The One With All The Hummingbirds.

July 26th through August 1st, 2021

Lake Lucerne
Last week was pure Summer. You could feel it in the sun. You could see it in the plants. You could hear it on the shore. You could smell it in the sweet air and, if you visited Josh's corn stand, you could taste it, too. If you played hard with Summer from its beginning, it also may have an energy drink/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory after taste.
Lake Lucerne
At the start of the week came a big, overnight rain. There was more than enough to keep the creeks gurgling and the lake level high.
Lake Lucerne
There were some signs of the end of Summer play and the start of the Autumnal convalesce. The last Monday ski show of 2021 was held just before the big rain.
Lake Lucerne
If you missed it, there are still three Wednesday shows left
Lake Lucerne
Plants are liking the wet and seasonably warm weather. Peak crabapple is upon us. I know that they are edible and all, but since real food is reasonably cheap, plentiful, and and has a significantly lower worm content, we'll take a pass.
Lake Lucerne
In just a few weeks the burdock crop will be ready to cling to socks, pants, and jacket cuffs of hikers all Fall long.
Lake Lucerne
Last week, Squirrel Ball (see last week's update) started off strong with scores of 3-1, 4-0, and 2-1. Then the squirrels became annoyed and refused to play.
Lake Lucerne
Fans were disappointed, but the birds seemed to embrace this new grumpy squirrel/unraided bird feeder era.
Lake Lucerne
I don't recall when we even came close to the number of hummingbirds that are buzzing up the bar's deck from sunrise until dusk. The hum of their wee wings almost drowns out the loon song, frog noise, and ATV racket that normally fills the North end of Lucerne.
Lake Lucerne
Many evenings were spent watching the sunlight dancing off the lake, the hummingbirds drinking the feeders dry, and toasting it all with tasty and well garnished cocktails.
Lake Lucerne
Despite the bits of rain and grumpy squirrels, last week will be remembered mostly for its sunshine and smiles. Due to the cooler nights coupled with the warmer days, the lake temperature is stuck at 75°F. Warm enough to forgo all the normal Lake Lucerne skin bluing and hypothermia yet cool enough to inhibit tennis induced swelling. The lake level appears down a little for July. I'll get a measurement early next week to be sure.


-Nemo, so-so golfer, squirrel ball champion.