Peak Week

Last week had more events than most. There was the last of the comfortable swimming, uncomfortable skiing, and plenty of color. The chinking of lesser items between the more notable ones kept any drafts of boredom out.

There were some nice sunsets, too.

At the start of the week, there were still several shades of green in local trees.

That changed as the days passed. There were still some green leaves around even at the end, but there were also trees with full color (Peak!) and a few with no leaves (Past Peak!).

The last day of September had some rain.

The lake ended about a third of an inch deeper just before October. We need more rain. Lucerne's level is still above the nail, but it was down 3 inches for the month of September.

In an admittedly subjective assessment, we've declared Peak Color 2026 on October 1st.

The color has continued to stick around since the peak pronouncement.

Lots of the color is piling up on the ground.

The deciduous aren't the only ones losing their leaves. The white pines are giving the north shoreline its own kind of needle problem.

The falling leaves and tempertures along with an Ibuprofen worthy ski run/crash had the men reluctantly agreeing it was time to pull the ski boat. Plans were made, lifts were de-covered, and fuel stablizer obtained.

The north end of the lake was lumpy on pulling day.

As is normal, the boat cried real tears when told it was bed time.

It took about an hour from being dropped into the water till it was tucked in for its long winter nap.

Back in Crandon. the chunk of Hwy 32 that has been down since before Footstock is getting closer to done.

Also in Crandon, the Log Cabin restaurant got a much needed facial before the weekend.

On Friday, the lake temperature dropped to 60°F. During the weekend, it dropped to parts beyond.

The Pier of Extreme Helpfulness at the boat landing is still in.

On the weekend, there was enough color remaining in the trees and warm in the air to make a slow bike ride around the backside of Lucerne extra fun.

With boats out and the occasional frost, some might conclude that summer is over. For those that have read the book, there's still plenty of summertime events, injuries, and (most important of all) points to gather before its official end.

The pontoon crane guy still has some lifts to pull and there's still color in the trees. Peak Color can last for a day, a weekend, or a week (or more!) depending on wind, cold, and rain. While skiing season is done for most if not all, this year's peak was still viable through the weekend as was golf (10 points), campfires (2 or 5 points depending on location), and mediocre games of 500 (6 points) on the lawn. While getting those still available summer points, it would be wise to think about this year's ice-in. The Annual Lake Lucerne Ice-In contest will be posted in a month or so. With this being Knottlane's 25th anniversary, the prizes could involve silver.

-Nemo's not warm but still getting summer points.

Peak Week

September 28th through October 4th, 2026