There's both good and bad news about the record drought in south-central Texas. The good news is rain is falling again at a regular pace and rivers are at their normal levels. However, the bad news is toobers (yes, the majority of people spell it "toobers" in New Braunfels, Texas) haven't exactly flooded back to the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers in the Texas Hill Country.

Severe weather events usually leave behind a path of destruction. Hurricanes blow out windows and rip apart roofs. Tornadoes cut through homes and send cars flying. Yet in this particular case, the destruction is harder to see with the naked eye. It's a destruction that is both psychological and measured in dollars and cents. These river outfitters are still drowning from a drought.

Unfortunately, the sight of an empty river or toobs piled up and waiting to be rented has been all too common in New Braunfels over the past three years. Outfitters are hopeful this turns around soon. They need it to turn around soon. Such are the lives of businesses that are so reliant on Mother Nature's cooperation.

Josh Shepherd: js2225@txstate.edu | Dale Blasingame: db28455@txstate.edu | Last Updated: 05.12.10 | This site requires Flash Player