Posted: Sat, 4 Jul 2015 08:35 AM - 37,766 Readers

By: David Scott

With Memorial Day wiped out by savage storms, this Fourth of July weekend on Lake Travis may be the biggest and best we’ve seen in more than a decade.

The severe seven-year drought is over and the lake is at almost 672 feet.

At the “Just for Fun Watercraft Rental” at Emerald Point, the wait to get in the water was worth it for some customers.

Steve Harde took his boat out with a smile, “It makes the lake safer now, more enjoyable. We love to come out to the marinas and restaurants. It’s awesome. Lake Travis is back!”

Tom McDonough, who was also boating on the lake said, “We can’t imagine what it was like a year ago trying to boat and ski. This is way better.”

Joshua Logan, who was lugging a cooler of refreshments down to the docks at Emerald Point, marveled at what he saw. “I’ve only lived here three years, I’ve never seen it like this. How can you not love it, it’s Austin Texas baby” said Logan.

Another recent transplant, Kelly Hassler said, “We moved here when it was real low. This is our first time seeing it this high, it’s a real treat.”

Another boater, Jen Linder, brought a big group to the water, “We’re excited. We have visitors in from Chicago and we finally have sun. They’ll think the lake is always like this.”

Employee Ethan Nash who paused between customers said, “This may be the busiest day we will work this summer. They hired me a month ago because they would need extra help. The lake has gone up so much. We’re ready.”

Although Lake Travis may be safe now from storm debris that has settled, the lake will be crowded this weekend and no doubt some boaters may be intoxicated.

There will be extra lake patrols looking to ensure this is a safe Fourth of July for everyone.

*  Story Contributed by: David Scott