Sizzling Summer, Dog Days, Snakes

Sultry, tropical summer days accompanied by sporadic severe thunderstorms have been the trend lately here in Fernandina Beach.

The "dog days of summer" came early this year in Fernandina Beach, with an extremely hot June. The phrase "dog days" apparently dates back to the Romans who associated hot, muggy weather with the influence of the "dog star," Sirius which is high in the sky during summer days (more typically mid-July and August).

So, when it’s really hot, what better time to jump in the pool for a refreshing swim? Well , jumping in the pool is a great way to begin a day on Amelia Island, and especially welcomed right after a jog on the beach. Except when there’s a snake in your swimming oasis. This one (pictured) apparently slithered through my pool’s screened enclosure somehow, and ended up taking a dip. Not sure exactly what type of snake it is -- Florida has its share of snakes (and bugs, for that matter).

It’s not the first time a snake has gotten into the pool. Black snakes are very common. We’ve also had encounters with pigmy rattle snakes (in our garage and on the back porch), one of the more dangerous snake species here in the Amelia Island area. While I’m sure snakes serve their purpose environmentally, they give me the creeps. So I’ve been reluctant to swim in the pool since finding this little snake two days ago, but I need to get over it.

Summertime weather has been sizzling -- no exaggeration -- on Amelia Island in 2009 to date. While northeastern friends in the New York area bemoan cool temps and rainy days putting a big damper on the summer beach season on Long Island and the Jersey shore this year, here in northeast Florida we’ve been experiencing unusually hot temps. Mid-90s most days (even surpassing 100 degrees) with humidity. Even at night, one opens the door to walk the dog and goes from air conditioning into a wall of heat -- it’s still shockingly warm at 9 in the evening. To think it’s only early July, and we have three more months of hot weather coming here in northeast Florida -- makes one yearn for a cool mountain top.

No doubt some out there, however, would love to trade places. Well, “some like it hot, some like it cold…” I guess I’m similar to Goldilocks -- I want temps to be “just right.” That’s why April and October are my favorite weather months on Amelia Island -- typically mild days (in the vicinity of 75 to 85 degrees) with less humidity. Perfect for beachcombing, hiking, biking , golf, walking around the historic district, enjoying Amelia Island‘s parks, etc. (but ocean temps would be too cool for most to swim in the Atlantic waters in April and October).

Even though I live on an island, I don’t swim in the ocean much. I tend to prefer my pool (except when there‘s a snake in it). I do enjoy the ocean water much more when I’m in a boat with a nice sea breeze. With the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia River/Intracoastal, and Egans Creek, Amelia Island is a great place for boating (and fishing).

Enjoy your summer, and may the weather be “just right” for your summer vacation!

WBL