The Last Winter Weekend?

May 13th through 15th, 2011

Lake Lucerne
On Friday, just after sunset, the temperature began to fall and the sky clouded up. A campfire was requested. The fire danger, reported outside the ranger station in Laona, was low so match was put to wood. Also cigar.
Lake Lucerne
There were flurries spotted Saturday morning. The mercury never rose above a sunless, soggy 45°F. It would seem that Winter got in one last wet slap at Spring. Striking it squarely in the middle of the weekend, it left a visible bruise. Ouch.
Lake Lucerne
Six tenths of an inch of rain last week. The lake was hoping for more.
Lake Lucerne
Despite the meager amount of rainfall, streams continue to flow into Lake Lucerne.
Lake Lucerne
By Sunday, Spring had shaken off Saturday's beating and was showing signs of coming back. Trillium began to poke their heads up for the first time this year.
Lake Lucerne
Minutes after we filled and hung a feeder we had our first hungry customer.
Lake Lucerne
Buds are popping on 'dem trees! There could be leaves by next weekend.
Lake Lucerne
The most promising sign of Spring's recovery was watching, over a freshly cut lawn, the sunlight dancing on the surface of the lake.
Lake Lucerne
The weather really turned the corner on Sunday, making leaving all the harder. Didn't see any loons this weekend and eagle sightings were replaced with crow encounters (quite a drop on the old majestic'o'meter). The water temperature dropped a degree or two (two) to 48°F With that, sane peoples desire to swim also dropped a degree or two (three, maybe more). There has been some preseason play, but next weekend begins the short sport that combines judo, weight lifting, water polo, small engine repair and sausage stuffing. I speak, of course, of putting in the ski boat. The sausage stuffing part involves me, the guy with the apple fritter, and a wet suit.


-Nemo: not blushing, just sunburned.