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Lake Travis Is A Nice Place |
By:
Sky Hudgins |
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The nice bonus from having to build flood defenses is the recreational opportunities it brings. Lake Travis is a 65 mile long artificial lake on the Colorado River in Texas. The reservoir was needed for flood control and was made possible by building the Mansfield Dam near Austin, completed in 1942. At a maximum depth of 190 feet (58m), the lake supplies water and hydroelectric power. A severe flood in 1938 was a major factor in deciding to build the dam. The lake is large enough to cope with 260 billion gallons of flood water.
Fishing enthusiasts frequent the lake, which is stocked with catfish, sunfish and different species of bass. There are sailboats and cruisers and boats for rent with plenty marinas available. Swimming is allowed and it’s a favorite spot for scuba divers because the water is extremely clear in Lake Travis. There are facilities for camping, picnic spots and areas for large houseboats. The reservoir hosts windsurfing regattas and water skiing competitions.
A number of parks line the shores of the lake, including the unusual MacGregor County Park, known by local people as Hippie Hollow. It is a clothing optional public park and the only one of its kind in Texas. Signs declare that there may be nude swimmers, a tradition that began in the 1960s. The park is part of outdoors life in the Lake Travis community but those under 18 years old are not permitted to enter. The start and the finish of summer are marked by a splash day.
Accommodation at the lake is varied and includes hotels, bed and breakfasts, cabins and vacation rentals. There are several resorts in the Lake Travis area, including Barton Creek Resort and Spa. Guests can enjoy the spa treatments and there is a championship golf course. Bryan Adams and Company’s The World of Tennis resort offers condo accommodation and tennis courts on the doorstep.
The Buchanan Lake Resort Home is located within a family ranch and has rental homes with all the amenities and guests can use the barbecue pits. The Bunkhouse at Wenmoh’s Ranch is a bed and breakfast and artist’s retreat. The working cattle ranch is an inspiration to the painters and sketchers that come here. Lake Travis and the surrounding district have several restaurants to relax in at the end of the day. There is a steakhouse, Mexican Grill, Italian restaurant and a hamburger diner.
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article76667.html |
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