The 4th of July Week

The warm continued to flow onto the northwoods all last week. The lake temperature is pushing the upper 70's (°F) and the battle between Man and Mosquito entered its sixth blood soaked week.

And it rained. The rain came mostly at night with the notable exception of Monday's storm that doused the area just as I was riding a motorcycle back from Antigo. The phrase "Soaked to the Bone" came to mind.

It would seem that Bike riders weren't the only ones made cranky and wet by the passing storms..

Others did not seem to care. A nesting pair of loons on the South end of the lake have a new nestling. I'll try to get some pictures next week.

We ended the week with just over a half of an inch. The lake level seems to be a little lower, but it's still very high.

The frogs are in full bloom. We especially like the way they use camouflage to blend into patio furniture.

And roads. This guy also not only matched the color of Potawatomi Trail, but also somehow managed to match the texture of the surface.

The crowds at last week's ski shows are growing larger. The show itself is getting more entertaining with it's 4-tier pyramids, amazing swivel ski demonstrations, and other acts.

Rough water during the opening barefoot line can be particularly entertaining.

The sunsets last week, when not obscured by clouds and lightning, were warm and welcome after exhausting amounts of swimming, diving, skiing, and other lake play.

Crandon's 4th of July parade on Saturday was long and well attended.

All these events culminated in a long and amazing bar night on Saturday that held old favorites like the Bailey's Comet and a few new, ghastly drinks. Malort, when you need to unfriend someone IN PERSON. Drink Malort, it’s easier than telling people you have nothing to live for. Malort, because these pants aren’t going to shit themselves. (sorry about the language, but if you ever tried Malort, you'd understand.)

Boat traffic artificially lumped up a generally flat lake all last week. Flat water could be found in the early morning hours and, to a lesser degree, during the late evening. Campfires and fireworks were more common than late evening footing runs. Most common of all is the hum and stings of bitey bugs. It's almost worse than Malort. We'll need an extended dry spell to get some natural relief from the Summer pestilence. That, or a good frost. Until then, DEET is cheap, effective, and plentiful.

-Nemo's checking the radar before the next motorcycle ride.

The 4th of July Week

July 1st through 7th, 2019