Though the rest of the country is stunned and horrified that summer 2012 arrived with triple-digit temperatures, here in Austin we’re just grateful the blistering heat held off until now. This time last year, we were well into the exceptional drought and the 90-plus days of the triple-digit death march that stretched from May until September. Because the Highland Lakes area has been blessed with some rain over the last 12 months, Lake Travis is about 50% full and there are still a few patches of green on the surrounding hills. Wes Marshall, Kate Thornberry, and I checked out some new and some rejuvenated spots, and we can report the lake area is open for business, with plenty of food and entertainment available, whether or not you can get your boat in the water.
This article appears in June 29 • 2012.