Just had a few friends over and jack-o-lanterns were in store. What is it that is so satisfying about cutting open a pumpkin, scooping out its innards and making a jack-o-lantern? It's fun, why question?

This was taken just one week after the last photo I posted here. The area received anywhere between 5-11" of rain over a 3 to 4 day period. Even with all of the rain, the LCRA is reporting that our reservoirs went only from 33% capacity to 34% capacity. That will tell you just how bad it has been. 
Below you can see that there was enough water to actually make the falls flow again. If you are in the area I would suggest going out and taking a look. I've always loved this place, it's just got a nice sense of piece to it

This was one of the first images that I found with success with. On the strength of this image I was able to become the artist of the month in the South Austin Barnes and Noble. This image was taken on 12/30/2007, right as central Texas was beginning to enter what has become a major drought. Most of Texas is what is considered to be a sever drought or worse. In central Texas, lakes like Lake Travis, which acts as a reservoir are only 32% full now. This past weekend, I went looking for this same tree and below you can see what it looks like today, It was quite a shock to see. This is part of the park surrounding Five Mile dam on the Blanco river in Hays county. Almost all of the river bed in the park is completely dry now and is in fact covered with grasses and even shrubs.
 I know I don't usually post in color but I thought it served this tree well originally and now to show the stark contrast.

When my wife and I first moved to Hays county we heard about this place and saw a full and flowing river. This was taken from the dam looking upstream. Vegetation has started to take over what was once a popular swimming hole. Below you can see a close up of a part of the river bed that has not been able to support even the weeds that try to grow here.

Finally, here I found a log that has left a trail in the dried out bed of the Blanco. I found it this way so I am not sure if this was carried away before the water completely evaporated or if some industrious individuals were trying to drag it to the nearest water, which is just out of frame. 

As always, I hope you enjoyed these images. I would love to hear any and all feedback you might have.
Cheers
Marc