Is There Any Good Reason Why Anyone Should Ever Visit Buffalo Springs Lake?

Ahhh, Buffalo Springs Lake. That little oasis in the middle of the West Texas prairie. A gathering place for Lubbockites to escape the heat during the summer and spend time gathering with friends on the shore.

Like this.

Yep -- what a s***hole.

We drove around this past weekend, searching for water and greenscape like we were in Mad Max: Hub City. Ultimately, we did enjoy the serenity of the Buddy Holly Recreation area and the tranquility of the lake there, but not before stumbling upon what appeared to be a set right out of The Walking Dead.

As we pulled up to the main gate at Buffalo Springs Lake, we saw the sign that asked for a $15 admittance fee for the day. Strike one. Unless I have a boat and a cooler box full of Keystones, I'm not paying to enjoy the beauty of nature -- period.

As we turned right away from the lake entrance, I was struck by the bleak and dreary remnants of what may have once been a thriving lake community, but now appeared to be left to rot in the West Texas sun.

I half expected Javier Bardem to appear out of nowhere in character as Anton Chigurh from No Country for Old Men, ready to put me out of my misery with a cattle bolt.

Other than the convenience store across the street, there was nothing really wrong with this little burg that a good coat of fire couldn't fix. Honestly, if it did burn down, would anyone notice? (Cue the next 4th of July fireworks spectacular.)

Of course, Buffalo Springs Lake is better known for other memorable events, such as the great Fireworks Explosion of 2019, various White Claw-fueled brawls, general asshattery from disgusting visitors, and, most recently, the exercising of one's 2nd Amendment rights at another human. And, let's not forget that little ole' murder back in 2015. Good times.

So, Buffalo Springs Lake, you keep on being Ransom Canyon's beeyotch. I'll keep the $15 in my pocket and keep on driving, thankyouverymuch.