I visited the Blue Hole about two years ago. The trip to Blue Hole was completely unplanned. I received a call from an old friend that I had not heard from in years and she asked me if I wanted to come along with her to Santa Rosa to go cliff diving. At first, I was very wary of the idea. However, she was very convincing and told me that we would go and return in the same day. The drive was about two hours long, but when we arrived I realized that it was well worth the wait. I was angry at myself for not discovering this place sooner! The spontaneous decision turned out to be a great decision after all.
Ever been to a body of water where the water's temperature was consistent year round? If not, this may be the place for you to visit. This site is also known as the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Sometimes called "New Mexico's diamond in the rough", Blue Hole attracts thousands of tourists, especially scuba divers each year. Taking a dive into this body of water will wash away the everyday stress in your life. The clear deep waters will awaken you when you can see clearly 60 feet deep. The smell of the trees surrounding the hole will soothe you, the sound of the birds will relax you, the taste of the cool water will refresh you, and when the water touches your skin you will never want to leave.
Blue Hole became a popular diving spot for the railroad workers and passangers when the first railroad train cut through Santa Rosa in 1901. The Blue Hole, however, did not become very popular until the 1930's when the Route 66 highway opened up passing through Santa Rosa. The hole is also said to have been "visited by mammoths, native Indians, Spanish conquistadors, and famous outlaws." Some of the interesting names mentioned to have cooled off in the Blue Hole included the explorer FranciscoVasquez de Coronado and the outlaw "Billy the Kid". The exciting history of this remarkable spring does not end there. "Less than a mile away was the backdrop of John Steinbecks Grapes of Wrath." (Prichard)
A body of water "pumping about 3,000 gallons of water a minute" that maintains a 62 degree temperature in the winter makes the Blue Hole one of the warmest bodies of water in the Southwest. "It is about 80 feet deep and 4623 feet above sea level". The hole attracts scuba divers for that reason since it may become more difficult for them to train when temperatures drop. Oddly enough, the Blue Hole is busier in the winter than it is in the summer. (Welton)
Along with the Blue Hole, Santa Rosa is also known for being the “City of Natural Lakes”. Perch Lake, a lake about a minute away from the blue hole offers an area for tourists to swim, boat, and fish. Blue Hole, however, will be sure to capture any thrill seeker’s attention the best. Its waters are described as being “clear as Evian”. Others describe it as "hiking underwater due to its bottom that is covered with leaves and limestone walls". The Blue Hole is a place for all ages. Teenagers, scuba divers, parents, children, are at the blue hole year round. You are guaranteed to make a new friend or two with all the tourists from "Amarillo, Lubbock, Denver, and other nearby cities". (Sachs)
Some people, like myself, may hear the words "cliff diving" and shiver in their seats. I stood on the cliff that overlooked the hole at least 50 feet in complete fear. Without thinking twice, I jumped into the water. When I swam to the top, I felt like a whole new person. I felt like I could conquer all my fears at this point. Not to mention, the rush I felt when I jumped was simply unexplainable. This place has the ability to change people and encourage them to conquer their fears. Take a chance and make memories at an exciting attraction with thousands of years of history and heritage. You won't regret it!
Works Cited
1)David Prichard. "New Mexico's Blue Hole: Nature's Jewel". Local Diving USA. October 3, 2011. http://www.dtmag.com/dive-usa/locations/BlueHoleStRosaNM.html
2)Nathan Welton. “Santa Rosa, New Mexico’s Blue Hole.” Scubadiving.com. March,2002. October 3, 2011. http://www.scubadiving.com/travel/pacific-western/santa-rosa-new-mexicos-blue-hole
3)Andrea Sachs.“On Route 66, the Blue Hole Beckons”. Washington Post. Sunday, December 19, 2004. October 3,2011. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A7793-2004Dec17.html
No comments:
Post a Comment