The Delicate Part of the Season

August 7th through 13th, 2023

Lake Lucerne
The steady slide in temperatures last week, starting from the low 80s°F and declining to the low 70s°F, reminded us of the fragility of a mid-August summer. We've entered that time of season where a loud event could scare Summer off, or worse, attract the attention of Fall. There was also some rain.
Lake Lucerne
The rain came in tenth of an inch storms. On the north end of the lake, all the late week rain added to less than half an inch. Not enough to hold the lake level, but enough to push the fire danger to "Low".
Lake Lucerne
The wind, especially when not raining, was pretty light all week. It was a good time to be on the water.
Lake Lucerne
One of the cooler things we saw on, or more accurately, just above the water, was some guy using an efoil on the north end of Lucerne.
Lake Lucerne
There were a few clouds but mosly sun last week. This seemed to make the Bar's chipmunk planted, multi-headed sunflower, happy.
Lake Lucerne
On Saturday night, the Perseid meteor shower peaked. The clear sky and lack of a moon made for some ideal viewing. The radiant bordered Cassiopeia, seen here. We saw over a dozen of 'em, not seen here.
Lake Lucerne
The apples are not at peak. They are still a little (a lot) tart, but the deer seem to like them that way.
Lake Lucerne
Last Wednesday, the second last ski show of the year was put on in front of Waters Edge. It was a great one. Only one more is left for 2023.
Lake Lucerne
After that last show will come Footstock. Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, August 19th & 20th on Peshtigo Lake. Since it was covered by the New York Times almost 2 decades ago, the event has grown a little.
Lake Lucerne
On Sunday, because we seemingly can't get enough water ski shows in our lives, we attended the Hodag Water Show just outside Rhinelander. It was pretty good.
Lake Lucerne
They have a jump!
Lake Lucerne
Watching the tail end of a chain fly off the jump was worth the trip to the big city.
Lake Lucerne
We had also planned to play a little tennis in Rhinelander before the show, but were thwarted by some ramps, boxes. and other Tony Hawk type detritus.
Lake Lucerne
Rhinelander's shameful display of netlessness is why Crandon, despite its jumplessness and lack of a Taco Bell, is the superior northern town.
Lake Lucerne
At the end of the week, with the northwoods almost halfway to September, we were happy to see there was little if any color in the trees around Wabikon and Riley.
Lake Lucerne
The same goes for the trees just to the south of the lake.
Lake Lucerne
With its sunny days, occasional hot, and light winds, this summer is ranking better than most. If we are blessed with a Summer Quadruple Bonus Period With Cheese And Sprinkles as we were back in '15, we've got over 6 more weeks of swimming, skiing, diving, and tennis to go. Unless you live in Rhinelander. Then tennis is right out. Unless you count pickle ball, and you know we don't.


-Nemo shakes his tennis racket at skate boarders.