Post Peak

Last week started off approaching peak color and ended retreating from it. The temperatures also followed that template with the highs for the week peaking around mid-week and then falling off. Far off. Along with the falling temperatures and leaves came some wind and rain. The weekend turned out to be a less than ideal time to pull buoys and boats, not that that stopped some from trying.

Before the weekend wind, the lake was very flat and ski-able during much of the day.

Lucerne was pretty flat during the evening hours, too.

It's hard to pin down peak to a particular day, but if forced this year, I'd say that the colors peaked last Wednesday (October 5th)

Even after peak, there was plenty of color remaining in the trees. I'd expect that to continue for the next few weeks.

The Nicolet golf course was in good shape even after an aeration event early in the week.

It was as if thousands of baby tribbles sprang up overnight to make your lie more interesting.

The colors on the course seemed to be at peak all week.

We love the exercise, the few well hit shots, and the outdoor nature that golf affords, but there are some times that I really hate the game.

The nets are still up at Cardinal Park!

There's also a lot of reds in the trees in and around the park.

Then came the rain and the cool temperatures. At least there was a rainbow.

By the end of the weekend, the lake temperature fell to a hypothermic 57°F.

The cold has changed many plants around the lake. I don't think the sunflowers will ever be the same.

On Saturday, we saved the Lake Association some coin by pulling in the buoys.

The lake level is going down, but is still high enough to complete the task without any prop vs rock style events.

One of the must do items during or just after peak color is visit the Dells of the Eau Claire River and tromp around the narrow rocky gorge and waterfalls.

The views are great, but a little unnerving close to the edges.

The trees around the dells seemed to be more post peak than those closer to Lucerne.

Piles of fallen leaves are starting to line Knott Lane. They make a memorable crunching sound when trod upon.

There's still plenty of color in them trees thanks to several chromatic laggards. Due mostly to the lake temperature, swimming, diving, and skiing are currently only participated in by the extremely dedicated or mostly insane, but there are still plenty of pre-snow entertainment events on and around Lake Lucerne. A few of the more bold among us that still have pontoon boats in can take enjoyable (if they are well bundled up) tours of the shoreline plus there's always hiking, golfing, and even tennis. And Pumpkin carving! At the bar, pumpkin carving 2022 is scheduled for Saturday, October 29th starting around 6:00 PM. Bring your own pumpkin.

-Nemo noted that the buoy anchors were kinda heavy.

Post Peak

October 3rd through 9th, 2022