September 6, 2020

Lake McConaughy

Country View Campground Ogallala, Nebraska Day 2

This morning I walked to the Tri-Trails Park.  This small park honors the confluence of the Oregon Trail, The Pony Express Trail, and the Great Western Cattle Trail, also known as the Texas Trail.  From 1875-1885 ranchers from southern Texas drove their herds of longhorn cattle to Ogallala.  The journey took about 5 months.    The cattle were allowed to roam, free range until it was time for auction.  The cowboys would gather the cattle, sort them, and sell them. 

We went to lake McConaughy this afternoon.  Our first stop was the hydroelectric dam.

OOPS!!

We had originally hoped to camp in the state recreation area, but all the sites were full.  As we drove through the park and then out onto the sandy beach, we could see thousands of people, tents, and campers along the water’s edge…for five solid miles!  Apparently, it was even more crowded yesterday!  It was a good thing we were able to get the camping spot we had in town.

We found a way to take the Jeep in the softer sand, away from the throngs and under a couple of shade trees.  We enjoyed our lunch here as we watched the show/circus.  There were big tractors to assist with launching boats and we also saw them towing out some stuck vehicles.  There were lots of jet skis and motor boats and a sailboat as well as a few kayakers.

The NASCAR race was on this evening and we had cable television so that Tim was able to watch. 

Evening walk. The town of Ogallala has painted the water tower to look like a UFO. It flashes yellow and red and white.

I couldn’t resist adding this picture…smiles for all of you!