North Platte National Wildlife Refuge: Paddling Winters Creek Lake

Today we got the canoe out on the water for the first time since we moved to Nebraska. We made the short drive out of town to the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, specifically the Winters Creek Lake Unit. We put the canoe in the water

and set out to do some exploring. First we paddled up a short section of canal.

There were lots of turtles sunning on logs back there. Then we turned around and followed the shoreline of the lake, traveling in a clockwise direction. We saw lots of birds, mostly red-winged blackbirds.

But we also saw a grebe, lots of different ducks, terns, an osprey on a nest in a tree, and a sandhill crane!

Sierra even gave paddling a try

and, by the time she was done, got pretty good at it. We might have to invest in getting her her own paddle. The paddling was much different than what we are used to up in Minnesota, but we still had an enjoyable afternoon out on the water.

When we left Winters Creek Lake, we headed over to the Alice Lake Unit. I think we might have to try paddling that one some day soon as no motor boats are allowed.