Journey For Justice Dec 7th, Day 7 From Boquillas Crossing to Presidio

We take the most beautiful two lane but paved road from Boquillas Crossing in Big Bend to Presidio Texas, where we camp overnite. Even though it is desolate but beautiful, we are able to almost always see the fuckin wall - a dark brown line south of the road - keeping pace with us.

But the sunset is beautiful and we are able to center ourselves, preparing for another border crossing in the morning

Journey For Justice Dec 7th, Day 7 Boquillas del Carmen

We gather at the Boquillas Crossing from Big Bend National Park to go across the Rio Grande to the small village of Boquillas del Carmen.

It is one of the easiest crossings over the river as there is not a heavy military presence, although we do see several border patrol trucks surveilling the park.

The ranger tells us we can proceed to go through the small building onto the banks of the Rio Grande and then either wade across the river, or hire a row boat to take us across, and we can also ride a horse across.

We opt for the row boat at $3 each person for a round trip ride.

The people in the Boquillas del Carmen village on the other side of the river warmly welcome as, the same welcome we've received all along the Mexican side of the border.

We walk through the village as the children approach us, smiling and holding up their hand-made goods: beaded bracelets, intricately embroidered dresses, aprons, blouses, carved animals and pottery. Most of the people have storefronts along the one road of the village. I think about 200 people live here - some have been deported from the u.s. We met one man who said he lived and worked in Colorado for over 20 years, coming to the u.s. at 9 years old with his parents, then returned to Mexico to visit his dying grandmother only to be refused re-entry into the u.s. - not just re-entry but permanently denied immigration because he was undocumented since his parents brought him to the u.s.

The people tell us that they did not get covid, as the border crossing was closed, but they did suffer economically due to the lack of gringo business. They also said the nearest other village is less than 50 miles away but at least a half a days journey on horseback because of the harsh, rugged terrain.

If you look at the picture with the treasures spread out on top of the cliff overlooking Mexico and the park, you will see where people cross stealthily and leave their treasures for sale with a tall container for tourists to put their dollars into.

A local white guy tries to tell us it is a felony to buy these treasures but we snort and say well arrest me then!

I buy a beautifully carved walking stick for my grandchild.

It is as easy to return as it is to cross. All our passports are put into a machine and a remote voice asks us if we are citizens of the u.s., we get our eye pictures taken, our passports scanned and computerized, then are allowed to proceed out of the building to our vehicles in the parking lot.