Friday September 20th, 2013

Greetings and welcome!

It has been a wild week in weather. We had a couple of nights that were right around freezing, yesterday was hot and humid, and we have had rain three of the last 6 days. The rain totaled 1.4″ according to the USGS gauge by Kosir’s, with 0.8″ last night.

On the way to work yesterday I hit some of that rain on Parkway Rd. At the top of the hill a mile north of the bridge over the Peshtigo River between the flowages I got a few sprinkles on the windshield. At the bridge the wipers were on high and I couldn’t see because it was raining so hard. There were big puddles on the road and water running down the side. By Caldron Falls Bar my wipers were off and the sun was coming out. That was it for rain until after sunset.

Most of the rain came last night after about 9pm. It was a good lightning show on the way home at about 8, but it was distant. I went out to cover my firewood at about 9 and the first drops were just coming.

That rain cleared out the oppressive humidity and it looks like a pretty nice day outside. Other than a chance of a few sprinkles today as the storm clears out, there is no rain in the forecast between now and Tuesday.

The weekend looks a little on the cool side but pretty pleasant for weather. Saturday night promises to be cold though. Tomorrow’s high temp looks to be about60, Sunday about 65, and Monday & Tuesday in the low 70s. Tonight we are looking at low temps in the low 40s, but Saturday night the NWS is calling for widespread frost and a low of 31.

From what  saw on the TV weather this morning, we are behind a lot of the rest of the state for fall colors. The TV was showing places like Vilas Co up to about 35% of peak and areas south at about 25%. We are probably at 5 or 10%. I just saw my first big display early color maple yesterday. It was one of two splashes of color that I noticed between here (Hwys C & F) and Parkway and Hwy X.

Someone suggested that because we have had a good summer for rain and a fairly wet past few weeks the trees aren’t closing off the leaves quite as fast as they normally do. I don’t really know, but it seems unusual to only have a couple of splashes of real color the third weekend in September.

I have a near perfect record of forecasting fall color- wrong every year.. That having been said, I am expecting the colors to really come in over the next week. My analogy is that it’s like that last little nub of fuse before the firecracker goes off, and it’s burning. A lot of trees are transitioning from green to yellow, but just aren’t quite there yet.

I am reminded that this Sunday brings the official start of fall. Sunday at 3:44pm it goes from summer to fall.

I am really happy to see clear weather ahead over the weekend and next week. I am in a near panic on where I am with my fall preparations and firewood. I got a nice boost last weekend when a website visitor friend dropped off a couple of big loads of split oak. Thank you very much!

It rained on two of my days off last week and shut me out of the woods. I finally got cutting late Thursday afternoon, and cut we did. There are four medium sized oaks down and one is cut up and waiting for the splitter. I will be back on that over the weekend.

I only have one event listed for this weekend, but more for next weekend.

Saturday 9-21

3rd Annual Dogleg Open Golf Outing – September 21 at Parkway Golf Club, Pound, WI, 920-897-3950

A family friendly golf outing, with all proceeds going to fight Multiple Sclerosis here in Wisconsin. Greens fees, cart, and dinner are only $60 per person. We’ll also have many contests and raffles- fun for everyone! Golfers AND non-golfers are welcome to participate (“Dinner only” is a $12 donation).

Saturday 9-28

There is a big poker run drawing party and ride for ABATE at Curve Inn. They are having the No Schtick Band, a really good regional band. Click on the poster for more info.

The Iron Snowshoe Associate Members 2nd annual Membership Pot Luck will be Saturday, September 28th. at Jim & Gail’s @ W12563 Ranch Road, (Twin Bridge) Meeting will start at 1:00 and party will follow. Bring a dish  to pass, Lawn chairs if you have a favorite, Your own beverages, and a friend to join the club. RSVP by FRIDAY, September Sept 19th Jim Stradal 715-927-2793

Silver Cliff soup and chili festival at the picnic grounds by Hwy C and Parkay north (Hwy I). That is always a popular and delicious event.

Sunday September 29

Crivitz Fall HarvestFest at Crivitz High School – 400 South Ave. 8:30am to 2pm – Crafts/Bake Sale/Food & Refreshments/Outdoor Fall Decorations/Rummage Sale. Admission – bring a can good to donate to local food pantry.

That is about it for today. Have a good weekend and thank you for visiting!

RJB