there is plenty of water in the river in the places that are generally more than 2 feet deep. PLENTY of swimming holes, for sure.
there is NOT enough water to tube as usual. many of the places that are super-shallow in normal years are completely dry right now. we used to get in to tube at the Seven Bluffs crossing, and the water there was about 2-3 feet deep, but at this time, it's not deep enough to support a 200-pound person on a tube ; )
we had no trouble finding lots of fun to be had, though. instead of traditional tubing, we did some "stationary tubing"- just sitting in a tube in the water to keep cool, hear the rush of the river, and letting the kids play around us. the bonus here is that you could stay in the shade the whole time.
there's a parking lot at the seven bluffs crossing called "the gravel bar". they charge for parking, but we went there several times and just picnicked and hung out in the shallows, while the kids went a little further down to a rope swing and played. the little ones could play right there in the shallow areas, which was awesome.
we also went to the day-use area at garner, which is always really popular. it was just as much fun as ever, with the kayaks, paddleboats, and rope swings. there's plenty of water there (would not have noticed a difference from the usual water level if it were not for the tree roots-- it's probably 2-3 feet more shallow than usual). people were still jumping from the tippy top of the tall tree into the swimming hole area below.
so... not great for tubing as usual, but still pretty great for everything else. plenty of water to have fun in.
Re: frio river report
I haven't gone tubing since college, but stationary tubing sounds wonderful.
How was the water temperature? I am a bit miffed that Clear Lake is already hot like bath water.
So Tasty, So Yummy
glad there is at least some water...
my inlaws live on a cove on Lake Travis...they currently have deer eating grass in their cove and no water...
*singing* I remember that old Frio River, where I learned to swim
haha
I haven't been to the Frio River since I was about, oh, say 15. I loved it.
Brian & Laurie
it's usually FREEEEZING (hence the name), so it was sort of cold, but not as bad as usual. the deeper places in garner were still chilly, it took me a few minutes to go in past my waist.
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Please tell me there are still dances at the pavilion every night?! Gah, I miss Garner SP/Leakey. I have got to get back there soon.