Tag: Lake Travis

Dry As A Dead Dingo’s Donger

Storm 004

Last night’s view near twilight was a sight to behold. I could hear Eddie Rabbit rise from the dead, singing, “Well, I love a rainy night, it’s such a beautiful sight…” Of course, folks around here have learned not to get our hopes up. We’ve been (literally) burned too many times to count, hopeful at the sight of darkening clouds and ominous thunder, only to watch it pass us by. While Al Roker chats gloats about rainstorms across the country, central Texas is essentially Penny from The Rescuers, constantly passed over by would-be adoptive parents. For years.

We’ve been in drought conditions for so long, it’s nearly time for Penny’s quinceañera (were she Hispanic, which would technically make her Centavo, and that doesn’t quite have the same ring to it).

But it DID rain last night, and I even went out and danced in it, prompted by fellow blogger, Liz, if only for a few seconds. P.S. rain is cold.

So what if the lightning and thunder kept me up all night long? I’ll sacrifice my slumber for the good of our state.

Award-winning weatherman Jim Spencer keeps us abreast of local changes on his “First Warning Weather,” deciphering the Doppler Weather Radar and making predictions, but (to quote the Aussies), it’s as dry as a dead dingo’s donger.

http://www.austinchronicle.com/
http://www.austinchronicle.com/

All of our lakes are hitting record lows. The Lake Travis restaurants like The Oasis and Carlos ‘n’ Charlie’s, so popular for water fun and frolic in the 1990s, now overlook a low-lying lake covered with dune-like islands. When I visited Volente Beach on Lake Travis fourteen years ago, I could see the dry islands popping up even then.

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But now it’s much, much worse.

http://www.myfoxaustin.com/
http://www.myfoxaustin.com/

At this point, I don’t know how we’ll ever recoup enough water to get things where they need to be. Our water bills are always in the hundreds each month; that’s par for the course to live in this area. Cattle are dropping dead right and left, reservoirs are drying up. But we won’t give up hope.

Now Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of the roar of a heavy shower.” 1 Kings 18:41

More rain may be just around the bend.

Desert Oasis

We visited The Oasis this past weekend in central Texas and enjoyed a nice meal of redfish, grilled veggies, and rice. The Oasis has never (in decades) been known for decent or reasonably-priced food, so this was quite a surprise. And though it was a steamy 104 degrees in the sun, the shaded deck (and surrounding fans) allowed for a comfortable meal.

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The lake level has been so low for so long, that it’s hard to recall a time when Lake Travis was full, and we weren’t under mandatory watering restrictions.  This island shouldn’t really exist.  It should all be under water.

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Despite the heat, humidity, and low water levels, the lake can still be an enjoyable spot for breathtaking views.  The dozens of sailboats and waterboats, skiers and fishermen can testify to that.

lower glass railing viewing deck
lower glass railing viewing deck

We’re just happy the trees are still green in August, instead of pointy brown branches, singed from oppressive sunlight.  Dog days indeed.