Summer's Epitaph

August 31st through September 6th, 2020

Lake Lucerne
The air temperature last week limped past 70°F only one day. Highs in the 60s°F and lows in the 40s°F has become the new norm. The ramifications of this new norm didn't fully sink in until the week ended. Autumn is upon us, Summer has passed on.
Lake Lucerne
In addition to the cool air, last week also included a small amount of rain.
Lake Lucerne
The drier weather has shrunk the puddles and ponds around the lake, but the frogs remain plentiful, well fed, and a muddy shade of green.
Lake Lucerne
The milkweed pod crop is ripening nicely on the shore of the North end. While there are plenty of plants, pod production seems light this year.
Lake Lucerne
The lake temperature has dropped below 70°F. This inevitable consequence of the cool has made swimming and diving less popular while shivering is trending.
Lake Lucerne
Not only is Lucerne's temperature lower, so is the lake level. It dropped 6 inches in August with most of the decline occurring in the last two weeks. It's still 30 inches above the norm, but the dramatic decline is somewhat unsettling.
Lake Lucerne
There's not much color in the trees surrounding the lake. We would have expected more with the cooler temperatures and all. It's presumed that all the green will rapidly morph into shades of red, brown, and gold during the next week or three.
Lake Lucerne
There were a lot of boats on the water last weekend. At first, this seemed strange given the temperatures, but in retrospect, Labor Day Weekend is usually packed with watercraft and towables looking for one last run before heading to the un-launch. To our surprise, the Brush Run parade and race was held just outside Crandon. All weekend, the thunderous clamor of overpowered trucks flowed over the lakes and hills. I really should have gotten a picture or two instead of eating at the Culver's in Portage. With the waving of the last checkered flag, we hoped for a Summer bonus period, or a double bonus period, or a Summer Quadruple Bonus Period With Cheese And Sprinkles ( The late Summer of 2015 rocked!). Alas, it was not meant to be. It is somewhat ironic that Summer passed early in a year with the latest Labor Day possible. Looking back on the Summer of 2020, we would say it should be remembered most for its above normal heat, wet, and remote worker population.


-Nemo is shivering in the sun.