Just struck me that the worst storm ever recorded around here was on October 4.... 1896 ? I think ? The Saxby Gale caused a lot of damage around the Moncton area and southeast N.B. There is a plaque in the Bore Park next to the river marking the high water mark. When I stand eye level with it and look across the river, I get goosebumps and the hair stands up on the back of my neck.

The odd thing was that Saxby, who, I believe, was a retired British naval Captain, predicted the storm months in advance. He could predict weather with an accuracy of a couple of weeks months in advance. Took his secret to his grave. Although, I sometimes wonder if there are those who can still do the same. For instance, I take nature hikes in an area under sylviculture by the Irving's (one of the world's richest families before high tech). Some thirty years ago, they did a lot of work ditching and raising roads and replacing culverts with larger ones. We had heckish winters and summers for a few years after with lots of snow that didn't melt until spring and summer rain after rain. The bad news is that last week I toured most of the main road in this area and found that they recently did the same thing.

The radio says Kate is on her way to NF, 500km off Cape Ray as I type. Pray she blows out or veers off before getting close to the Rock.