Hot Air, Freezing Water

May 15th through 21st, 2023

Lake Lucerne
The air last week was warm. The lake was not.
Lake Lucerne
When the wind came out of the south, the lake temperature on the north end pushed 56°F. When the breeze came from the north, the warmer surface water pushed to the south and we got a welling up of colder water (48°F). Nobody swam.
Lake Lucerne
During the entire week, if you looked up, it was more than likely you'd see an eagle circling overhead.
Lake Lucerne
Smaller, buzzy birds were back, too.
Lake Lucerne
It's peak mayfly season. They don't bite, but they seem to love to fly into an ear, nose, or mouth. If you find yourself outdoors, GUARD YOUR HEAD HOLES!
Lake Lucerne
With all the mayflies, you'd think the local frogs would be fatter.
Lake Lucerne
The trillium are peaking. The edges of the forest are white with 'em.
Lake Lucerne
These guys are back, too. Some lawns are yellow with 'em
Lake Lucerne
Most of the ferns uncoiled by the weekend.
Lake Lucerne
The squirrels near the bar are getting more fearless. If it wasn't for their tetchy disposition and evilness, they'd make great pets.
Lake Lucerne
It's been dry as of late. The fire danger was high. That changed Thurday evening as dark clouds moved in.
Lake Lucerne
By Friday morning, a fresh 2/3 of an inch pushed the lake level up and the fire danger low.
Lake Lucerne
We celebrated with a small campfire.
Lake Lucerne
The lake level is nearing a record high. The water hazards on the NCC course are also golf ball grabbingly high.
Lake Lucerne
Lucerne's water level usually peaks at the start of June. We need another 3 inches to tie an all time high. Given the long term forecast, this seems unlikely. That's fine because it appears the fuller the lake the longer it takes to warm up. At Lucerne's current rate of warming, we should be swimming by the end of July.


-Nemo's not a fan of mayflies or cold water swimming.