Thanks for the Article Link!
It's very sad. Boquillos has been a yearly Mecca for me. I know Lilia Falcon and her family's history. She's a strong woman who had to work as a domestic during the Border crisis a few years back but was able to come home and reopen the beautiful restaurant her father worked so hard to establish in their tiny town. There is another Falcon's right across the little dirt path, a smaller cafe owned by distant family. When we go, we dine at both, at least some of us and at least a little bit.
The town has a population of maybe 300-400 and that's a stretch. The only source of income is from visitors of BBNP who ride a donkey or walk the mile or so into town once across the river, which takes a minute in a boat. It is a well-organized grass-roots operation which makes no one in Boquillos rich' only self-sustainable, to a degree.
It's a quaint little town just as might be imagined but it's no Hollywood backdrop - these are real people. Real chickens and chihuahuas run the dirt paths between the tiny multi-colored houses. Children fill those paths and greet you, sincerely. These are beautiful families.
There is a small school where the younger ones attend in the morning and the older ones in the afternoon. Many of the older children speak English. They have aspirations and enjoy sharing them with you. Each year, we take a few gifts of school supplies to the school. By Law we can only bring 5 "toys" over in our backpacks. Some years we have managed to engage other campers to bring 5 items, too and then we take them to the school or give them to the children as we go through town.
There use to be a good ol' boy from Alpine, Texas who played Santa, each year. I don't know if he still does it. He used his own money and last I spoke with him, he was at Pasado's on this side and said he was looking for a replacement Santa.
There is a tiny Clinic. I visited the clinic one year. It was very clean - almost sterile and the youngsters who gave me a tour were so professional. They admitted that grandma's remedies were still the ones favored though and felt fortunate to have them.
There are solar panels which provide some power. Many of you will understand the significance of this.
Boquillas is the epitome of a united, peaceful village - el otro lado.
I've been recuperating from a bad accident and have been waffling about going to Big Bend. This makes me want to more.
As for the park itself- There are serious 'regulars' to BBNP and they will keep things running as well as can be expected. They and the citizens of Terlingua/Study Butte. This is going to take volunteers. But it can be done. It has been before - and successfully. Some Rangers stay and volunteer their time. I dont know or care if their wages will be made up to them, that they stay is good.
Checking up after your neighboring campers is not so polarizing if it's done politely and sincerely. Good training if you are interested in Camp Hosting...or just living this Nomad- Life.
:heart:
