Phillip Dukes
Balmorhea State Park
N 30 94.399', W 103 78.681';
Elevation 3357.7'
Content:
It seemed an oasis in the middle of a desert. Balmorhea State Park has a natural spring of cool fresh water which feeds into a cemented pool open to the public. After lunch at the McDonald Observatory cafeteria, we were all transported to the park located in the town of Toyahvale. The park provided visitor accommodations for changing clothes and showers after our swim. The spring had been used since the mid 1800’s by the Mescalero Apache Indians as well as later farmers for the irrigation of crops. The spring provides from 22 to 28 million gallons of water each day which flows through the swimming pool and out to an adjoining wetland area. Swimmers share the pool with a variety of fish and sometimes turtles. I saw several large catfish, and many other unidentified species of fish which were no longer than a few inches.
Reflection:
I believe we were all very pleased with the opportunity to take a dip and cool down from the Texas heat. Just before arriving at the park we stopped at a dive shop to pick up our swim fins, masks and snorkels. You can imagine our surprise at the incongruity of seeing a dive shop in the middle of the west Texas desert. But, Balmorhea Park proved to be a popular destination for locals and tourists to snorkel and swim among the fishes. My experience at Balmorhea Park helped consummate the whole purpose for this professional development academy by providing a chance to make physical contact with living nature in an unusual setting.
Monday, June 5, 2006
