snorkeling in Balmorhea (2-14-11)

    Balmorhea State Park contains a pool that is almost 2 acres in size and is about 25 feet deep.  It is supplied by a constant influx of 72-76 degree water from the San Solomon Spring.  The bottom of the pool resembles the bottom of the ocean more than a pool,  and its full of fish and turtles, so people come from miles away to scuba dive. We checked it out with our snorkel gear.  What was the most amazing though, was that the weather was actually warm enough to do that!  It finally warmed up into the mid 70s!  We only stayed in the water for about 30 minutes, but at least we were able to go in. 
We left Balmorhea this morning after checking our maps and making decisions on where we want to head next.  We have decided to head to Big Bend National Park again for a few days, since we're only 100 miles or so from there.  I love the hiking in that park so much, I am really looking forward to going there again. 
     Before we get there though, we have stopped in Alpine to check out the Marfa Lights.  Marfa is a small town that has an unusual claim to fame.  There are unexplainable glowing lights along the horizon.  They don't show up every night, but they are globes that sometimes move up and down, they can be yellow, red, green etc., and they can disappear and reappear.  They can't be explained by road traffic, since they were first documented over 150 years ago.  Scientists have been studying them for years, and there are several theories, but none that can be proven.  There is some traffic in the area where the lights can be seen, but the locals say that when you see the Marfa Lights, you'll know it.  Did we see them?  We're not sure.  When it first got dark, we saw something that I do think was them.  Later we saw more lights, but they seemed like they could have been vehicle traffic.


Marfa Lights?

 I'd like to stick around and check it out for a few more nights, but  Big Bend is calling my name.