Dog Days of August

August 11th through 17th, 2015

Lake Lucerne
Last week was a gift. Going into the week, we didn't think we would see hot weather like this for about 11 more months or so. But there it was. Hot, sunny, hot, mostly calm, and hot. There wasn't much rain, but at least it was hot.
Lake Lucerne
Spending as much time in/under the water was the best way to beat the hot. The lake temperature hit 79°F by week's end. No one drowned, but there were reports of pruney fingers.
Lake Lucerne
There was a marked increase of air traffic over the lake last week.
Lake Lucerne
We guess they were thirsty or something.
Lake Lucerne
Ski shows are getting stronger with many fine acts and pre-acts.
Lake Lucerne
The crowds are getting smaller, but are still good.
Lake Lucerne
Did you see the FOOTSTOCK dock in the last image? It needed to be moved to the Footstock lake before the event. We were drafted to help.
Lake Lucerne
After wrestling a few of the sections down the hill and into place it was determined that we needed a level and lunch. I argued that FO was a fine name for the event, but others snuck back and placed the other 7 sections.
Lake Lucerne
At first glance, it looked like WPS was making progress burying power cables on the North end of the lake.
Lake Lucerne
It turned out to be a fiber optic project instead, so we lost interest. Nice pipe colors though.
Lake Lucerne
The Footstock organizers wanted to give swag bags to the contestants this year. We were talked into providing a pen. I'll be sure to include one or two next time you get some maple syrup. Ice-in/out winners have to get some, too.
Lake Lucerne
The acorns are growing into their hats but will not be included in this year's Footstock swag bags. It's just too early.
Lake Lucerne
The lake's bass are getting bigger. We went SCUBA diving to photograph some of the sunken boats of Lake Lucerne (Hey, there's a calendar idea!) and this guy followed me about the entire time.
Lake Lucerne
Bar nights included the fiery Bailey's Comet and a free check to be sure patrons did not get eyebrows singed off (we had a black Sharpie on hand, just in case).
Lake Lucerne
After a bit of a stumble the weak before, Summer has regained its footing. There was no mistaking last week for part of the minor, melancholy season of Fummer. Sure, the sun seemed to race below the horizon sooner than we might have liked and there are splotches of color in trees here and there, but that was dismissed as being caused by a cloudy skyline and stressed trees respectively. The only thing missing last week was any real rain. The lake level is dropping fast. A good storm or two is needed in the next few weeks or there could be trouble getting boats off lifts.


-Nemo still believes that "FO" would have been a fine name for a barefoot tournament.