Oasis
By Kristal Armendariz
3 Aug 2008
West Texas is empty and sparse and intimidating. Wide open spaces are broken up by small mountain ranges more often than by towns. After driving for almost four hours through largely uninhabited desert, we were beginning to rethink our vacation plans. We arrived at Balmorhea State Park late in the afternoon. After making camp, we walked to the swimming pool to see what all the fuss was about.
San Solomon Springs pumps 22 - 28 million gallons of water through the pool every day. At 1.75 acres, it is the world's largest spring fed swimming pool. Fish and turtles swim alongside vacationing families. The water is deep and clear, perfect for scuba diving, and the temperature stays around 72 degrees year round.
Water from the spring is funneled into canals leading to a restored cienega (wetland). There is a window built below ground to give visitors a glimpse of the rich underwater world.
Our visit was surprising, exciting and educational. I can't wait to return to this oasis in the desert!
