Rain and Sun Week

August 28th through September 3rd

Last week started off well. The sun was out, the water was flat, and there was a warmishness to the air. It almost felt like Summer.

The water was extremely ski-able except for the occasional rollers made by the wakes of fishermen.

Some chose to ignore the loon induced lumpiness, and joined foot to water for a few late Summer runs.

The sunny flatness pushed into mid-week. Then it changed.

Last Wednesday was parsed by a short, heavy rain storm that dropped a quarter of an inch on the area in about 10 minutes.

After the rain stopped and the clouds parted, the flat was less so and the warmth was noticeably missing.

At the start of September the lake level is at 21 inches above the nail and rising.

There were tiny toads, too.

The annual Lake Lucerne Advancement Association election meeting occurred during a metaphorically appropriate super storm that dumped over an inch of rain and gloom onto the lake and voters.

Twenty four hours later, the cold rain turned into warm sun just in time for the Knott Lane Open. Almost 3 dozen golfers, divided into 9 teams, enjoyed a remarkably competitive tournament that ended with most teams just a few strokes apart and all teams a bit tanner.

Of special note at the Nicolet Country Club is the planter adopted by Mrs Nemo on the 6th hole. The flowers are nice, but the pea pods are astounding.

Before teeing off on 6, pints of pea pods have been harvested this July and August drowning out the occasional shame of the previous 5 holes in crunchy greenness. If the peas return next year, in addition to extra balls, sunscreen, and bug spray in your golf bag, it would be wise to include ranch dressing.

The after party went long into the night. It included a packed bar, flaming shots, dice, and some fiercely exciting bar rail bowling.

Last week, the lake temperature dropped under 70℉ for the first time since early June. Obviously that trend will continue, but it's the rate of retreat that has skiers and swimmers checking local forecasts to get a feel for the optimal time to pull boats and piers from the not quite yet frigid water. If you pull them too early, sunny flat days will have an added deep regret component. If you pull too late, the water gets really cold and the scream induced hearing loss can be permanent.<br><br>-Nemo's getting boat gas while trying not to shiver too much.