Some people await the coming of Santa Clause, the big guy in the red suit who breaks into homes and leaves toys for the good; others can’t wait for New Year’s Eve, where everyone cheers in the next year of good times. Our family, we wait for those few days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve when we sneak down to the Comal for a a little shallow water diving. 

New Braunfels, Texas is home of the Comal River. It’s a short crystal clear river that runs through the heart of this quaint German town. Right in the middle of town is Hinman Island Park. Most year’s Clint and I find this little park between December 27-30th the perfect spot for our polar bear plunge. 

Polar bear plunge might be an exaggeration. The water stays a constant seventy two degrees. I wear my seven millimeter O’Neil because unlike my colleagues, I get COLD. However, with the nice wetsuit, a super cute pink and black beanie I am ready to take on the day and find a few underwater hidden treasures. Driving to New Braunfels I am making my bucket list for this trip. I know I want to get a great picture of a bass, and I am not even picky about which species: Guadalupe Bass, Large Mouth, or Small Mouth.  Some years I locate a hidden catfish. These little buddies are really fun to watch, but they are quick. I really feel like they are introverts because unlike bass which will come back around to see you, catfish are gone in an instant. Perch are plentiful. I do not dive here often enough to know all the perch, but after diving, I love to look I up the species I have seen. Sometimes you will find a cute little crawfish who has a “Little Man’s” attitude; arms up and ready to fight.  Another great find are turtles. No matter what we see, the wildlife visible in the clear Texas spring water is good for the soul. 

A warm Texas December day, clear water and the sound of my regulator brings relaxation and peace. As we drive to Central Texas, I can’t wait to have a few hours under the water. This year, we are doubling the trip for a little work. Clint is teaching a Rescue class, but honestly, I can’t think of a better place to take the class in December. While we are teaching Rescue, this beautiful little river in Texas will be rescuing my heart and helping me find a monument to talk to God when no one else is listening.