Lucerne Gets Deeper

April 29th through May 5th, 2024

Lake Lucerne
Last week had sun, rain, and clouds of non-biting bugs. We loved the sun and understand that the rain is necessary. The clouds of bugs were not loved, not understood as necessary, and deemed as evil as super villians or squirrels. They'll die off soon, but not soon enough for our liking.
Lake Lucerne
By the end of the week, the rain was over, the bugs were in retreat, and boats began to appear on the lake.
Lake Lucerne
The first bout of rain was the largest. It rolled in Monday evening. It left the area on Wednesday.
Lake Lucerne
It left behind a few clouds and a deeper lake.
Lake Lucerne
The combination of rain and sun has many planning the first lawn mowing of the year.
Lake Lucerne
That first mowing will have to wait for the many lawn puddles to recede.
Lake Lucerne
It'd be better for the men to mow after the swarms of bugs recede a bit further.
Lake Lucerne
A few years ago when the lake level was at record lows, many saplings sprang up on the previously water covered beach in the northeastern corner of the lake. When the lake level increased they all died. The shifting ice this spring uprooted most of them, returning a more beach-like setting to the corner.
Lake Lucerne
After the first storms passed, we gathered the sticks.
Lake Lucerne
Many other men cleaned up beaches and yards before the next rain hit.
Lake Lucerne
After all the work, the first footers were spotted on the water.
Lake Lucerne
The water temperature held at around 52°F all week.
Lake Lucerne
Bird feeders around the lake are hard to keep filled. Thay are being visited by the small and yellow...
Lake Lucerne
...to the very big and permanently surprized looking.
Lake Lucerne
Watching the interactions between some of them, you'd get the impression that a few of the birds don't like each other.
Lake Lucerne
Called it!
Lake Lucerne
The first hummingbirds are back.
Lake Lucerne
They were all queued up waiting for something. We didn't wait around to see what.
Lake Lucerne
There were a few more rain events. All totaled up, the lake is 2.5 inches deeper as the sun went down on Sunday.
Lake Lucerne
The trees are starting to green up!
Lake Lucerne
Put away your downhill skis, winter coats, and hats. The calendar has crossed the snow/no snow line. It can be safely assumed, or at least hoped, that we will not get any more snow for a few months. Because swimming/skiing/diving in 52°F water is un-fun, between lawn mowings and a 62°F lake, now is the best time to stock up on Bactine, Ibuprofen, and energy drinks. Given the early season bugginess, it might be a good idea to grab some Benadryl, too.


-Nemo vows this summer will have more skiing and bar nights, less down time.