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Rowan Savidant

One of the most tranquil and calm places I've been on earth. The narrow, unfenced, and unmanned portion of the Rio Grande River, separating the US and Mexico, really puts political differences into perspective. With border security drawing so much attention lately, visiting this relaxing hot spring, 20 feet from Mexico, really makes the world feel small and connected. At the hot spring, there are no politicians screaming about walls or reforms; the only sound to be heard is the faint ripple of the river.

Out of the vast, dry, nothingness of West Texas, arises a crystal clear, super-sized, spring fed pool, Balmorhea State Park. In terms of state parks, it's definitely smaller in terms of area. The pool is the size of a small pond and the temperature remains swimmable all year round. The water is so clear that seeing the bottom nearly 25 feet below is a breeze. The pool is filled with small guppies and rather large catfish. All in all, Balmorhea makes for a cool day trip, or an add on to a trip to Big Bend or Guadalupe Mountains national parks.