Autumnal Equinox - First Day of Fall

Today, September 23rd, was the autumnal equinox at 4:21am EDT. As stated in our previous blog regarding the spring equinox, the word equinox is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night”. This suggests that during the equinox there are exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The autumnal equinox is the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, it also is the first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. In turn, the spring equinox in the north (in March) is the first day of autumn south of the equator.

The only times the sun passes directly overhead is during the spring or autumnal equinox directly on the equator. These two equinoxes are also the only time the sun rises due east and sets due west. At this time, the Earth's axis points neither at, nor away from the Sun.

The autumnal equinox is not on the same day every year. It varies between September 22, 23, or 24 every year. From here on out the sun will rise later and nightfall will come sooner in the Northern Hemisphere.

So since autumn is officially here, get outside and enjoy the crisp weather, the beautiful scenery, and all things pumpkin!

Lake Wallenpaupack Hydro's "Buoys at Low Water Series"

"For 7 days, we will be showing you certain hazard buoys located around Lake Wallenpaupack at low water (1179-1180 Elevation). The Lake Office is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the hazard buoys on the lake at the direction of the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Each year, we struggle with buoys being moved or stolen, creating safety hazards. Boaters might think they are placed in the wrong location but often do not understand the size of the underwater feature it is marking. Also, when the lake lowers 8 feet throughout the season, the buoys will float side to side. PFBC recommends that people stay 100 feet from hazard buoys at all times. Boaters should also familiarize themselves with the lake and its hazards by using a Boating Guide brochure found at many boat accesses and marinas and also online here." - Lake Wallenpaupack Hydro

1. MARTINS COVE ROCKS

2. MARTINS COVE SHOAL

3. KIPP ISLAND SHOAL

4. EPPLY ISLAND ROCKS

5. CAIRNS ISLAND SHORELINE AND SHOAL

6. BURNS ISLAND SHOAL

7. BURNS ISLAND ROCKS

"This year in particular, people are hitting 3 large rocks sitting in the southwest entrance to the cove. This late in the season, anyone without a pontoon boat should NOT be boating behind Burns Island. We have consulted with PA Fish and Boat and they have agreed to recommend a rock buoy be put in the middle of the channel going into the cove. The buoy has since been installed."

Winter Indoor/Outdoor Boat Storage

It's that time of year again! Time to think about storing your boat for the winter. Lighthouse Harbor Marina on Lake Wallenpaupack offers indoor or outdoor winter storage options. All winter storage packages include bottom wash, battery charge, engine drain plugs removed, hull drain plugs removed, engine filled with non-toxic anti-freeze solution (-50°F), motors fogged, fuel stabilizers, outside storage includes shrink-wrap, lower unit gear lube change, pressure & vacuum test and spring re-commissioning.

Indoor winter storage provides your boat with complete protection from the elements. You do not have to worry about snow or ice buildup on your boat. Outdoor winter storage includes shrink-wrap which still protects your boat from the elements, however the bottom of the boat is exposed.

Visit LighthouseHarbor.com for our indoor/outdoor winter storage price sheet. We offer a 5% senior citizen discount to those 62+.