[dropcap]H[/dropcap]urricane Arthur provided not only some nice cool cloud cover in early July, but also a little bump in the swell. But by the middle of July we’d hit a very summer-doldrums type pattern and were looking at the body of water some call ‘Lake Atlantic’ this time of year. Any reason to make sure your passport is up to date for a Bahamas trip this month? I’ll give you two: Bertha and Cristobal. They’re the names next up for 2014’s tropical storms and August is a month we generally see low-pressure start to spin somewhere in our swell window.
The United States’ National Weather Center promises to update their predictions in early August, with uncertainty remaining about The Boy (El Nino). So far they’re calling for slightly below average tropical storm activity. But even the weakest low can send us small summer waves we are always grateful for; remember no continental shelf to sap swell power in our island chain. Bring a floaty board to take advantage. Looking for crawfish or lobster? Season opens this month, but keep in mind that many females last year still had eggs attached when August 1st rolled around. July also saw the Bahamian courts make a landmark ruling which revoked the permits for the captive dolphin facility off the western end of Nassau. Hail to the reEarth organization and its supporters. The Bahamas is a great place to spot dolphins in their natural habitat – much more exciting than the caged experience. Until next time enjoy our wild Bahamas!