Clear sailing?

Today: A frigatebird slicing through the sky -- fregata magnificens -- on the "late peak" day of hurricane season. September 10 is the dead center of the season, but October 17 is the statistical latter peak. Odds are, it's all downhill from here. Yet . . .

One year ago today: Wilma formed in the Atlantic. And . . .

One hundred years ago today: A Category 2 hurricane crossed the Keys with the eye going over Long Key. At least 168 railroad workers were killed, most when their houseboats were swept to sea. The steamer St. Lucie, carrying railroad workers from Miami to Key Largo, was caught in the storm: 28 killed and 60 injured.

I'll take a frigatebird soaring on a 7-foot wingspan as a harbinger any day. And I'm going to start drawing down this year's hurricane supplies for snacks.