Early Summer

May 29th through June 4th, 2023

Lake Lucerne
Summer arrived to the northwoods last week. Every day saw highs in the 80s°F. The only thing that whispered spring was the lake temperature. It held at around 70°F. That's more late summer (think after labor day) than peak summer, but was still warm enough.
Lake Lucerne
In another sure sign of summer, the roads around the lake are completely snow free with just a hint of duck.
Lake Lucerne
The sun was hot and photo bombing eagle pictures all week.
Lake Lucerne
The bar's squirrels seemed to take some time to enjoy the sun between raiding bird feeders and digging up freshly planted gardens.
Lake Lucerne
It was a good week to be in the water.
Lake Lucerne
The top 6 feet or so of the lake was in the 70s°F all week. The water below that was in the 60s°F. Coming up for air from the deeper water made the surface water seem much warmer.
Lake Lucerne
Diving for golf balls is once again a thing on the north end of Lucerne.
Lake Lucerne
Most were in deeper, cooler water. After getting out of the lake, the shivering stopped quickly.
Lake Lucerne
The fish are getting active.
Lake Lucerne
It's getting hard to drop a lure through the little fish layer to get down to the bigger ones.
Lake Lucerne
We are not sure who's been eating crayfish tails, but we have our suspicions.
Lake Lucerne
I'm looking at you, buddy.
Lake Lucerne
Later in the week, a gigantic, less than frisky northern floated around the north end. The eagles will be overjoyed.
Lake Lucerne
A local family of geese didn't seem to be mourning much over the passing of the great, potentially gosling munching fish.
Lake Lucerne
On the weekend, clouds started to cover the blue.
Lake Lucerne
Looking to the north, it was worse. This wasn't completely unwelcome. The lake, lawns, and goslings could use some rain.
Lake Lucerne
In the end, Lucerne didn't get much, if any, rain but there was some golf.
Lake Lucerne
Near the water hazards, the new head covers were almost ripe enough to cover a 5 wood. Another week or so of this super summery weather should grow them enough to cover a driver.
Lake Lucerne
All week, sunsets were worth a look.
Lake Lucerne
All day on Sunday, there was a smokey haze covering the area. Later in the evening, the wild fires in Canada also oranged up the setting sun.
Lake Lucerne
The lake level is going down. Lake Lucerne has lost over 3 inches since May 1st. A hot, dry summer could drop the lake a foot or more before it'll be time to pull the boats. Be ready to drag lifts into deeper water to avoid the dreaded stuck ski boat. The wet weather before the current dry has produced more mosquitoes than ever. And they're hungry. If you are trying to lose a few pounds without diet or exercize, go to the lake shore on a still evening for a minute or so. Weight loss by mosquito exsanguination is probably not a healthy way to get smaller, but it's currently really, really effective (and itchy).


-Nemo stops diving after fingers prune up.