Big Bend is uniquely located on the border with Mexico. Boquillas, Mexico is just a short walk, ferry ride and a longer walk or burrow ride away. The walk on the US side was short. The “ferry” cost $5 for a round trip.
We took the ferry over with Jared and Jaquline. They were from Missouri traveling on a budget.
Many take a donkey or even upgrade to a horse.
We opted to walk.
A local named Charros said he would walk with us for tips. We chatted while he walked with us. The town had a population if 285 and miles of dirt road to the next Mexican town. He suggested the Boquillas Restaurant because they had homemade tacos. Jacos had a better view but the tacos were supposedly shipped in.
After a long 1/4 mile walk, we checked in at the trailer on the edge of town. We thought he would inspect and stamp our passports. We were surprised the person spoke no English. He pointed to the sign in English on the wall.
Apparently all you needed to enter Mexico here was $2 per person.
Our lunch of cabrito (goat) was delicious. The beer selections were limited. Mr Ram enjoyed the Dos Equis but the Carta Blanca had an odd taste. Mrs Ram found the strong margarita tasty. Mrs Ram chatted with the Americans at the tables around us. Nancy and Tom were older with physical limitations but it did mot stop them from getting out to explore.
We strolled the street side shops but did not find anything we couldn’t do without. There were numerous t-shirts and cup holders with No Muro or No Wall on them.
On our return to the US, Brad, the Park Ranger at Port of entry, greeted us. He said he was in site for security and to confiscate prohibited items. We saw an unfinished walking stick, painted rocks and bead work that included animal bones in his collection if confiscated items.
Brad was not able to actually “check us in.” Re-entering the US here felt like using the self check out at Walmart. You waited in line till a kiosk was free. Walk up to the “register” and scan your item which in this case was our passports. The “register” reacts and signals for assistance. Unlike Walmart, assistance is a border agent at a call center. From the agents strong accent I wondered if the call center may have been in another country.
After answering what we did in Mexico (had lunch) and that we were not bringing anything back, we were cleared to return.
We have racked up some miles crossing both the northern border and the southern border in less than a month