Captain James Lodge

Winter Approaches
The first of our December full moons is past, and our second, a somewhat rare Blue Moon shall grace the sky on New Years Eve.  The phrase ‘once in a blue moon’ only recently (probably from the late 1970s) refers to the length of times between the months in which these occur. Our last blue moon was in June 30th, 2007, and the next will be August 31st, 2012. Historically, they happen approximately every 33 months. It has also be called the Christmas Moon.

Tied to the Tides
We experience great tidal differences, high to low, and current strengths flowing with the flood and ebb. The moon and sun align to create these forces. Notice how big storms hit on the full and new (when not visible) moons, and during these events, how parts of the tempest will change with the tides: wind strength and direction might change, as could precipitation and temperature.  Amazing to think how many natural phenomena are connected and interactive.

Insulating Waters
Water temps are in the low 50s, right between February lows of 30 and summer highs of 70. We are tempered
by the relative warmth of our surrounding seas: as the ocean waters cool our summer heat, so warmer-than-air waters temper our winters.

Let it Snow?
Climatologically, as cold low pressure area storms come from the west, they often create and merge with low pressure systems forming off the Carolina coasts, then move quickly into our New England area. Unpredictability is why forecasters can be so wrong so often, yet keep their jobs! Computer models vary considerably.

Wintering Over
Our feathered visitors are migrating southward; others are taking up their winter residences in our waters. Notable are the long white winged, with black tip gannets, drifting above turbid waters in very windy conditions. This, the largest of the local sea bird visits us during spring and fall, when the water is around 50 degrees.  They are seen off  West Chop. In the winter, however, the largest concentration I’ve ever seen is at Katama, as howling northwest winds blow and they come in from offshore ocean patrols.

The Season for Seals
Seals live amongst the rocks and shores. Fishermen are concerned because each seal eats many undersized fish and lobster, and are
nuisances to the rebuilding of fish stocks. Though there are but a few smaller seals around the Vineyard and the Elizabeth islands, there are many bigger seals and colonies around Nantucket and the outer Cape.

Keep a weather eye and Happy Holidays to All!

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