Januarally

November 4th through 10th, 2019

Lake Lucerne
While walking along the shore last week, some old timers where heard to mutter the words "too early". Some shouted it. Displays of crystalline lake are more of a late November/December thing. This year, the crisp has come early. The only thing that can be termed warm by this turn of weather events are the hearts of those with an early ice-in date. At this time of year the cold isn't quite the permanent fixture that it is in January. The weather can change, snow can melt, and lake ice can unfreeze, but with each passing frigid day it becomes less likely.
Lake Lucerne
Now is the best time to get them acorns before snow covers the forest floor. The wild life that has been seen under the oaks resembles a northern Wisconsin version of "The Lion King". Please note that it's unlikely that you'd see a buck, turkey, and squirrel singing "Hakuna Matata" with Thanksgiving and the gun deer season almost upon us. Maybe just the squirrel.
Lake Lucerne
The nippy air has thus far missed the extreme southwestern corner (ESWC) of the lake area. That might explain why the trees that dot the lawns between the cabins here are stubbornly holding on to their leaves.
Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne's water level has fallen a bit this fall, but still remains high. Time was taken during the final days of this year's Knottlane Board Meeting and Pool Party to check on the water level of ponds that dot the landscape here in the ESWC of the lake area.
Lake Lucerne
To help with the observations, there's a foot bridge with Interstate 11 on one side and a bit of a drop-off on the other.
Lake Lucerne
The Arizona end of the path is not completely impassable, but posted signs implied horrible injuries, painful death, and a possible fine if you journey past the barrier.
Lake Lucerne
The water level here is still down (1,719 inches below their nail), but has been rising a few feet for 3 years in a row.
Lake Lucerne
On the shore of Lucerne, a dusting of white has given items (boats, docks, rafts, swimmers) a Christmas-y feel.
Lake Lucerne
There's been no snow here in the ESWC area, but we've found a Christmas light show worthy of Tom Perry's
Lake Lucerne
There's not too many pines here. They make do with what they have.
Lake Lucerne
There's music just like Tom Perry's, too.
Lake Lucerne
The over 1 million lights are located in a cactus garden on the grounds of a ginormous chocolate factory and store. Nom, nom, nom.
Lake Lucerne
No reports of holiday lights up yet near Lucerne. Jack-o'-lanterns are frozen solid though, and the ice has gone in on Lakes Wabikon and Peshtigo.
Lake Lucerne
Looking out over the water, a thought springs to mind; it might be time to pull in the raft. And maybe winterize the motorcycles and find a hat. With such a late turkey day this year, it was more likely than not that we'd get a visit from the The First Horseman of the Snowpocalypse, Albino Thanksgiving. He's not here yet, but the conditions have all but confirmed the visit, so get your shovel, prepare the snowblower and find that missing boot. It's gonna be a long one. Also, if you have not entered this year's Ice-In contest, get on that. Thanks to xxLt for many of this week's photos.


-Nemo's hoping for one more game of Rafto before Ice-In.