One great aspect of life in the Northeast is that there is a distinct change from one season to the next. Sometimes the change comes sooner (like the end of summer) than you would like but it is a wonderful way to mark time. A big ritual every year is the closing of camp. You know the time has come when nighttime temps are in the 30's, the leaves are falling off the trees and the thought of a swim in the lake is chilling.
The process takes a couple of hours, crawling underneath the camp draining pipes and getting wet. But with the help and guidance of my father-in-law, Albert, it is manageable and fun. The boat is out of the water but the kayaks will be left out for another week or so. Just so we can take one or two more rides. Until next year when we reverse the process!