As much as I hate to admit it, summer's over, people.

Yep, it was good while it lasted, but the recent cool temps are our heads up that the season, and all its easy-going, carefree days are heading over the horizon.

And it was a great summer, I must admit. North Idaho got hit with some sticky 90-degree days in August, but for the most part I can't find anyone that didn't enjoy the weather.

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My summer highlight was watching the hydroplane exhibition races on Lake Coeur d'Alene in mid-August. The sights and sounds were like no other - unless you happen to have been at the original Diamond Cup races back in the '50s and '60s.

The rumble of the 12-cylinder Allison engines echoed back and forth across the lake, the boats skipping across the lake at speeds around 140 mph. Fifty years ago, I was told many of the boats were reaching speeds around 180, which I can't comprehend. It has to be like driving the Indianapolis 500 in an earthquake. Must have been a white-knuckle ride, for sure.

The crowd around Independence Point was large, thanks in part to the Wooden Boat Show held in conjunction at The Resort.

The beach crowd was out in full force, and most were oblivious to the rumbling machines a few hundred yards offshore, the quest for fun in the sun trumping a spectator sport.

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Car d'Lane, Art on The Green and Ironman all went off without a hitch.

The latter wouldn't be the same without the sound of cowbells ringing in my ears for a few days afterward.

I got out the sticks a few times and hit some area golf courses. I pulled off just enough good shots each time to decide I'll return next summer.

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If I had to sum up summer in one word, for me it's "watermelon." My father was a big watermelon fan, and took great pains to pick out a fine specimen at the local store.

I thump my prospective melons with one knuckle, wanting to hear a little resonance from within. If it sounds dead, it's probably pithy - one thing I can't stand in melons.

I found a few good ones this summer, and chowing down on some out in the backyard with the smell of barbecue in the air really throws me into a relaxed state. At least until I have to spit out the seeds.

The unfortunate part of such a cool summer was witnessed by area gardeners, as any crop requiring heat didn't fare well. My tomatoes didn't yield much and my grapes didn't come close to ripening.

My Bing cherry tree gave me a good crop, and my 3-year-old bartlett pear tree had so much fruit I had to thin it. I am now in the process of ripening my harvest. Bartletts need to chill at 30 degrees for 1-2 days, then set them out in 60-70 degrees for a few days so they get the hint to ripen, as most pears don't ripen on the tree.

Hey - next year's bound to be better for gardeners, right?

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As we dive headfirst into fall, take a minute to remember the summer that was. What were your highlights?

I already have plans for how to spend my next summer. After all, it'll be here in less than nine months.

Jerry Hitchcock is a copy editor for The Press. He can be reached at 664-8176 Ext. 2017, or via email at [email protected].