“Fantasy”
On Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wisconsin
September 27, 2024
I do not know about you, but I would have loved to have been aboard this sailboat as it cruised on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin just off the shore of the former George Williams College in Williams Bay.
Since I made this photograph on a Sunday afternoon way back on October 19, 2003, maybe a sharp reader with an even sharper memory recognizes the boat and can post the owner’s name and residence, the type of boat, and possibly the names of the two chaps partaking of the wonderful experience.
Quite possibly, the two guys practically had the whole lake to themselves as the time of year was already a month into autumn. October may be one of the most ideal months to be on the lake because the dramatically decreased amount of traffic compared to summer.
Photographically, I like this image because of how “clean” it is – just the boat, the water, the trees on the distant shore, and not many piers to distract from the boat.
For some reason, this photo reminds me of the song “Sunny Afternoon” by the British rock band The Kinks. The title certainly matches the abundant sunshine that day.
Since I am a baby boomer born in 1950 (Be kind, and no jokes, please!?), I remember when the tune first was released as a single in 1966 (on June 3, to be exact). The song was No. 1 on the UK singles chart for two weeks and reached No. 14 in the United States. The song is featured on “Face to Face,” the band’s fourth studio album released that October.
If you are unfamiliar with the excellent tune, summon it up on the internet, and give a listen. You will hear these lines that are especially applicable to my photo:
“Help me, help me, help me sail away / Well, give me two good reasons why I oughta stay. / 'Cause I love to live so pleasantly, / Live this life of luxury, / Lazing on a sunny afternoon.”
Words tantalize me as much as photographs, and I think the word “lazing” is really kind of cool. How about you, might you be a word nerd as well?
View more photos of Williams Bay, the Geneva Lake area, and other parts of Walworth County in the portfolios on my home page at www.frednoer.com.