More from Lake Wassookeag...

The views from every window are like lovely paintings -only they are alive, moving and changing - as we look at the lake now from the inside out.
The brilliant leaves light up the landscape even on overcast days and when the lake is still, the reflections double the impact.

No, camp is not completely closed up. The dock is in, the boat is winterized and covered and the perennials are cut back, but the kayaks lie in wait for one more lovely, warmish day.

The Loons are gathering together from all over the lake. They are strengthening their wings, which have not been used since their arrival in April, by practicing taking off and landing - quite a sight. They seem to know exactly when the lake will freeze and time their departure to their winter home in the ocean, perfectly. We worry about the chicks born in late summer as they need weeks more of maturity in order to make the trek.

Hopefully, we will have a late freeze in order for them to make their escape safely. Meanwhile, the Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons and Ospreys watch.

It is the time to tuck in and make soup and what could be much better than Butternut Squash since they are in great abundance?

Easy Butternut Squash Soup...
1 Butternut Squash (or one pack cut-up!)
1 box chicken broth = to 3 cups ( or your own )
1/2 onion peeled
2 apples peeled and cut (Maine apples, of course!)

Cook vegetables in broth until tender
Put in blender
Add Salt and Pepper and whatever seasonings you choose - curry, honey, maple syrup and some light cream or whole milk to taste.

Posted by Katherine Emery

Closing up camp at Lake Wassookeag...

September 9th, 2008

It is a bittersweet time at the lake - so different from the spring opening when the leaves have not popped, everything is bright green and new and the lake comes alive with the return of summer and the summer inhabitants - both the 2 legged, winged and swimming kind.

Toward the end of August,in the late afternoon ,there comes a chill in the air calling for a sweater and perhaps socks.

Looking out at the lake in the early morning, we see the steam rising. The air is cooler than the lovely warm water of summer.

We still sit outside in the screened in porch and have coffee, but instead of shorts ,we are dressed in a fleece or warm robe, enjoying the peace and quiet and waiting for the day to warm up.

These last days of summer are precious and a bit sad. Summer friends pack up and begin to say their good-byes, the docks come in, the boats go to their winter hiding places and the mouse proofing of the camps (not really possible!) is in progress.

Part of winter is picturing these times at camp and know that it summer will return.

By Katherine Emory