Beach time @ Lake McConaughy!

This was our second time to Lake McConaughy (near Ogallala, Nebraska).  We had a great time relaxing in the sun, swimming, and hanging out with our friends!

Last time we camped in the trees but this time we were right on the beach.  We will have sand in our tent for the rest of our lives but it was great being that close to the water and even better that the weather cooperated for us.  We were worried a couple of nights after looking at the radar but both storms narrowly missed us.

It is necessary to have awnings/shade when camping out in the open.

Our makeshift tables:

Swimming was our first form of entertainment:

Playing in the sand was a close second:

The boys kept occupied with the 'Pennies' game:

 Some might say this was their first form of entertainment but I'm going to have to stick up for my fellow Greenies.  Apparently the Greenies (people from Colorado) routinely get their trucks/campers/boats stuck in the sand and need to get pulled out.  The Nebraskan folk take a seat, crack open a beer, and watch.  After an appropriate amount of time they just might get up and help out.  They get a good chuckle out of us Greenies!

 The sunset was beautiful one night.

 We were lucky to have a full moon while we were camping so I got some great pics of moody clouds/weather and the moon.

 The Swamp People:

Run: Near Sandy Beach

Trails Used:  NE 92 Scenic Hwy to Lemoyne

Distance: 6.14 miles

Difficulty: Easy
Overall average: 6.8 mph
Overall Time: 0 hr, 53 min
Total Ascent: 309 ft.

Sand Dune Arch with the Junior Rangers

 This arch was a favorite of the kids.  It had a cool entrance through fins and loads of sand for the kids to play with.  Climbing up to the top was a hit as well.

 Look carefully for pinky bear falling.  He had quite a ride!

 

On our way out we stopped at the visitor's center 

 

to hand in their paperwork to get their Junior Ranger badges.  It's always fun to see them sworn in.