Beach Friday #2

Another successful Beach Friday!

Friday July 2nd we ventured to Schulze Lake Beach in Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 800 block of Cliff Road in Eagan.  Took two extra kids, a picnic lunch, and plenty of sunscreen.  The weather was perfect.

My only reservation: it was crowded and I mean CROWDED with little kids.  Like being in an overrun kiddie pool.  At one point, we ventured outside the ropes to do some kid-free water buffaloing and dang if those rugrats didn't follow us with their squirt guns and floaties.  Sometimes I hate kids.

Probably would have been better if I'd ignored the no-alcohol signs and brought some mojitos.  The smokers sure ignored the rules - guess "Smoking Allowed in Parking Lot Only" means "Go ahead and light right up among the crowds of toddlers and babies on the beach".

I need to bring my camera and get actual photos - what kind of irresponsible blogger does a series and doesn't bring their camera along?  A slacker blogger that's who.

Next week will be either St. Croix or a downtown Minneapolis location.

Friday is BEACH DAY

This summer, I have every Friday off.  So I announced that
FRIDAYS ARE BEACH DAY!
Each Friday we're going to hit a beach - preferably within a one-hour radius of home.  Since Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes it shouldn't be hard.  Anyone want to join us?

Today I took cupcake and her friend to Lake Byllesby beach just west of Cannon Falls (pronounced BILLS-bee).  This was exactly the medicine I needed.  A bit of rain passed through so the beach was wonderfully empty.  The sun came out and we swam and relaxed for almost 3 hours.  I just calmly stood or water-buffaloed in the warm waves and enjoyed the sun glittering on the water's surface and the occasional Sunny or Crappie jumping.  I even got to finish one great book and start another.  

Anyone else use that verb?  Water Buffalo??

This hidden gem of a park is only about 20 minutes from home.  The beach is HUGE and the swimming area equally impressive.  There are walking, skiing, and sled dog trails too.  There was no fee to get in, so with our homemade snacks, iced tea and water bottles this was a practically free afternoon!  

Other beaches I want to hit include Lake Calhoun, Lake Minnetonka, and Cedar Lake beaches.  Also Shoreview and Bryant Lake.  All suggestions and advice are welcome.

Sadly I didn't get that mojito last night - no limes or soda!.  Think I could make a reasonable facsimile with 7up, lime juice, and rum?  I have the fresh mint and simple syrup!