Autumn Drama Over Manitou

 

We always hate to see the end of summer...but the clouds of autumn take a lot of the sting out of it. 

Before and After and After

 

 

 

Don't you just hate summer reruns!  This was just like July of 2012 when another storm hit.  Both times it was straight line winds--possibly a microburst from a nearby thunderstorm.  The roar was amazing and ever growing.  It took us from sound asleep at 2am to a flight to the basement in less time than it took to type this.  The crackling of the lightning was so persistent that we didn't even hear the tree as it flew apart above us.  Happily, the same loyal crew was here as last time.  Randy at Pro Tree secured the tree as the majority of it still floated above the roof, suspended by other limbs.  The tree was removed the next morning, quickly followed by Shad at Shadow Ridge Roofing.  Happy to say, Safeco Insurance was just as prompt and all the work is now complete and paid for.  From devastation back to normal in seven days--not bad at all.

Blue Moon Over Manitou

They say we won't see another blue moon till the year 2018.  It's quite a sight--and lots of folks were out enjoying it.  This is the view from the Treasure Island flag pole.

Stormy Weather on Manitou

A week ago, we had a couple of storms pass by.  I thought it made for interesting lighting.  The big old barnlike building is the local Elks Club.  They seem a little conflicted on color scheme right now--but everyone around here is used to the old girl.  It started out as a private club and then foundered during the depression.  It has a neat little golf course on the shore side.  The course was constructed when hickory shafts were the club shaft of choice and a good drive was 200 yards.  That means it is quite short by today's standards--but it is a fun place to sharpen your game.  The rates are low and the course is seldom crowded.

A Treasure Island Summer Bouquet

We have the fewest blooms going right now.  Seems to be a lull in mid-summer.  In a couple of weeks the hibiscus will take over the island.  Right now,  just a few pretties are about.

Locomotion on Lake Manitou

 

Here's a photo album of activity on the lake yesterday.  Whether kicking back on a pontoon, rocketing around on a jet ski, or tubing behind a ski boat, everyone seemed to be having a good time.

First Fish of the Season

We've been slow to get to the "kicking back" phase this year.  Seems like we've been running in circles getting the island back after a particularly harsh winter.  This seems to have been the first day when Treasure Island could actually be considered a vacation place.  Cookie's leisure time was well rewarded, as you can see above.