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	October 6th through 12th, 2025

Last week was the most autumnal yet. High temperatures struggled to get into the 60s°F and lows got frosty. It might be time to put away the swimsuits and find a warm hat.

On Tuesday evening, the sky cleared and what was left of the summer, fled. By Wednesday morning lawns, leaves, and decks had the first fall coat of frost. It burned off by noon, but will be back soon.

The lake steamed as it gave up its heat.

The steam would end around mid-morning as the air temperature rose.

By the end of the week, the lake temperature fell below 60°F. The only "swimmers" we saw were the wadered up pontoon crane guys as they pulled lifts.

The fire danger was low at the start of the week and campfires were plentiful for both aesthetics and day ending warmth.

Plants sensitive to the cold were hauled indoors during the frosty times. No limes were harmed during the horridly cold mornings.

Ginormous birds seem to be unfazed by the cooler weather.

Local evil squirrels are more active than ever.

We also saw an uptick in chipmunk (henchmen of the evil squirrel) activity all week.

Before the weekend, the last of the petrol powered water craft were pulled from the lake.

By the end of the week almost all boat lifts were pulled, pushed, or dragged onto the shoreline. Over the years, the men have gotten better at the dark alchemy of lift pulling. This fall, the task went quickly, injuries were light, and ibuprofen reserves untouched.

Part of the post peak funness is scraping leaves off the beaches.

After the shore is cleared, a strong breeze from the south will deposit a thick coating of leaves back on the beaches. Eventually the trees should run out of leaves. At least that's what we keep telling ourselves.

On the weekend we drove south to the Eau Claire River Dells in Marathon County to check on the color and the dells. The color was very post peak.

The dells were as spectacular and a little dangerous as ever.

After not slipping and dying, we headed about 90 minutes south to visit the Wisconsin Dells. The place had many attractions including tennis courts, a ghost boat, and the last Ponderosa Steakhouse in the state.

The savory canyons of tastiness with gravy running through it was enjoyed by all.

There's still some color in the trees, but it's falling fast on the lawns, beaches, and fairways. It's been noted that at least the greens are mostly leaf free. Mostly. Events are starting to accelerate toward the inevitable icy end. There's still plenty of adventures between now and then, but skiing, footing, and to a lesser extent, swimming ain't any of them. That boat has been pulled. Upcoming happenings will include pumpkin carving, final pier pulling, and men dressed in orange running around the forest. Also watch for the Annual Knottlane Ice-In Contest coming soon.<br><br><br>-Nemo celebrated not slipping and dying with dessert.

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