Entry #2: My Favorite Parcel of Real Estate

The Blue Hole

Over the course of my life thus far, I've been fortunate enough to have traveled to just about every corner of the great State of Texas.  These travels, coupled with the inherent "Texan pride" (that I got a healthy portion of), led me to develop an infatuation with the different terrains of the Lone Star State.  Despite getting a taste of all the state has to offer, my favorite destination in Texas isn't too far from home. 

Located in the Angelina National Forest, about 40 minutes southeast of my hometown, lies the mythical "Blue Hole".  If you grew up within an hour of the Blue Hole, chances are that you share my opinion of it.  You see, some years ago, the Blue Hole was a quarry that provided much of the rock used in the construction of the Galveston Sea Wall.  Rumor has it that, during operations in 1950, an underground spring was struck, causing the quarry to flood and trapping a train car, car, and truck on the bottom of the quarry.  Over time, the sulfur in the limestone has caused the water to turn a bright shade of blue, as evidenced in this picture.  (For a more accurate recollection of the history of the Blue Hole, view this video.)

Throughout my high school years, my friends and I would venture to the Blue Hole several times every summer.  There was always a locked gate at the end of the entry road, so gaining access required a bit of a hike.  As you walk down the dirt road, you're engulfed by the mammoth pine trees that dominate the landscape of east Texas.  The quarry itself isn't visible until you reach the edges of it, which provides you a few minutes to observe the remainder of the property.  This observation showcases a beautiful wildlife utopia.  These 1500-plus acres that don't contain the quarry are completely untouched and natural, teasing you until they open up to this...

During these ventures out to our picture of paradise, first-timers were presented with the ultimate test of courage: jumping off the cliffs into the water.  Near the entry, two separate cliffs protruded far enough into the water to provide a safe jump...the test was in the belief that it was safe.

Friends of mine contemplating a jump

Every time I went back to the Blue Hole, I learned to appreciate it even more than before.  The scenery is second to none, the rarity of the place is unprecedented, the seclusion and purity are mystifying, the ties with the history of locals are as deep as the water, and the memories I forged with my friends are irreplaceable.  Every single aspect of the property always struck me as something I would never see again, forever cementing its mythical status in my mind.  I've always longed to own it, if for no other reason than to ensure that future generations can experience the same things I did at the Blue Hole.  I know it's a natural wonder that can never be replicated and, as a result of corporate mergers, this natural wonder is now a piece of real estate.  For a paltry $5,326,200.00, you can purchase this east Texas treasure (you can view the listing here.)  I can only hope that the next owner will allow the local youth to share in the same joyful summer afternoons that my friends and I enjoyed..