Egads! We have to put the clocks forward tonight! Seems like we just put them back 10 minutes ago. :-(
Linda, I remember being told that Fuerteventura means, strong wind. ( I have just rechecked on Google)
"The name ‘Fuerteventura’ translates to ‘strong wind’ which is certainly a characteristic of the island. The Canary Islands as a whole are in the path of the regular north-eastern trade wind and the cool Canary Stream, but Fuerteventura in particular is dominated by this. The breeze does provide a welcome cooling relief from the sometimes scorching mid-summer temperatures. Because of its location in the path of trade winds, the island is a great destination for those wishing to revel in wind-powered sports."
I have never visited there, only Tenerife, but I must admit we never experienced any problems with the wind, electricity or water supplies.
Just read this about the sand storms on "Holiday Weather.com "
SANDSTORMS
"Fuerteventura can be affected by winds that come from the Sahara, meaning that the island is washed with an agreeable dry, warm breeze as the hot dry air is drawn from the Sahara and eventually reaches the island. On the odd occasion this wind can be burdened with sand particles when can have an uncomfortable whipping affect, particularly if lying on the beach. This phenomenon, named ‘Calima’ by local inhabitants does not happen too regularly and generally passes quickly. If you are however, unfortunate enough to be present during one of these sandstorms (known as the scirocco), it will have the affect of causing high temperatures and drying air. Temperatures during this phenomenon can often rise by 10ºC and the wind brings in fine white sand, lowering visibly to about 100 to 200 m or lower. On the rare occasion the ‘scirocco’ can also bring with it African locusts."
Look out for the locusts LOL.
I know this won't spoil your holiday. You must have experienced it all before, after all the years of holidaying there. I hope the temperatures stay pleasant for you now and you can enjoy your walks.
BRENDA - thanks for researching climate of Fuerteventura! I do hope those locusts don't arrive on the wind while Linda is there!
Our Scottish wind returned exactly as forecast, after the rain stopped. The sky is much brighter, but wind chill is making it seem colder than the true nine degrees. We just did a potting job in the greenhouse, but it is not weather for any outdoor gardening right now.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Unknown said:Clare – pleased Limpy is still so enthusiastic about Minsmere. I assume managing that early start means his back is somewhat improved!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Morning all:
Brenda: One of the California missions, established by the Spanish, is called Mission San Buenaventura (in the town of Ventura down the road from us). The accepted translation here is "good/strong luck/venture/fortune." I checked around on Google (coz I love stuff like this) and one site quotes a Fuerteventura resident who says that "strong wind" would be "fuerte viento," while the town's own website says no one seems to agree on the "ventura" part! Thanks for the interesting tidbit! Re our weather, wouldn't be surprised to see an exodus of folks moving west after the last couple of winters they've had back east. My granddaughter, the EMT (one step down from a Paramedic), is in an area where many retirees spend the winter in their massive RVs on huge campsites near the Colorado River to escape the eastern/northern winters. They call them "snowbirds." It's always a busy time of year for the medics.
Lindybird: Whatever they call it, hope the wind is not too Fuerte.
OG: Gardening in short sessions is a smart philosophy and something I try to do, but mostly fail at - and hate to do anyway in the heat of the day. FOB testing here is recommended as part of annual checkup for the over 50s, but neither that nor the "hidden camera" technique is/are? much fun!
Clare: Hope Limpy saw his otters.
They counted 40 whales on Saturday! I'm wondering if the calves aren't going to show up much earlier than usual given the current rush. Fingers crossed we'll see a few; in the meantime, we have typical "June Gloom" weather today - morning overcast with sun forecast for later.
ANNETTE Great news so many whales are being seen and do hope you see the calves soon.
Not long back from our afternoon walk and just in time before some heavy rain, which was forecast. We were lucky enough to see 2 deer at fairly close quarters, one of them paused on the track for a couple of secs. Luckily Benson didn't see them.
Enjoyed Crufts last night and good to see the Scottie won, also thought the Saluki and Maltese were truely beautiful. I was also pleased to see local dog "Miracle" win "Friends for Life" How can dogs who have had such dreadful experiences ever trust people again, but luckily they do and he has a great home now. Apparently he was bought home from London on the overnight bus and before long he was napping on his new owners chest. It is another story as aforementioned "Haatchi" when both dog and family gain from their new relationship.
As Annette said, do hope Limpy saw Otters.
Hello all
I think that I am love with our dear painter, Alfie! He is an Aberdonian so speaks the same language as my OH. What a gem he is. Cheerful and very good at his job. Lovely man, his son is a genius at maths and has got a place at St Andrews this year. Alfie is just bursting with pride.
Apart from that no real news! I saw Sheana this afternoon. No change.
The weather is wild here, but our Danish friends always laugh and say that they are Vikings and sailors so they will cope. They arrive on Sunday.
Need to say something and bump this thread up the forum!
Annette – interesting to read about the Eastern “Snowbirds” seeking warmer weather; I suppose this is equivalent to Brits who move to the Med for a few months in winter. Eagerly waiting for reports of Mom and Calf pairs of Whales moving north very soon!
Dibnlib – sounds like a good walk, seeing the Deer. Sad about that Irish Setter who died after Crufts.
A lot of non-posters today: I hope everyone is okay.
Hi, HEATHER! Pleased painting is under way and you get on well with painter! Sorry about Sheana; I wonder how long she will go on as she is. I thought painter and visitors were at the same time - silly me!
OG You are not silly, I thought that too for a while but Alfie came today and he says he will be finished in three days. As long as he doesn't do what BRENDA's painter did and go off on holiday!
Thanks for your news, folks. Mum is sitting and eggwatch is expected to start 21st March. Such a difference now the snow has gone from the nest.
forgot to say on earlier pics - image courtesy of the Pensylvania Game Commission
The two ospreys at Yadkin seem to have found a new nesting sight close by the other one, I think?
and the baby eaglet, though not so little now is growing fast
Off swimming again tomorrow, otherwise not much on. Do hope Lindy doesn't get a sandstorm after Brenda did her research!!
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
RSPB Giving Nature a Home