Cleared for Takeoff: Blue Skies Ahead, Visibility Unlimited

Posted: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 01:03 PM - 18,460 Readers

In stunning aerial photos, go behind the scenes with Circle of Blue director J. Carl Ganter on a morning flight above Lake Travis, just outside Austin, Texas.

Austin Texas Lake Travis flying flight take off airport J. Carl Ganter Circle of Blue

Austin Texas Lake Travis flying flight take off airport J. Carl Ganter Circle of Blue

My grandfather said he loved to fly because of the clouds. I love to fly, because — whether taking the back door off of a Cessna Cherokee Six, propping the window open on a cramped 172, or clipping into a shuddering helicopter — it’s breathtaking to watch the sun rise while defying gravity 500 feet above ground.

A few weeks ago, Jeff Fulgham, CSO of Banyan Water, and I wanted to take a close look at Lake Travis, just outside Austin, Texas. As my colleague Brett Walton reported this week, the lake system is down to 35 percent of capacity, and it shows. New islands have appeared, boats are beached, and there’s a tell-tale bathtub ring — evidence of the lake’s former level.

We took off at the first glow of dawn, made a few circles of the lake, and winged it back just in time for our SXSW-Eco panel discussion, Who Wins the Water, with Sharlene Leurig of Ceres and Peter Gleick of the Pacific Institute, our nonprofit affiliate.

A beautiful morning, punctuated by more evidence of profound changes to our water planet.

Austin Texas Lake Travis flying flight take off airport J. Carl Ganter Circle of Blue

* Story Contributed by: Circle of Blue

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Lake Travis News

Alerts

LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday Nov 6, 2018	62,793 Readers
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions Oct 30, 2018	56,013 Readers
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday Oct 30, 2018	58,446 Readers
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time Oct 18, 2018	56,605 Readers
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis Oct 18, 2018	60,542 Readers
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video Oct 18, 2018	56,615 Readers
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday Oct 17, 2018	55,039 Readers
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water Oct 17, 2018	54,028 Readers
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution Oct 17, 2018	56,918 Readers
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open Oct 17, 2018	50,211 Readers

Entertainment

Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis May 15, 2018	53,628 Readers
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree May 8, 2018	51,899 Readers
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake? Aug 8, 2017	56,712 Readers
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin Aug 4, 2017	54,618 Readers
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional? Jul 31, 2017	58,558 Readers
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th Jun 27, 2017	53,760 Readers
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin May 25, 2017	55,367 Readers
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis May 23, 2017	52,883 Readers
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals Aug 9, 2016	63,504 Readers
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend Jul 1, 2016	65,364 Readers

Weather

Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues Jul 27, 2022	46,983 Readers
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding Nov 2, 2018	58,752 Readers
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full Oct 17, 2018	49,649 Readers
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding Oct 17, 2018	51,464 Readers
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding Oct 16, 2018	51,297 Readers
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules Oct 15, 2018	51,267 Readers
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says May 9, 2018	54,320 Readers
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain Aug 8, 2017	56,853 Readers
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam Aug 7, 2017	54,626 Readers
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning? Jul 14, 2017	55,173 Readers

Sports

Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week Oct 16, 2018	49,482 Readers
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest May 15, 2018	52,644 Readers
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017 Aug 7, 2017	53,986 Readers
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017 Apr 1, 2016	64,694 Readers
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return Mar 24, 2016	64,449 Readers
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list! Jan 13, 2016	62,654 Readers
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0) Oct 19, 2015	64,326 Readers
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions Apr 17, 2015	66,310 Readers
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record Mar 14, 2015	68,189 Readers
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards Mar 11, 2015	68,040 Readers

Business

Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat May 16, 2018	52,728 Readers
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake May 16, 2018	51,774 Readers
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K May 16, 2018	52,286 Readers
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding May 15, 2018	53,872 Readers
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis May 11, 2018	54,289 Readers
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake May 5, 2018	54,229 Readers
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution Aug 5, 2017	53,887 Readers
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park Jul 14, 2017	53,861 Readers
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe Apr 27, 2017	53,877 Readers
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses Jun 8, 2016	63,321 Readers

Real Estate

Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise May 16, 2018	52,201 Readers
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel May 10, 2018	50,097 Readers
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin Sep 28, 2017	56,376 Readers
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar Aug 8, 2017	55,346 Readers
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin Jul 30, 2017	53,338 Readers
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory Jul 28, 2017	53,835 Readers
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge May 27, 2016	64,828 Readers
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions May 18, 2016	63,602 Readers
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property May 14, 2016	63,878 Readers
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World May 6, 2016	67,502 Readers

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