Early Autumn

September 12th through 18th, 2022

Lake Lucerne
During some years Summer can extend well into Fall, but most years are like this one. While there were some 70's°F that gave an illusion of Summer for a moment or two, it was clearly early Fall last week.
Lake Lucerne
Not only did last week look Fallish, it sounded Fallish as small formations of geese honked up the sky on their way South.
Lake Lucerne
The loon activity is rising, but their calls are less frequent. They seem to be spending most of their time under the water catching fish.
Lake Lucerne
More maples are getting their color on.
Lake Lucerne
We're still a week or two away from peak color, but the 10% or so we currently have is nice.
Lake Lucerne
This has been a great year for sunflowers. If we had planed a few more, a faux corn maze on the bar's deck would have been a thing.
Lake Lucerne
The mosquito counts remain low, but there are plenty of bees. They seem to really love the sunflowers
Lake Lucerne
Back in Crandon, the nets are still up on the courts at Cardinal Park. Aside from some pickle ball related graffiti, the playing surface is in good shape.
Lake Lucerne
During much of the week, especially in the evenings, the lake was flat and skier-less.
Lake Lucerne
There was more boat activity during the overcast weekend. Vessels included a rare and chunky sailing craft.
Lake Lucerne
While the coolish air and the patchy tree color whispered the arrival of Fall, the lake temperature shouted it. It's currently 68°F and falling fast.
Lake Lucerne
The water was crystal clear until the weekend. Waves stirred up sediment, reducing visibility from 30 to 15 feet.
Lake Lucerne
Many boats and a few lifts left the water last weekend. As the lake temperature continues its downward march, I'd expect the rate of removal to accelerate. Despite the boat parade to the landing and the impending pier pulling, there's still a few nuggets of Summer left for those who haven't quite had their fill. Now is the time to cram in all the tennis, golf, diving, and swimming before the nets are removed, the course is closed, and the water gets way too un-warm. The big bonus during all this cramming is the cold water can keep the injury related swelling down.


-Nemo still has a few sets to play and swims to shiver.