First Plowing, Last Mowing

Last week started off cold, got colder, then managed to get warmer. It was like foreshadowing the next 6 months all packed into 7 days.

The cold last week was like a big bowl of ice-cream for those that enjoy that sort of thing. The snow was the cherry on top.

When it was over, we only got 1.5 inches. It felt like more.

The sun was just warm enough to melt most of the snow in the open. The stuff in the shadows would stick around for a few more days.

The snow was judged deep enough to plow. No mailboxes were harmed during this first plow of the year, but a sign on West Shore Drive was not so lucky. It was noted that the sign's demise may not have been plow blade related, but rather the result of a motorist that had trouble negotiating a turn on the snow covered road.

As the snow slowly melted in the sun, the last of the leaves also melted from the trees.

There were a few hard freezes which produced frost that resembled a light snow cover.

The lake temperature has dropped below 50°F. Despite the cool water and colder air, we did see one guy fishing.

No eagles were spotted last week, but we've been seeing more of this colorful character.

When not emptying feeders, he can be seen attacking his reflection in mirrored surfaces of local cars (and trucks).

Lucerne gets more clear this time of year. On calm, sunny mornings it's fun to see what's resting on the bottom without having to don a wetsuit.

Photobombing geese are just something you have to live with this time of year.

There were still a few piers and at least one boat lift still in the water at the start of the week.

The pier servicing one of the lifts was removed from the water on the weekend, leaving behind a very lonely lift.

The lonely contraption was pulled from the water a short time later.

The warmer weather near the weekend ended most of the remaining snow and all the thick frost, permitting a much needed final lawn mowing. Huzzah!

In addition to snow, frost, and mowing, Knottlane's Annual Ice-In Contest was put up last week. There are still plenty of dates left, so if you haven't entered yet, get on that. With all the cold at the start of the week, we thought a November ice-in was inevitable. Now, with the return of more seasonal temperatures, we're not sure. For what it's worth, we did see some lake ice on the edge while we shored the raft on Sunday. Lake Wabikon's ice-in usually precedes Lucerne's by 2 weeks. Wabikon looked iced over midweek. Then it completely opened up by the weekend. The only safe prediction for ice-in on Lucerne is that it will occur sometime before the annual Bottle Rocket war.

-Nemo's thinking of one more dive this year.

First Plowing, Last Mowing

October 30th through November 5th, 2023