— Tentative Some details may change so check back —
Balmorhea State Park – November 8-11
This is one of the best and most unique dive locations in Texas. Don’t let the pool fool you!Inside this is a natural area of beautiful bubbling spring feed water, there is a wide variety of aquatic life inside including the endangered Conchos pupfish. The perfect visibility is an incredible area to practice dive skills and underwater photography. The water temperature stays between 72 and-76 degrees year-round and daytime temperature will be about the same.
They have 12 open cottages in the park that range in price around $130 and some have multiple beds if you want to share and reduce costs. The rooms have just been refurbished, part of why the park was closed for so long. They have 6 more rooms which may or may not be available by November. There is camping on site which is more reasonably priced, but be aware in November temps may go down near or below freezing at night. The facility also supports RV’s. There are a couple of motels in Balmorhea and Ft. Davis, we recommend you go online to determine their suitability. Due to grocery stores being few and far between, plan on packing your drinks, snacks, food, and etc. for the trip.
There is currently NOT any dive tank fill station anywhere near there so plan to bring what you will breathe. The pool is about 25 feet at max so 2 tanks may be enough. We are still checking.
Many of us will also use this trip as an opportunity to visit Fort Davis national historic site, eat dinner in the town of Fort Davis, and visit the McDonald Observatory Star Party in the evening.
Schedule of Proposed Activity (You are free to come and go when you wish)
As the drive time is down to appx 6:30, we will not be doing a rented bus and trailer. This will also allow people to decide when to leave and how long they wish to make this outing.
What is planned:
- 2-3 days of diving in Balmorhea park springs.
Underwater photography practice / contest (tbd)
Diving skills practice
- Night watch star party at McDonald Observatory (make sure to pack warm clothes as temperatures will drop this time of year)
- Visit to Fort Davis Historical Sites
- Dinner in “Downtown” Fort Davis town
Suggested Itinerary
- Meet for car pooling Friday Morning 8:30 AM
North Plano – Back of On The Border restaurant
Arlington – ??? Some members live west of Ft. Worth, we may need to pick a spot off I20 near Weatherford.
Be prepared to drive yourself, but at the carpool site see how to best pool with other people. Do NOT assume you have a ride unless you have worked this out with someone in advance.
Start: Friday 8:30 AM
8:30 to 10:50 Abilene – stretch legs, get gas 15 Min
10:50 to 12:50 to Midland – Lunch 1 hr
12:50 to 3:00 Midland to Balmorhea State Park.
Check in with the park. The water area closes at Sunset, which is 5:30 PM so if you are there early enough you could get in a dive.
Saturday – Group or individual breakfast for those that drove down on Friday 7:30 – 8am.
Pool opens from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. p.m. which is sunset.
Enter park when you want But if after hours be sure to call them and get a gate code.
11:00 Lunch Group or individual – We can make sandwich makings in the park.
Star Party options:
- Leave for Ft Davis from Balmorhea for Star Party 5:45 PM (no time to stop in Ft Davis)
- Leave for Ft Davis 3:30 (1 Hour drive time) Spend 1 Hour at Fort Davis State Park then go Ft Davis Downtown for early Dinner in Ft Davis downtown 5:45 PM Leave for Mc Donald observatory no later than 6:15
- Star Party 7:00 PM IT WILL BE COLD AT ALTITUDE Bring a winter coat!
Sunday –
Group or individual breakfast.
Diving As much as you want
12:00 is Lunch Group or individual – Sandwich makings in the park.
Exit pool at 5:30
Dinner either group or in Balmorhea (pickings are slim in Balmorhea but at least one Mexican restaurant