Summer Again!

Last week started off seasonably with highs in the 60s°F and lows in the colds. Then the weekend happened. Lows became a 60s°F thing and highs touched 80°F. Huzzah! Summer is not over yet.

There was also rain. An extended half inch event at the start of the week and an overnight half an inch near the weekend added up to an inch for the week.

The lake temperature had taken a beating in the previous weeks. Lucerne started last week at 60°F. Barely. Just before the weekend, the wind shifted, the air warmed, and the sun came out. The lake ended the week at 70°F.

The north end pileated celebrated the warm up by picking suet from the bar's feeder.

There are a few more trees showing color, but the majority are still summery green.

Peak color historically occurs in late September or early October. That's only around two weeks from now. We're watching for a rapid colorization during the next several days.

There are a few trees on the NCC course that are changing, too.

The ones that have gone full fall are showing signs of an amazing red/orange peak this year.

The ink caps are coming up! They're edible and, if consumed within a few hours of ingesting alcohol, can result in weight loss due to all the nausea, vomiting, agitation, palpitations, and limb tingling.

In addition to the improving weather, the lake was flat during much of the week.

A flat lake this late in the year loudly calls for skiing.

One of the more noteworthy traditions on the north end of the lake is to do one ski run with the first pair of skis we ever got. The now 49 year old skis feature a flat bottom, uncomfortable bindings, and an endorsement by Mike Suyderhoud. It was a good run.

On Sunday evening, we were told the northern lights were out. They were.

It only lasted about an hour, but was well worth the price of admission.

By Sunday evening, there were noticeably more trees coloring up around the lake. It won't be long before peak! If the forecasts are to be believed, the great summer weather won't be around much longer. Now is the time to get in all the skiing runs before the cold returns. All the rain we got has put some water into the hull of many boats. After running it for a few minutes, don't forget to turn off the bilge pump. Running the quiet little bugger for 24 hours can drain a battery and delay a good run while the battery charger does its thing.

-Nemo perfers new ski bindings to the old ones.

Summer Again!

September 8th through 14th, 2025