ftwdiver14:
Next month we are thinking about Windy Point at Lake Travis. Has anyone been there lately? Looking at their map they seem to have quite a bit to look for.
Windy Point Park is a cool place to dive Lake Travis. The
MAP should be taken with a grain of salt, but the depths are accurate enough if you put in the right
lake level.
If you want to find the
Pinto, you need to do so on your first dive, since everything else is in shallower water. Here's how to find it. Use staircase #1. The chain shown on the map no longer exists. Instead, go on snorkel to the flat rectangular platform floating West of stair #1. Descend down the line to the large sailboat. Then go on compass heading West (away from the bank) until you reach the right depth. You will cross a ledge that runs roughly parallel to the bank. Then turn South (left), following the ledge, but staying below it. You will
definitely need a good
dive light for this dive! It is like a moonless night dive down there, even on a bright sunny day. For your ascent, just head East (uphill) towards the bank, and you will very likely run into some fun stuff to look at while doing your safety stop.
I'm told that South of the Pinto there is a Pecan grove. There are also some misc trees in the deep water, so it is best to ascend along the bottom toward the bank rather than attempting a free ascent (which might get you tangled in tree limbs).
They have air fills there for about $6, and they have some drinks and snacks, but if you want a real meal, bring it with you. They have overnight camping, and it's common to see a class of newbies camping out in anticipation of doing their certification dives.
I'm told that ownership of the park is to change hands in mid-September. I'm uncertain as to what will happen to the park after that.