I always thought of tunnel vision as a limited view, losing the ability to see the bigger picture. I find this to be a great reality when walking through life daily. Without seeing what is really in front of you, it’s easy to miss the value and beauty in the moment. I learned to slow down, look around, and discover new details in my surroundings. One of my favorite things is finding places off the beaten path, beyond the best picks for new local fun. I like to take a drive, take a chance, and discover what might be around the next corner. That’s exactly what happened when I found Old Tunnel State Park of Texas. Hiding in the hills, near Fredericksburg, TX, a rare find and unusual experience. The nature of what awaits beneath your feet, one could never imagine what is invisible at first glance. In the early 1800’s, European settlers envisioned a connection between neighboring regions, seeking out sources they planned a new path. These settlers began securing funds, sourcing labor, and built a railway to run the distance they desired. Later, becoming dismantled, the railway was found unessential use to World War II, and the tunnel became the smallest state park in Texas. Only 16.1 acres, the park became a refuge for over 3 million species of Mexican free-tailed and Myotis bats. People visit the park seasonally for the bat emergence as exciting entertainment. Nightly, during the months of October through May, the bats can be seen spiraling upwards out of the tunnel. In a counter clockwise direction, gaining an altitude as high as 10,000 feet, the bats travel over a 60 mile radius throughout the region. What we found was not only the tunnel, but a short hidden hike to peak our interest at the base. Just below the hill top views, we ventured down steep stone steps above the entrance to the tunnel finding the rugged beauty between the lines of the trees, the curving creek, and the lush landscape. The nature trail on the property is approximately 1/2 mile long, leaving your imagination to explore each step along the path. While pursuing one of Gods little playgrounds, we made memories to take away with us. Sometimes, it just takes going down a different road to find the unforgettable, leave your footprints behind, and be grateful for the awe-inspiring experience you just encountered along the way. Find your path, play in nature, and don’t forget to enjoy the view.
