On miércoles santo (Holy Wednesday, April 20th), we woke up at home at 3:30 am. Friends came by our house to pick us up at 4:30. We then traveled for 12 hours, first over paved roads, then over dirt roads, to arrive in Edwin's hometown, the rural community of Santa María.
We were a little exhausted upon arrival, but eager to join Edwin's family who were out camping that night. We quickly dropped off most of our stuff, prepared an overnight pack, and hiked about 40 minutes to the Tzejá River.
We plunged right into the river.
The cool clear water relieved us of our travel dust, heat, and fatigue.
We set up camp to spend the night at this pristine spot.
Tents, hammocks, and a simple outstretched tarp tied to makeshift poles comprised our campsite.
Soon it was time for supper.
Here Kayalá is sharing a taco with her grandfather:
We were all set to spend a calm night in the company of family and friends.
The endeavor turned out to be more eventful than we had expected, though.
Around dusk the wind began to rise,
and after dark it started to sprinkle, then rain hard.
April falls smack in the middle of the dry season - the hottest time of the year - and it is rare for a heavy rain to fall during Easter Week. The night we chose to go camping was the exception!
With a few adjustments, the tarp and the tent held up OK to the rain,
but those attempting to sleep in hammocks were soon soaked.
Laughing at our predicament, folks simply piled in closer under the tarp and tent.
Our tent, which measures about 6' by 6', soon held 10 people!
Another 12 squeezed into the space covered by the tarp.
Chely's reaction as more and more people poured in: "This sure is fun!"
Sleeping under a tarp:
Inside the tent (the picture only shows one part of the tent and its inhabitants, but you can see a stray leg or two of kids lying at different angles):
As expedition leader, Grandmother Dolores stayed awake and alert until everyone else was sound asleep.
The rain petered off at some point during the night.
Our campsite after the wet night:
The very first thing in the morning, Chely headed out to wade in the water.
That moment,
with our feet caressing smooth stones in the warm water,
the air embued with birdsong and green beauty,
and Chely's pure happiness and awareness,
was saturated with joy and wonder.
I am utterly grateful for it.
We spent most of the day in the water.
Chely swimming with new friend Saúl:
Kayalá holding a tiny frog:
Making creations of water, stone, and plant life:
We cooked and ate by the shore.
The chickens prior to their inclusion in our picnic:
Aunt Rosa gets a kick out of Kayalá licking the remnants of
mole sauce from the pot:
After plenty of fresh air, fresh food, and water play, it was time for a restorative nap:
The contact with water and air and sky,
the comraderie and the spirit of adventure
combined to make a precious, memorable trip.
Chely hopes to go camping again soon!
