Pre-Peak, But Still Summerin'

September 21st through 27th, 2026

Lake Lucerne
Last week began with a nip in the air and a sprinkling of color in the trees. It would have been called uncomfortably cold if it had been late August, but seeing that it's the last full week of September, it was deemed pleasantly nice.
Lake Lucerne
The lake water remains clear and cool. Despite particularly cold mornings, Lucerne somehow held its temperature all week.
Lake Lucerne
With all the steaming mornings, it's amazing that the lake temperature has hung around 62°F.
Lake Lucerne
On Wednesday (September 23rd, the first full day of fall), the morning low produced the first frost of Autumn.
Lake Lucerne
On an ill-conceived effort to deny the morning frost a victory, someone slapped on some old skis (nostalgic skiing, 5 points) and shouted, "Go boat!"
Lake Lucerne
The water temperture wasn't too bad. This was especially so if you didn't fall.
Lake Lucerne
Two days after the skiing, some swans swam up the flat water on Lucerne.
Lake Lucerne
They milled around the shallows on the north end and then took off to parts unknown.
Lake Lucerne
The weekend's nights were clear-ish and very well lit by a harvest moon.
Lake Lucerne
A few remain, but many boats, lifts, and piers have left the stage.
Lake Lucerne
The stage's exit was made much better over the summer. Getting boats out is much easier with the floating dock next to the new ramp.
Lake Lucerne
After October 1st it'll be more interesting pulling a boat out.
Lake Lucerne
By the weekend, the color in the trees was at about 66.7%.
Lake Lucerne
Some of the more colorful seemed to glow in a full sun.
Lake Lucerne
Many of the men feel that peak color is just days away.
Lake Lucerne
Later in the day the lake temperature in the shallows with a full sun got up to 64°F.
Lake Lucerne
This time of year is often filled with ennui, but last week's lack of cool, damp days and abundance of stunning colors said, "nuts to that." As long as the weather is clear, the water remains above instantly hypothermic, and the pontoon crane guy does not say, "It's time." the area has a summer like feel without the traffic. Or the dining options. Yeti's and Eats and Treats have closed for the season. But the lake has not! See you on the water until the forecasted rains come.


-Nemo plans at least one more run.