A Change is Nigh

September 14th through 20th, 2026

Lake Lucerne
Last week had the steaming lakes, falling leaves, and gathering of buoys that tells us that a change is nigh. If you like your summers hot and your lakes warm, that change may not be very welcome. No frost, ice, or snow yet, but given Lucerne's history it won't be long.
Lake Lucerne
The lake did get some rain (over half an inch!) early in the week. The copious amount of rain forecast for the end of the week (over an inch!) was vastly overestimated. The lake got two tenths of an inch deeper on the weekend.
Lake Lucerne
Lucerne got some notable sunsets last week. Some had wispy clouds and sundogs.
Lake Lucerne
Others had more color.
Lake Lucerne
Leaves are getting more colorful, too.
Lake Lucerne
Also, there are more and more of them on the ground.
Lake Lucerne
In between rains, it was deemed time to remove the buoys around the islands.
Lake Lucerne
The new dock at the public boat landing made the unloading of the heavier-than-they-look buoys a little easier, but it was still a perilous task. Two of the men reported having their pants slimed during the process.
Lake Lucerne
In addition to the buoys, a few lifts made their way out of the increasingly cold water.
Lake Lucerne
In an attempt to escape the pulling, some lake equipment set itself free and roamed the north end of the lake. The free range raft was eventually corralled and shored on the north end.
Lake Lucerne
Last week, several mornings dropped into the 30s°F. We didn't get any frosts, but on those cold mornings the lake steamed mightily.
Lake Lucerne
Lucerne's temperature is getting more shivery. It's unlikely to get any warmer. Best get those last swims of the year in soon.
Lake Lucerne
The NCC course continues to be in good shape.
Lake Lucerne
Even the tiny turtles that wander the fairway on eight are still largely green and divot free.
Lake Lucerne
While rain amounts have been disappointing as of late, acorn production is at an all time high.
Lake Lucerne
There was more than one time last week where Lucerne was very ski-able. Due to maybe the water temperature, late summer exhaustion, or the lack of being up here-ness, nobody skied.
Lake Lucerne
The forest is not even close to 100% autumnal color yet, but there's enough orange in the trees and cold in the air to expect peak in a week or two. The men are anticipating a frost in that same time frame and for first snowflakes shortly after that. With next year's annual Lake Lucerne Bottle Rocket War scheduled for Saturday, January 9th, we are hoping for an early ice-in. Until then, there may still be some good ski runs and girly screams from impetuous swimmers to add a little faux warmth to the days or at least a little actual amusement to the fall.


-Nemo maintains his noises of shock and alarm are more manly than girly.