Some of you may be interested in where exactly we get our information about the weather. To us the weather report is similar to the morning traffic report for highway 101 or 80. Needles to say it’s important stuff.
1. 1. When we are able to gain access to the internet we use the following websites.
2. 2. We also use our SSB radio to pick up weather reports. The SSB is a long range radio. It works similar to a walkie talkie only with the proper skills and information you can speak with someone half way around the world. The beauty about SSB is that there is no cost other than your initial expense of the proper equipment. Through the radio we are able to pick up “nets”. Nets are set times when people in certain areas all gather on the same channel and check in with eachother. During a “net” there is always a call for emergency or priority assistance, next a weather report is given and finaly those boats that wish to “check-in” are able to do so. The following are the nets we tend to follow.
a. Amigo Net
b. Sonrisa Net
c. Southbound Net
3. 3. Word of mouth. Last but not least we talk to people. Like stereotypical old men it seems the weather is often a topic of choice when it comes to conversation in the cruising community. Well, that and where to find the best taco or best price on laundry.
Now, the next time you check to see where we are on our spot account you should hop over to one of the above websites and see what the weather is like where we are located.
