Balmorhea State Park, TexasApril 25 and 26, 2007. We are staying in Balmorhea State Park. Water & 50-amps $14 with cable TV $17 plus $5 each for park entry fee. Located a few miles south of I-10 exit 206 if you are east bound and exit 209 if you are west bound. We like to stay here for the wildlife and birding. Balmorhea Springs boast the worlds largest swimming pool.
Balmorhea, Texas Pecan orchard
On the eastern outskirts of Balmorhea there is this pecan orchard that looks like it may be around 100 acres. The springs at Balmorhea that feed the swimming pool are providing water to make this orchard possible.
Balmorhea State Park 4-miles
As we turn off I-10 at exit 209 we can see the Davis Mountains to the south.
The San Solomon spring at Balmorhea State Park has created a superb desert oasis. These springs in the desert flatlands of West Texas have provided water for Native Americans, and later, for Spanish explorers and soldiers. Today the life sustaining waters from the spring are used to supply irrigation water for 12,900 acres of farming land.
San Solomon Springs Pool at Balmorhea, State Park
The present name, San Solomon Springs, was given by the first settlers, Mexican farmers who used the water for irrigating crops. Prior to 1849, the springs were called Mescalero Springs, named for the Mescalero Apache Indians who watered their horses along its banks. Then in 1856 soldiers stationed at Fort Davis changed the name to Head Springs.
In 1851, the first canals were built to facilitate large-scale irrigation. The Bureau of Reclamation dredged the springs in 1927 and constructed the main canal which remains in use today. Between 1935 and 1938 the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) built the "L" shaped pool which was formed with a 200' circle over the spring, and two 389' tangents, all lined with limestone and bordered with flagstone. Repairs and updating have added cement sidewalks around the pool.
San Solomon Springs Pool at Balmorhea, State Park
Another view of the "L" shaped pool. It is a deep pool. This end has a high dive and is 20' deep. Scuba divers converge on the spring during the summer and on weekends. The other 389' leg of this pool can be seen going to the left at the far end of this picture. The Davis Mountains can be seen in the distance.
Balmorhea, Texas aquina (Spanish for irrigation canal)
Irrigation canals like this one have been in use since the mid-1800's. Aquinas (Spanish for irrigation canal) in many areas have earthen sides.
Balmorhea, Texas aquina (Spanish for irrigation canal)
This picture was taken in the small village of Balmorhea. Irrigation water is flowing from the right into the diverter system. It appeared to me that about half the water was flowing into the nearest canal while the water flowing in through that raised gate was being split into two different canals. The village grew because of this water system from the San Solomon Springs. It is the life blood of this small agrarian community.
Balmorhea, Texas aquina (Spanish for irrigation canal)
The aquina (irrigation ditch) flowing through downtown Balmorhea with SR-17 on one side and main street on the other. The town has set aside a small strip of property on both sides of the aquina as it flows through town that is used as a city park. Huge cottonwood trees line both sides of the aquina in town.
Balmorhea, Texas information sign
This turkey caution sign is the first I can remember seeing. The village of Balmorhea had one on each end of town. I have never seen a turkey when visiting Balmorhea but they must be there.
Cienega at San Solomon Springs Balmorhea State Park, Texas
Cienega at San Solomon Springs Balmorhea State Park, Texas
In 1995, construction began on the San Solomon cienega, a 3-acre wetlands restoration which provides a refuge for aquatic life. The revegetation project utilized only plants obtained fom local sources, including native reeds and bullrushes. This "wildlife" oasis is located adjacent to the RV-Park. We always drop by the cienega to look for wildlife that does not visit the large pool. Cienega is Spanish for a desert wetland or swamp.
Balmorhea, the local town, got its name from the local settlers: BALcom, MOore, and RHEA.
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Until next time remember how good life is. Mike & Joyce Hendrix
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