The 4 of us left the CG around 9 in Gregory's CRV and drove 26 miles on the main road and then 25 1/2 more miles to get to Boquillas Crossing. There we had to go through US Customs and walk a 1/4 mile to the Rio Grande River. A Mexican came across with his row boat and the 4 of us hopped aboard and he rowed us to the Mexican Border. We were serenaded as we crossed. Then we got on burros for a slow but memorable ride into the small Mexican village of Boquillas. Our 1st stop was the Mexican Customs where they gave us a one day visa!
 |
| Walking a 1/4 mile to the Rio Grande River. Melissa and Ken were hoping they see this same trail later today! |
 |
| Info on opening the border between the 2 countrie! |
 |
| That is the boat that took us across to Mexico,.... |
 |
| ....and here we go! |
 |
| This gentleman serenaded us as we came across! |
 |
| And now the next leg of the journey, a burro ride into the village! |
 |
| and here we go again! |
Here is a little history on this village. In the late 1990's, Boquillas was a small town of about 300 residents dependent on the Big Bend Tourist Trade with visitors crossing the Rio Grande to visit the village's bar, restaurant, and taco stands. 9/11/2001 destroyed their way of life. In May 2002, the border crossing from Big Bend was closed indefinitely. As of October 2006 only 19 families remained in Boquillas. April 2014, the new port of entry was opened. They have seen substantial growth with electricity( brought over from the US side), a new medical care office, and enhancements to the public school. The village's population is now about 200 people, 400 dogs, and 1 million scorpions! In the 1930's the US planned to provide electricity for Boquillas, but for some reason it never happened. All the copper wire that was going to be used remained in the village and now the residents use it to make "trinkets" for the American tourists. It is their way of making money along with some bags and doilies they make. They totally depend on the American tourists for their income.
We spent 3 hours in this town and the young Mexican who walked with us and the burros stayed with us the whole time we were there. He spoke very little English, but walked us through the entire village. In front of most of the little homes, the residents were selling their "wares". We bought some "trinkets" for our granddaughters and 2 for ourselves as a wonderful memory of the day! We enjoyed lunch at one of he 2 restaurants and of course, a margarita! We did not drink the water!!!! Back to the customs office to turn in our day visa!
 |
| We are approaching the small village! |
 |
| It is definitely a dry, desolate area! |
 |
| All the buildings were built the same. This is obviously their church!! |
 |
| It is very primitive and it looks like they don't expect too many people! |
 |
| Don't you think they look Mexican????? |
 |
| Lots of little hut type places of business in front of a lot of their homes selling their wire twisted trinkets! |
 |
| The water holding tank! |
 |
| A typical home! |
 |
| We are walking the streets with our young guide! |
 |
| They are proud of their recent addition - solar power! |
 |
| Sitting on the restaurant patio for lunch! |
 |
| Loved the margaritas. The boys decided they needed a double! |
 |
| Mexican coke with sugar cane! |
We got back on the same burros led by our 15 year old "guide", got in the rowboat, and got safely back on American soil, a great relief for Ken and Melissa! Back through American Customs and we were on our way. What an experience and an adventure we will remember for a lifetime!
 |
| We got back on our same burros that had waited for us and headed back to US soil! |
 |
| We could have walked into the village, but this was worth the $5.00 per person for the round trip. Memories!!!! |
 |
| ...and then the boat ride to the US side! We returned safely and better people for the experience! |
 |
| These are the trinkets we purchased - roadrunners, scorpion, and a memorable burro! |
From there we drove to the Boquillas Canyon Trail and hiked the 1.4 miles round trip. It was a nice trail, but it was in the sun and 91 degrees. There were some Mexican "trinkets" along the trail that are brought over illegally by the Mexicans in boats each day and then they go back, leaving jars for donations. They are also across the river singing and looking for "tips" to be put in the jars also!
 |
| This is the trail we hiked after we arrived back in the US! |
 |
| ...and here we go a hiking!!!! It was so hot! |
 |
| These Mexicans had set-up camp on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande and would paddle across in the morning to set their "trinkets" on the US side hoping we would purchase their wares while on the hike! Then they get them at the end of the day and start the process over again the next morning! |
 |
| This gentleman serenaded us from the other side asking us to put money in his "jar" for the entertainment! |
 |
| Just magnificent! |
We were back to the CG by 6 and were tired and dusty. After dinner, we got together to play 5 Crowns (women won) and the men won Pinochle. At 9:30 we left the CG and drove into Big Bend Nat'l Park to star gaze. It is so dark in the park and supposed to be a perfect place to lots of stars. There were a lot of stars and it was extremely dark, but the 1/2 moon was just soooo bright it was not as good for seeing the stars as we had hoped. But, it sure was peaceful and quiet. Of course, all of us were on high alert for snakes!
 |
| The moon was so bright! |
 |
| The moon and Jupiter |
 |
| Jupiter up close and personal! |
This was definitely a day for the "memory book". After all, how many people have the opportunity to ride a burro into Mexico or even willing to take the chance? Sometimes it really is worth "getting out of the box"!
No comments:
Post a Comment