Creel
The next day we had a full breakfast (fresh-squeezed juice, coffee, porridge with banana slices, eggs, bacon, pancakes, tortillas) at the hotel then did a bus tour of the area around Creel. The first stop was the St. Ignacio Tarahumara Indian settlement where we saw some Indians still living in caves, valley of the mushrooms rock formations, valley of frogs rock formations, the residential kindergarten and school, the old mission church and finally Arereko Lake. I’m sure every kid in the kindergarten had a runny nose. The Tarahamura have been living in this area, on the land they own, for centuries and are not prepared to change their way of life. At every stop there were Indian women and children selling their handicrafts and lots of stray dogs. Many of the tour members bought souvenirs (with no haggling). We all bought candy to give to the children which was a big hit at the school. School supplies and food staples were dropped off as well. Some of the pet owners also carry bags of dog chow or treats to give to the dogs. Most of these animals are pretty skinny (especially the females) and are amazingly well behaved. Then it was back to the hotel for another big 3 course meal. Most of the girls couldn’t finish their steak so it was collected to give to the dogs. After lunch we all waddled down the street to visit the museum and mission store. The proceeds of everything that the store sells (handicafts, etc.) are given to the Mission Hospital in town which caters to the Tarahumara people. We walked around “downtown” a bit then went back to the hotel to rest up before our next giant ,meal. During mealtimes Mike and Suzy would often regal us with their RV experiences. Tonight one story ended with something about Suzie being in the ditch with her arms and legs in the air, then Mike was instructed to tie them together.....I keep getting this visual.......  |
| Deb & Peter |
