Posted: Mon, 25 May 2009 11:14 AM - 10,259 Readers

By: Beverly Burmeier

Get out on the lake

Air temperatures are rising into the 90’s, and with water temp inching up from the 80’s it’s just about perfect for swimming, lounging on a float, and water skiing on Lake Travis. Or simply enjoy a boat ride with friends; then anchor for a cool drink and snacks.

Lake Travis is Austin’s crown jewel. With deep, clear, calm water, it provides many opportunities for water activities on hot summer days. Sailboats, ski boats, cruisers, cigarette boats, houseboats, and pontoons all find their niche on the lake and make Lake Travis a favorite summer destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you have your own boat, dozens of public and private marinas in the area provide permanent or daily rental slips, fuel availability, stores with fun supplies for you and your boat, and various other amenities. Some offer drystack storage as well as in-water covered and uncovered slips, picnicking, and party facilities. Keeping your boat at a marina is the most convenient way to access it for a quick afternoon run on the lake or an all-day excursion.

For a daily fee, you can launch your boat at Briarcliff Marina’s deep water ramp. The ramp is on a protected cove with calm water, and it’s usually less crowded than other public ramps. Located at mile marker 26, it’s about half-way up Lake Travis, which gives easy access to the upper part of the Lake and the Colorado River.

Mansfield Dam Park on the main body of Lake Travis is a primary access point for boaters. The deepest, most accessible boat ramp on Lake Travis, Mansfield Dam's ramp has four lanes with an adjoining wheelchair-accessible courtesy dock to make lake launching easy. Parking capacity can accommodate 112 trailer-towing vehicles.

Another place to launch is Pace Bend, a Travis County park approximately 30 miles west of Austin with limestone cliffs and numerous rocky coves. You’ll pay a park entrance fee, but you can also enjoy shallow beaches, hike and bike trails, and wildlife viewing while there. With more than nine miles of shoreline, Pace Bend offers impressive views of Lake Travis, especially at sunset.

When lake levels are low, some ramps may not be open, so check before going.

In future posts, I’ll tell about places to rent water craft if you don’t have your own and restaurants where you can dock your boat and hop out for a bite to eat.