Posted on the campground bulletin board was a notice that the Boquillas Border Crossing was going to open for a few hours on this particular day so we decided to take the trip to the small remote Mexican village and posted these few pictures.

 

We started at the U.S. Port of entry where we were giving a quick orientation by a park ranger about what we could take with us and what we could take back. We then walked the short path to the ferry landing and boarded the Boquillas International Ferry (see the captains t-shirt). Upon arrival our transportation to the village was waiting for us, but Pat did not want to ride the provided animals so we were directed to a chauffer-guide and his wheeled transportation. After hooking up the battery and taking the blocks off the wheels we headed into town where we were dropped off at the local Mexican immigration building for their paperwork. We then went to the only diner, but decided not to have lunch, and Pat did a little shopping at the street side shops, but didn’t buy anything. We walked thought the village which had a new school, medical clinic, and church which our guide was very proud of.  A couple hours later we headed back to the ferry in the truck like limo. The U.S. Port of Entry has a video system to the customs office in Yuma, AZ to take care of the re-entry process and we were back at our camp site for dinner.

 

I was conversing with the bartender in the only open bar in the village and he said that after 9/11 the border was closed and the village lost all commerce from Big Bend Park. It has only lately been opening for short periods so park visitors can cross. No electrical power because negotiations to buy from the U.S. broke down right after all the infrastructure was put in place. The restaurant is run on solar as is everything else that needs power. No gardens because not much water. I noticed no out-houses so there must be a sewer system and I also noticed some manhole covers in the dirt. He also mentioned all necessities are trucked in once a week. The crossing at Castolon (west end) has not reopened and most Mexican families there across the river have moved on.

 

The first pictures were taken from a hilltop on the American side looking toward Mexico. You can plainly see the paths going across the river and some people wading across. It seems they cross at will to sell their walking sticks etc. on side of the trails. Park officials strongly discourage leaving money in their cups, but to purchase their crafts in the Park store. It is also a good reason not to leave your vehicle unattended in the more remote areas of the Park. Their life seems a tough life and I’m happy to be a Gringo.