Water Covers Dry Parched Land In Texas
The Dry Parched Land
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeThe Lake Bed was Dry and Cracked
The two year drought in the Texas Hill Country reduced Lake Travis to less than half of its original and normal size. Huge areas of land were exposed to the sun and fresh air for the first time in many years. Large areas of lake became desert like in appearance, creating an eye sore for many home owners with lake property. Many boats sat idle for months, unable to access the water levels from their resting place. Area lake businesses suffered through the dry months with little or no business. Marinas adjusted their racks of boats to new depths of the lake as the waters subsided month after month. Adjustments had to be made.
Many lake parks sat dormant as the boat ramps became useless. The water levels left the ramps totally dry. Small islands in the center of Lake Travis became larger and larger as the lake levels subsided, causing any water traffic to be rerouted around their emerging land masses. Many local residents feared a water shortage in the near future. How long would the water supply last with no rain?
The Rains Began
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The Lakes Began to Fill
It was late August and early September of 2009 when the rains began to fall. There was no hurricane in the Gulf that created a deluge of rainfall in the area, but rains of an inch or two that fell every few days for several months. The once clear sky became cloud filled every few days and soaking rains fell onto the dry parched land. The runoff from the hills after the rains continued to refill the lake even after the sun once again appeared after a day or two of showers. The lake became a big bathtub with each drop adding to the water level.
Slowly the levels began to rise. Trickles of water became small streams. Streams became small pools of water covering the low places once again. Pools grew into one another and began to merge into a body of water that rose with the rains.
The boat ramps eventually reconnected with the lake. Some adventurous boat owners began their cautious venture into the waters, avoiding rocks and obstacles along the way. Huge fields of dry land became submerged and the lake level reports became higher. In March of 2010, the lake was once again full. Its waters hugged the banks and and kissed the shores.
With a full lake, the reflections of the sun rising and setting is once again reflected in the wet residue of the lake waters. The parks are busy and green with new grass growing on the shores. The ducks are swimming their way along the water's edge with their chorus of noise, looking for their next handout of bread or leftovers from a family picnic. Quack away!