Alright, Alright, Alright

Camping a Lake McConaughy (not actually named for the Dazed and Confused star, despite the title of this post) with Layla the Golden Whipador, in my tiny teardrop.  Nebraska's largest Lake: 22 miles long and 4 miles wide...or at least it was a few years ago when it was full. Currently at 23% capacity and falling daily. All of that sand and grassland in the mid-ground should be clear, cool water lapping at my feet...

 

Haters will say it's because of drought, the fault of the infamous, faceless villain Klyme Atchange. As with all things, the truth is simpler. Some locals explained that "soft spots" were discovered on the nearly century-old dam so the authorities are draining the lake to effectuate necessary repairs, possibly avoiding the embarrassing destruction of everything and everyone downstream. Oopsy.

My guess is, considering the pace at which such large Public Works advance, it won't be filled back to capacity before the mid 2030s. So I'm glad I decided to visit this summer even though I had to drive 10 miles down the road to reach an area with water access. Miles of soft sand beach, great swimming, happy dog. Totally worth it.