Bittersweet

Maybe bittersweet is too emotional a word, but I did have mixed feelings handing over the water testing duties to our new Water Quality Chairman, Gary Clair. I really enjoyed the process and the learning involved. It will make my life a little easier, however, not to have to schedule time to do the testing.

Gary is certainly able and is a quick study. We spent more that 3 hours going through the process - and yes, that is quick! His wife, Carol, helped. I will be on hand to help out the next time, also.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the testing for dissolved oxygen. That is what is most involved and takes most of the time. Our lake has been testing for DO for several years and there really hasn't been a notable change in the results - from when Wes tested, through when I tested. Instead of the chemical testing we've done, DO meters are available. They, however, are expensive and have their own set of complications. Conversations with the DNR have indicated that DO testing may not be necessary any more.

If you see Gary and his wife on their pontoon boat, anchored over the deep hole (west end of the lake), you may wave, but please give them a wide berth. A quiet lake makes the testing much easier.

If you see me anchored over the deep hole, you can come say hello. I'll just be there for nostalgia's sake.