Shark Oil

Ryan has vacated the island and not because a Category 2 Hurricane is headed this way. He is in State College spending some time with good friends. He left on Thursday as we thought, "Oh just another hurricane scare, it won't hit." Well, this time it may hit. Thank goodness I have my ever so helpful mother here to help with the preparation. Joyce came for a low key visit to see Collin and I think she is in for more then she bargained for.

The Bermuda Government sent out a warning yesterday to start preparing for the hit of Igor. When the government sends out notices, Bermudians start to take it seriously. I always watch what Bermudians are doing to see how I should prepare. This time the grocery stores, hardware stores, and gas stations are busy. We were in town today and most people were getting off early to start to prepare. We have 5 gallons of water, ice, candles, extra diapers, twine, tape, etc... We have moved everything inside, we have taped the windows (in case the glass brakes, the tape prevents shattering), filled the car up with gas, and started making our nest in the office. The newspaper today is comparing this hurricane to the 2003 Category 3 Fabian. I have heard from multiple people that Fabian caused power outages for up to 16 days! We will fill up our bathtub to use for flushing the toilet and possible showers (well maybe a sponge bath). We still have a few days to wait for Igor's arrival and hopefully it will weaken and veer off to the east before its anticipated arrival on Monday morning.

While meteorologists are predicting the arrival and path of Igor, some Bermudians have their own way of predicting the storm. Shark Oil Barometers are natures way of predicting a hurricane. The shark liver oil (normally clear) turns white and forms peaks as the storm approaches within 200 miles of the oil. It has been theorized by Jacques Cousteau's son Philippe (according to the Bermuda Sun Newspaper) that during stormy weather sharks get sick to their stomach and descend to the sea bed. I am not sure how the shark oil outside of a living shark can change, but a Bermudian with a shark oil barometer will say it is always accurate. Now if Joyce and I can just get our hands on some shark oil!

We are taking precautions and will be safe, but without power I will not be able to post on my blog. Stay tuned as we battle through the storm.

Until next time...