country, you know the drill:  check your hurricane supplies and family evacuation plans.  Make sure your NOAA Weather Radio is in good working condition and that you have plenty of extra batteries.  And, if you haven't already done so, prepare for the worst case scenario with insurance, a go-bag, and provisions to protect your windows.  Don't forget hurricane preparedness for your roof, either. 

All that being said ... here's hoping the predictions for this season being an above average one, and of a high probability of major US landfalls (plural) doesn't come to fruition.

Stay safe, every one!  If you're cruising this season, Bon Voyage to you.  And if you are, or aren't... be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best!