Places I want to go...

The Mystery Road Trip got me thinking about other places I've always wanted to visit in Texas. So, here's my list of places I've always wanted to go and have never been and some places that I have been to but I was too young to remember...

My idea for our Mystery Road Trip was to visit Marfa, TX made famous for the Marfa lights, Balmorhea made famous for the huge "pool" and also it's referenced in a song by Charlie Robison one of my favorite Texas Country singers, and last but not least a visit to the McDonald Observatory. So, I'll start with these places first...

1. Marfa, Texas: Located between the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park, far out west, Marfa is really only known for it's "paranormal lights" that can be seen in the distance of the Mitchell Flat. Now, I am not really into "paranormal" things but I do believe that there are spirits or maybe things we may never figure out. God's little mysteries, maybe? Anyway, I think it'd be cool to go and check it out. I first remember hearing about these weird floating "orbs" and seeing pictures in a science text book the week we were learning about phenomenons that science or man haven't been able to "figure out." The only thing about travelling so far to see these lights is there is no guarantee you will see them. There's no special time each evening or night and it's only a maybe 10 to 20 times per year that they are seen. But, it'd still be a fun trip and I can only imagine that annoyed residents (there's only about 2000 Marfans) come up with some crazy stories to throw off the stupid tourists, me, but it'd still be interesting. Also, it's never a guarantee you'll even seen the floating, flickering, bobbing orbs but it'd be a fun trip!

2. Balmorhea, TX: This is a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. Perfect. The main, and really only attraction is a huge spring fed swimming pool!! When I say huge I mean 77,053 sq. ft., which is 1 3/4-acre size, 25-foot depth and it maintains a constant 72 to 76 degree temperature. Awesome! It looks beautiful and you know it has to feel so good on a hot Texas summer day. Balmorhea is also located near the Davis Mountains.

3. McDonald Observatory: Located near Ft. Davis, also in far West Texas. I think it was our first anniversary of dating when I surprised Blake by taking him to the observatory here in San Antonio. It was precious really. We went to dinner and then I told him I had a surprise for him. We drove around down-town, stopping a few times at gas stations so I could get directions as to where to go, and then finally we pulled up and I told him that a trip to the observatory was his surprise! Sounds stupid but it was fun and Blake was always pointing out constilations and things to me so I thought it'd be sweet. And it was. So, I want to go out to the wild west where the skies have no city lights polluting the darkness. I've been to the observatory before, in first and second garde and it was my favorite field trip out of them all. Think about adding some friends, the road and making a road trip out of it. Fun!

4. Bastrop, TX: I still can't believe I haven't been here. I drove through Bastrop multiple times going to and from College Station my first few years of school but I never stopped, unless you count getting a Route 44 Diet Dr. Pepper at Sonic. Sometimes adding a shot of vanilla. But, I'd love to float the Lower Colorado River. They have rafting too. Plus, it reminds me of visiting family in Mississippi with the huge pine trees.


OK....I'm not done but I need to get some other things done. I'll finish later...