Tenuous Thaw

Last week held up a budding branch of Spring in one hand and the sword of Winter's revenge in the other. And it seemed like it was hitting us with both at the same time.

The remaining snow fort started the week as recognizable.

After a few warm days it was reduced it to rubble. Then it got colder.

And snowy-er. The lake got just under 5 inches of fresh, layered white by Wednesday morning.

The new snow coated branches and the slightest breeze would start a small, localized whiteout.

Along the shoreline, stronger wind would make bigger, less localized whiteouts.

After midweek, it got warmer again. The creeks flowing into the lake began to thaw and the sound of running water could be heard under the 2-cycle howling of snowmobiles.

The turkeys seemed to prefer the milder, snow free days.

The buds in some of the trees were beginning to swell!

Nights also became mild in addition to being well lit.

The full moon was almost bright enough to golf by.

After an almost 50°F Saturday came a Sunday filled with snow and cold.

And wind. The gusts combined with the new snow to spawn an army of snow devils that frolicked up and down the lake all day.

A lone ice fishing shelter avoided the crowds on Lake Metonga (and the fish) and braved the wind and white-outs on the North, fishless end of Lake Lucerne.

We did not get a lake ice thickness check last week. With the thawing and refreezing snow on top, it could be close to 2 feet thick. This could be peak ice. With the upcoming thinning of the ice will come the 19th Annual Lake Lucerne Ice-Out contest. It'll be posted in a few days if not sooner. It all depends on how much time tapping will soak up. Holes will be joined to maples and fire to sap next week in what has become one of our favorite late Winter events.

-Nemo found his tapping bits and is strapping on snowshoes.

Tenuous Thaw

February 22nd through 28th, 2021