Taking a break at the lake

WINSTED — The water is fine and watersports are in full swing on Highland Lake, where children and adults alike are experiencing beautiful weather this summer.The final weekend in July saw abundant sunshine bringing the lake water to an even more comfortable temperature, with parties and cookouts happening all around Winsted’s famous body of water.At one local residence Sunday afternoon, children jumped off a dock and splashed in the water, taking to inflatable boats and tubes as part of the fun. Next door, a motor boat towed a giant inflatable banana boat, along with two tubes, for a tour around the lake. Lake residents say a bald eagle has been appearing during the morning hours — though we were unable to get a photo this weekend — and herons are also spending some time in the watershed. Scattered ducks were having some trouble navigating their daily route around the lake Sunday, as many boaters, tubers, waterskiers and jetskiers buzzed around the lake’s First Bay.Local gardens are enjoying the warm, sparkling days, and residents are enjoying the first cucumbers and tomatoes of the season. If the weather remains like this, there will be a healthy harvest to close out the summer season.