Sara Flusche
Balmorhea State Park
N 30 94.399', W 103 78.681';
Elevation 3357.7'
Content:
Taking a dip in the pool was just what our group needed in the hot west Texas heat. After eating lunch at the observatory we loaded up the vans for a short ride to Balmorhea State Park. Balmorhea is located on approximately 46 acres near the Davis Mountains in Reeves County. The park has been open to visitors since 1968. Within the park is a spring that has provided water to thousands for many years. This spring was used in the mid 1800’s by the Mescalero Apache Indians as well as later farmers for the irrigation of crops. This spring provides from 22 to 28 million gallons of water each day which flows through the spring-fed swimming pool. Reflection:
This is where we come in. Take 20 (give or take) hot, tired, and inundated astronomy students- 1 ¾ acre pool that is 25 foot deep and about 74 degrees cool, mix a little sunshine and you have the makings for a wonderful afternoon. Before entering the park we stopped at a rental store for snorkels and fins. These appendages offered us a fish like approach to the spring. Once at the spring we took a little lesson from Marsha on the proper techniques for snorkeling including not drowning in a tube of water and using our fins instead of our arms.
Balmorhea was a teachable moment for many of us. We were able to look at a few endangered species as swim among the black catfish. Many of us took advantage of the deeper end of the pool to try our courage at diving deep to see the spring billowing out below. Once the water had indulged us it left the park to fill a wetland and canals that provided homes to other endangered species of fish, invertebrates, and turtles. There is a walking trail that visitors are welcome to partake in as well as camping hook-ups and small rooms to rent. Everyone enjoyed the cool and relaxed atmosphere. Taking a break from the “in-class” portion of our trip was a delight.
Friday, June 9, 2006
