Captain James Lodge

The weather has turned whimsical on the Island, getting caught between climates as we do this time of year. Summer officially ends on September 22nd when the sun crosses the equator on its annual migration to summer in the southern hemisphere. This is called the Autumnal Equinox, as there are equal times of day and night; 12 hours of each.

An Early Harvest Moon
The full moon  on September 15th, is the Harvest Moon - signalling the time for bringing in the corn and preparing winter foods. Farmers can work late into the night when the Harvest Moon hangs above their fields, and, unlike most moons, rising about an hour later each evening, this moon rises only half hour later each night, creating an extended period of twilight. Two out of every three years, the Harvest Moon comes in September. Every third year, it is in October.  2008 brings up one of the earliest possible Harvest Moons. To determine the month in which the Harvest Moon will fall,  just  find out whether the September full moon or the October full moon is closest to the equinox. Whichever that is, is named the Harvest  Moon!

Eye on the Weather
As mentioned previously, when these astronomical forces are in line; the moon full, and sun passing through the equator, there is a chance for powerful storms, though there are none in sight for us at the moment. 

The tropics however have been actively producing tropical storms and hurricanes. These start as dust storms in the Sahara desert and become our unpredictable hurricanes. The National Hurricane Center website,  has become a remarkable resource to watch these develop. Graphical predictions,  discussions and statistical analyses are presented, and the projected paths of storms can change daily. One can also link to satellite images of Earth, and see how so many weather systems are integrated.

MV Fishing Derby Days Ahead
Our coastal waters are cooling down, and bait is moving, the Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby starts on the 14th, and fishing is heating up! Most Striped Bass are found off Gay Head, but Bonito and False Albacore are in down-island coves and along the beaches. We’ll see the fish busting all over very soon.

September Welcome
Our island is slowing down and we are fortunate to share this special time. I recommend visitors to experience the Vineyard and us during now when we not only appreciate our home, but are less rushed, able to park at beaches unavailable during the summer and share our world.

Capt. James Lodge owns and operates Atta Boy Charters and is a contributor to MVOL.com