Christmas Week

December 21st through 27th, 2015

Lake Lucerne
At the start of last week we had some ice peacefully extending about 100 yards from the North end of the lake. Ice-in seemed to be but days away.
Lake Lucerne
The ice was not to last. A wind from the South along with a 3+ mile fetch combined to make some ice breaking waves.
Lake Lucerne
Mid week's thick fog and half an inch of rain hunted down and dispatched any remaining frozen lake water. Instead of a December feel, the lake area had more of an April vibe.
Lake Lucerne
That was not to last. The rain/fog turned to all snow and about two inches stuck. For this time of year, the condition of Knott Lane was not bad due to the lack of an ice layer under that snow.
Lake Lucerne
From this week forward, hats are no longer optional.
Lake Lucerne
Squirrel! Where's your hat!
Lake Lucerne
Late in the week the sun poked though the clouds for a brief while.
Lake Lucerne
Ice is again pushing South from the North end of the lake.
Lake Lucerne
The creek is frozen and full. We've never seen it quite this full just before ice-in.
Lake Lucerne
As of Sunday, the ice on the shore of the lake is about this thick.
Lake Lucerne
In the next few days, there's snow predicted followed by single digit temperatures. By January 1st the lake should be frozen over, the checks for the winners of this year's ice-in contest should be in the mail, and the 25th Annual Lake Lucerne Bottle Rocket War will be 4 weeks away. Still, you might not want to walk on that new ice for a week or so. Unless you're looking to get in the first swim of the year.


-Nemo, not looking to get in the first swim of the year