Hi again, even though you sound like you know what cold means and feels like, for the purpose of doing this trip and to really enjoy the lake and its waters, leaving after Labor Day is late. By late September, it can be really cold. So cold, that I had to go and by myself a warm woolen cap and gloves! Not my kind of weather! Also, taking boat rides at that time of the year can be both, enjoyable under the sun and miserable when it is cold. We did the painted rocks boat trip on a half-way decent day. Temps in the 50's!!! Viewing the rocks was awesome but it was also great to get off of the boat to warm-up back in the bus. Well, I guess I am a wimp... I am so done with winter and snow. That is why I am typing this from St. Pete, Florida.