Greetings ATX brothers.  Time for a quick 2014 LOTO trip #1 report;

Bombed up here in 13 hours last Wednesday -- 10 days behind our original schedule to up (my ATX real estate swirl caused delay).  Had my sister, bro' in law, neice and her new baby join us.  Set up went fine (the Shack weathered the winter just fine), and we were dock riding by noon Thursday 7/3.  July 4th was off the hook up here.  Lake was as busy as I've seen it in 5 years, and by most accounts by locals -- land saw the same.  The general consensus from the full-timers and every-weekenders is that LOTO is showing signs of the pre-recession good ole' days.  I'd have to agree.  There was some amazing fiberglass out on the water, and an impressive display of brand spanking new rigs;  huge cruisers, luxury pontoons, and a nice array of Skaters, Cigs, Spectres, Fountains, Formulas, etc.  Gas on the water is running about $4.19 a gallon, $4.09 here or there.

Lake saw fewer than normal on-the-water incidents.  Just one fatality.  Unfortunate, but relative good news given the massive boat and jet ski traffic.  I had the closest near-collision of my entire boating career two days ago when a jet-ski came bombing at me from the side at about 60 MPH and cut UNDER my bow as I was coming off plane and turning hard port to avoid. More on that in a later report.

I think the biggest headline so far is the weather.  I don't mean to rub it in, but it has reached 90 degrees just once so far.  The rest of the past several days have seen mid to low 80's, with one 78 degree high.  Humidity has been moderate, and we've had light to moderate breezes.  Spring-like weather.  Mind blowing....considering it's usually mid to upper  90's (or hotter) and extremely humid.  Had the first thunderstorm of the trip roll through about 3AM, but nothing severe.  Cleared up 10, and now we're underway to another great day with a high of about 88.  Forecast for the rest of the week mostly clear, and highs high 80's.

That's it for now

Glad to hear you had a great time.  I can report LBJ was the busiest I've seen it in 4 years.  Seems like everyone was boating Friday and Saturday.  Long time locals commented the same.  Surprisingly no accidents given the density.  Worst I saw was a couple palm trees burning bright from an errant firework Friday night.  Made for a good show coming home late from the Horseshoe bay display.
Water was too choppy for most watersports but tubing and big air Jetskiing were a blast!  Saw too many Jet ski novices riding too close to just about everything though (swimmers, boats, and docks)

Great report I2D!  It is encouraging to hear that the sport is coming back to pre 2008 levels of activities.

sounds like another great week on LOTO!!  enjoy your trip!

We were also up there at my brother-in-law's lake house during the 4th weekend. Fantastic weather indeed! Plenty of great boats running around, including his friend's Batman-themed cat. Was hoping to hear it WOT but he barely got on it.

We ended up at LBJ in a house on the Colorado arm. We showed up on the seventh so as to avoid the mess. There are still a good number of jet skiers and tube riders behind wakeboard boats. Got out to do a morning run in the boat yesterday while everyone else slept and got 71 with 50 gallons of fuel. It sure is hot in the middle of the day!

I am so jealous of all of you guys :) Sounds like everyone is having a blast! In2Deep has been taunting me with picture messages of all the incredible hardware up there.

Paradise.  I could live up here full-time.  Well, almost full-time --  below zero temps in the winter might be a bit much to overcome. :o

Oh darn, you'll have to rough it at your shack in Lakeway in January ;) Maybe wear a light jacket while fishing.

Side note: I was talking fishing boats when I was in Minnesota, couldn't remember, what outboard do you have?

I was on Travis for the 4th. Swarms of jet ski's.
DC was rocking Fri and Sat. Even the cove by the zip lines was fairly crowded. Mostly cruisers with kids. Weather was nice. Mid 90's and a little breeze.
Nice fireworks show at Crosswater on Fri night and of course the main event at Starnes island Sat night. Broke a shift cable after the show Sat night, but other than that, a perfect weekend. :)

I'd love to get up to LOTO someday.