Summer with an Autumnal Garnish

September 9th through 15th, 2024

Lake Lucerne
It was warm last week. The highs were mostly in the upper 70s°F and a few days pushed into the 80s°F. This blessing of September warmth is not uncommon. It should be used to the full extent of sore, pulled muscles, for it will not last long.
Lake Lucerne
In addition to the welcome warmth, Potawatomi Trail got a center line for the first time ever!
Lake Lucerne
At the start of the week, the hills around Lucerne had at best a very little fall color.
Lake Lucerne
At the end of the week, there was little change.
Lake Lucerne
On the ground, you could find a few trees that are progressing into peak color nicely.
Lake Lucerne
There were a few that are unquestionably at peak.
Lake Lucerne
About once every 5 years or so we get a huge crop of acorns. This seems to be the year. The deer and squirrels will be happy.
Lake Lucerne
For the last several falls, now including this one, the lake area has had a bumper crop of milkweed pods.
Lake Lucerne
The hummingbirds have moved south, but the pileateds are still around (they don't ever leave) and consuming suet at an impressive rate.
Lake Lucerne
A stiff wind from the south helped an eagle float down the shoreline near Knott Lane.
Lake Lucerne
They are almost 50 years old, the bindings have been replaced, and there are a few chips out of the sides, but once a year we pull out the first pair of skis we ever owned, slap them on, and do some nostalgic skiing.
Lake Lucerne
The summer-like warmth has the lake temperature up to 75°F in the shallows. It's a little cooler in the deep.
Lake Lucerne
The warm weather has put the local golf course in great shape for fall.
Lake Lucerne
We had some good sunsets late last week.
Lake Lucerne
The fishing was good last week, too. This is usually the case when Lucerne's temperature is above 65°F. Many took advantage of the weather to pull boats, lifts, and piers from the lake in the comfort of 75°F water. It's not that we like shivering in a 55°F lake, but with the potential for more skiing, we'll wait for more color in the trees and maybe a flurry or two before we pull ours. Maybe next weekend.


-Nemo loves nostalgic skiing on a flat Lucerne.