My son’s recent birthday, as he has nearly every year since he was one year old, was celebrated with a train ride at beautiful Landa Park in New Braunfels, Texas.
Having grown up loving trains, he wants to ride all the trains he can find. He’s ridden on trains throughout Texas, Colorado, and even New York.
When the conductor of this train learned it was my son’s birthday, he gave him a free ticket.
Comal Springs constant 68-72 degrees year round
Bubbling up from the aquifer below, as it does in several other towns in Central Texas, the fresh water from the Comal Springs forms the Comal River with a constant year-round temperature of 68-72 degrees.
After reading the sign, my son started asking questions in reference to our water supply. After a short discussion we decided to do some science projects with materials I have at home, which he’s excited about. (and I’ll reference below)
Spring-fed Swimming Pool
As the river meanders to the right, a swimming hole forms for those able to tolerate the 68-72 degree temperature. When I did that years ago with my church youth group, we had fun cooling off in the Texas heat in this unique way. Haven’t been able to talk my daughter into it yet.
Tubing Area
Just a bit further down is Landa Falls, a tubing area that’s popular for families (since the college students have taken over the nearby Guadalupe River.) And just a bit further down from that is the Schlitterbahn, a popular German-themed water park. (Talking to my daughter about trying these, too. I’m sure we will in another summer or two.)
Called the longest shortest river in the world, the Comal River flows 2.5 miles to the Guadalupe River.
Back to the science lesson: our aquifer works around these 2 types of rock, permeable and impermeable, found throughout Central Texas.
Permeable Limestone and the Aquifer
Permeable limestone…the type found in the recharge zone. When it rains, water drips through those holes where it is purified by the time it reaches the underground aquifer.
Impermeable limestone…this is the type in our backyard.
No water from our backyard can seep into the aquifer, even though our house sits on top of the aquifer.
The land over the aquifer comprised of this type of stone is called the Artesian Zone.
In this area pressure builds, so that if there is enough water in the aquifer, and if there is a hole through which it can travel, the water will spout high like a fountain.
These are the artesian springs Spaniards found in present-day Barton Springs (Austin), Aquarena Springs (San Marcos), Comal Springs (New Braunfels), San Pedro and San Antonio Springs (downtown San Antonio).
