Richland Chambers Lake Level March 2014

Richland Chambers Lake Spillway

 The gates are closed and have been for a while at the damn on RC. Richland Chambers Lake level is still going the way of most Texas Lakes.  We are 7.12 feet below pool level as of March 22, 2014.  Our historic drought has seen the state's total water reserves as low as 65% in 2013 with Texas lake levels down across the state.  Not wanting to be the harbinger of bad news but we need some rain!  Richland Chambers lake level is not the product of increased demand, in fact the pump station at RC lake was shut down for a period of several weeks this winter due to pipeline construction in the area and maintenance on the pump station.  Tarrant Regional has been taking water out of the lake since day one back in 1989 and still operates one pump station on the lake. We just need rain (did I say it again?)  Julie and I have lived on Chambers Creek for over 20 years.  Our backyard has been about 150 acres of Chambers Creek bottom.  During normal conditions the creek gets out of it's banks 3-4 times a year and fills the bottom for several thousand acres.  The creek takes a few days to get back in its banks as the water makes its way downstream and the lake fills.  The same thing happens in the Richland Creek bottom as well.  When we get a good rain in the right places they open the gates at Navarro Mills Lake west of Corsicana.  Richland Creek floods and flows into Richland Chambers.
The lake will come back when we get some rain.  Check out this link:  Navarro County Rainfall History
Also get the Current Lake Level on our lake level page.  In the mean time pray for rain...

Property for sale just south of Richland Chambers Lake

 We have a great piece of property for sale on the south side of Richland Chambers Lake. 77 acres, unrestricted and you can see in the picture has some nice whitetails running on it.  The property is bordered on 2 sides by The Wilderness on Richland Chambers.  It is off of FM 416, accessed from a little road called spur 190.  I walked it with some clients a couple of weeks ago and found this skull.  Judging from the size of the rack this was an older, smart deer.
The property has utilities available to it and most of the fences are in good shape. It would make a great home site with plenty of elbow room.  It has lots of good trees, some elevation changes and not to mention you are just across the street from the third largest lake in the state.

The property is unrestricted and could be divided and developed or  made into a small ranch. It has been owned for many years by a private foundation and is now for sale.
To see the listing click here:
77 Acres Spur 190 Streetman

Moving day on Richland Chambers, finally

Yes it is late March and our house in The Shores is finally ready to move in. When Richland Chambers Lake fills we will be ready.  All the trim and painting is finished, the cabinets are done, floors are down, appliances are in and the punch out clean is going down today.  Our moving process will be kind of slow since the driveway has to cure for another 6 days before we can drive on it.  Everything has turned out pretty well and the yard and landscaping remains to be done.  We are getting excited about being at Richland Chambers Lake all day every day and being a part of the community.  Our new neighborhood, The Shores on Richland Chambers, is great.  It has wonderful amenities, lots of places to be and good neighbors all around.  My original intention was to blog and document the progress of our build as we went along (didn't work out so well) but you will see some posts documenting the various aspects of the process.  I was the builder and designer, with Julie's input,  for our new home.  All I can say is that it is a monumental task to undertake while trying to make a living.  We saved some money however the process took a long time.  Best idea, find a great builder you can trust.  In the mean time some of the sources we used for materials which did save money was Floor Decor and More in Dallas and a website call BuildDirect.com. Both of these turned out to be money savers in the long run.

Rent a spot on Richland Chambers Lake

Want to come to the lake this Spring and Summer? Most Texas Lakes are still down but there is plenty of open water at Richland Chambers There are lots of fish and places to explore.  You can explore the lake from one of several homes right on the water without a lot of expense.  We have four vacation rental homes on the shores of Richland Chambers Lake. Whether you are looking for a private get away for you and your significant other or a place for the family to come and gather, we have the place for you.  RC Lake is quiet and uncrowded, just the ticket for some serious unwinding and relaxing.  All of our rentals are centrally located on the lake, easy to find and easily accessible.  They are fully equipped with all the essentials, beautifully decorated and are just nice places .  We can sleep up to 10 guests at 407 Hidden Oaks or for a small party Northshore Harbor Condos may be just the ticket.  Prices start at $169.00 per night so a lake getaway is very affordable.
Check it out at: www.buyrclake.com/richland-chambers-lake-vacation-rentals or call me at 903-641-3359.

Finishing can be challenging

Finishing the house is turning out to be a pretty good challenge.  It seems to be going on and on.  We have been redoing some things which always takes more time than if you did it the way you wound up wanting it in the first place.  Among other things we have been moving some light fixtures which means cutting out sheetrock and ceilings and delaying things.  Also we have had to move the plumbing for the vanities in the master bath, (missed by just a little bit).  All of these things do not sound like much but they wind up slowing down the whole process.  To anyone planning to build always think through every detail.  A good builder will help you in this process and speed things along.

Good places around Richland Chambers... Richland Chambers Hardware and Lumber

Richland Chambers Hardware and lumber is one of those hardware stores that has it all.  This place is packed from floor to ceiling with all things hardware and then some.  From the basics of nails, screws, light bulbs, rope, paint all the way to lumber, pipe and plumbing supplies you can find it here.  They've got lawn mower belts, gas cans, boating supplies, mops, brooms, gardening supplies, they make keys and well, you get the idea.  Les and Bev are always friendly and ready to help.
Richland Chambers Hardware and Lumber is located on the South Side of Richland Chambers Lake on FM 416 so you don't have to travel a long way to get the things you need. Check out their website at  www.rclakehardware.com .

Sailing On Richland Chambers Lake

Yes it has been cold, cold and water sports, apart from duck hunting, are not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. So here is a reminder.  This is picture of some Richland Chambers Lake residents enjoying a sailing cruise on the the 3rd largest lake in the state. While it is not the open ocean, Richland Chambers Lake offers good opportunities for sailors to stretch out and enjoy an inland lake cruise.
The Richland arm of the lake has a pretty good area for sailing. From the center of the 'Y' to the damn is mostly clear of timber, about 6 1/2 to 7 miles long and at its widest a little more than 3 miles. Winds in the summer are pretty consistent at about 8-15 mph and the lake is always relatively uncrowded.
The Northshore Marina has good protected sailboat slips for lease with adequate water depths and is centrally located for easy access by land and from the water.
My best estimate is there are about 20-25 sailboats around the lake.
So get ready, warm weather will be here soon.