Today Mary Ellen had planned an adventure for our little group--a trip to The Devil's Sink hole. John and I were up nice and early, got cleaned up, packed a sack lunch for the two of us, and were all set to go when Tim and Mary Ellen picked us up at 9 a.m. We met the other folks at the Teen Center and were on our way. We arrived at the Rocksprings Visitor Center right on time--10:30 a.m.

After signing release forms, looking around the center, and viewing a short video about the sink hole and the bats that migrate there for the summer months, we boarded a bus for the ride out of town. On the way, our tour guide pointed out historical sites in the town and different points of interest along the way. Before long we reached the road to the hole.

The sinkhole, discovered by Anglo settlers in 1867, is on a tract of land approximately six miles northeast of Rocksprings. The main attraction is the Devil's Sinkhole itself. It is a vertical cavern with an opening measuring approximately 40 by 60 feet with a vertical drop into the main cavern of about 140 feet. The main cavern is circular and reaches a total depth of 350-400 feet. The sinkhole is the summer home to 1-4 million Mexican Free-tail Bats. At sundown the bats come out of the sinkhole in a swirling mass to feed during the night. They then return to the hole at sunrise. Tourists come every evening to see this event.




We spent several hours listening to the tour guide tell us all about The Devil's Sinkhole, having a picnic lunch, and taking a little hike. A group picture was taken and then we boarded the bus again for the return trip to town. Next on our agenda was a stop at the farm store to see an amazing collection of arrow heads valued at millions of dollars. There were also many other unusual and interesting items to see. We then headed across the street to see where they sort, grade, and sell mohair that the local sheep ranchers bring in.

It was time to start the long ride back to Bracketville with a stop in Campwood for some ice cream. We were going home via a different route and came across a ranch where they were raising wild animals. Someone Mary Ellen had met in her travels had told her about this place and as we drove along, we were joking about seeing a giraffe. Suddenly, we spied one. We had Tim stop the car and we ran back along the road to see it. We all spent time looking through the fences and taking pictures of the various animals.


By the time we reached Campwood, everyone wanted not only ice cream, but some supper. We found a nice little restaurant that gave us fast service and a very good meal. Finally, we were back on the road home with one final stop at Pico's for some ice cream. Our little adventure lasted all day and everyone had a fun time. John and I were both a little tired after such a busy day and relaxed before bed by watching a little TV.