Land of the Tarahumara

Wow what a day. We decided to take the day and hired a guide to show us around some of the back country places in Copper Canyon. Our guide Martin

 took us on a trip back in time to visit some old missions, rock formations and into the daily life of the indigenous people from the area, the Tarahumara. They are a Native American people of northwestern Mexico who are renowned for their long-distance running ability. They still dress in very colorful native garb.

Martin explained that there are only about 50,000 of them left, and they still live pretty simple lives without any common modern conveniences, electricity, telephone, fossel fuels, or motorized vehicles. they walk everywhere. the canyon we spend most of the day in was crisscrossed with trails and we saw folks walking everywhere. He began our four wheeled van adventure by taking us to a Tarahumara family who had been living in this particular cave for over 300 years. It was rather large, and areas had been created for a kitchen, sleeping area, and some common areas. Today the family that lives there include a woman who looked to be in her 80's down to a child of about 5. Three generations we were told totalling 8 people. WOW.

Martin continued driving us thru the canyon stopping at some rock formations to point out things like "frogs"

and even Jesus and the Holy Virgin (look real hard!)

After an extremely rough drive over solid rock, Martin introduced us to a young Tarahumara man name Alejandro (sp?), who would lead us a couple of kilometers down another canyon to the Cusarare Falls. He was a cute kid though deaf and mute. Martin explained that although most native kids get a chance to go to school, 10 year old Alejandro could not because of his disabilities and there were no schools in Mexico for him, really sad. However that didn't seem to stop Alejandro, he gestered his way to help us traverse the canyon and upon our return we tipped him and Jenn gave him some peanut butter which he quickly licked until it was gone and kept smiling at me and giving a "thumbs up".

We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting some old Jesuit missions dating back to 1741, one even had the skull of one of its founders in a shrine to in a corner of the church. Kind of odd, but it seemed "matter of fact" to everyone but Jenn and I. You'll have to check out Jenns pictures to see that one and the videos she took thru the day. What a great way to emerse yourself in an ancient culture and what a glorious day to spend in Mexico.