Thanks again, guys. You've given me a lot to chew on.

I'm certainly more 'enlightened' on these issues than I was a few days ago.

I appreciate the time you've both taken to provide me with a larger perspective.

And I didn't realize that the decisions re: evacuations were not strictly in the hands of the forecasters.

But I was aware of the seriousness of the issue, especially in the Keys, having lived in Coconut Grove (hence my screen name) back in the '70's. And I spent 2 or 3 weeks in the Keys and Key West every summer during those years.

I now understand the gravity (pun intended) about the 'backsliding' of the 'hard fought, uphill battle' with regard to forecast accuracy, should QuikScat suddenly go silent, as we go into what is expected to be a very busy season.

As an aside, I've attached a beautiful photo of Florida from the Space Shuttle. Such great memories!

I'll cool my jets on all the posting for a'while. Wishing you all the best.

Many Mahalos from Hawaii - Norm