Peak Color

October 1st through 7th
The northwoods hit peak color last week. The air temperatures were described as "crisp" with highs some days not reaching 50℉. Hats were worn. It also rained. Last Thursday, it didn't rain. The rest of the week had some sort of sky dripping either at night or during the day. Or both. By mid-week, we gained almost an inch. Another half inch was totaled by Sunday. The lake level fell to 18 inches above the nail at the start of September. Lake Lucerne has gained 4 inches of depth since then to 22 inches above the nail. Will we touch the record level (26.5 inches) we saw at the start of July? Currently another 3 inches are forecast in the next 3 days. Various construction projects, some light logging, and the rain has turned Knott Lane into a muddy morass. Wipe your feet before entering the cabin or mom will murdelize you. The cold air had the lake steaming off its heat most mornings and even some afternoons. The water temperature has crossed the line that separates the refreshingly cool and the insane. From this point forward, all that insist on playing in/on the water are a little tetched. The lack of boat traffic made the task of driving and snapping action pictures much safer. For much of the week, there was fishing on the North end of the lake. Some of the older anglers were joined by some newer ones. In a way, last week could be summed up in just a few words. Yellow, gold, red, and at the end of the week, brownish. The hill to the East of the lake was in full Fall. As are the hills between Lucerne and Metonga. As are all the hills around all the lakes just South of Lake Lucerne. The hills around Lakes Riley and Wabikon seem to be holding on to their green a bit longer. Indian Springs, the head waters of Lake Riley, had plenty of color around it. Reports that included the "S" word were not openly discussed. Besides, it didn't collect much and was mostly gone by Sunday. If it ever stops raining, there will be mowing, and after that Pumpkin carving. After that, watch for the posting of the 2018 ice-in contest.<br><br>-Nemo's not that tetched, just really likes to ski.