Day 12

Day 12, Monday, February 04, 2013 in and Around Creel, Chihuahua, Mexico

Today, we visited several local sites in and around Creel. Almost everywhere we went there were women and children selling their special handmade crafts including baskets, jewelry, pottery, dolls, potholders, and aprons.

We visited an authentic Tarahumara Cave Dwelling where these people actually live.

Next we ventured to the Valley of the Mushrooms (Valle de Ongos) where the huge rock formations resemble gigantic mushrooms, and then the Valley of the Frogs (Valle de Ranas) with rock formations resembling frogs

Back in the bus and we’re off to see the elementary school and the San Ignacio Mission Church. Today is Constitucion Day and unfortunately, school is not in session and the Church is locked up. The church is where the Tarahumaras hold their celebrations.




On our way to Lago de Arareko (Horseshoe Lake), we saw a rock formation that looks just like an elephant. Local families come to the lake to fish and camp and enjoy.

It was then time to return to the Hotel for lunch. Adventure Caravans always feeds us well! 

After lunch, we walked a few blocks to the town square. There is a gazebo there, very similar to the one in Alamos. There is a statue of the founder of Creel and some very cute musicians sculpted from metal. 

The train depot is here and across from that is the Museo Casa de las Artesanías del Estado de Chihuahua. The museum provided a lot of information on the life of the Tarahumaras, their crafts, their philosophies, and their way of life. They had descriptions of the exhibits in both Spanish and English. Across the street is the Artisan Mission “Store”. Tarahumara crafts are sold here and benefit the hospital that provides free care for them. It is also a place that they can come & purchase fabric & food for lower prices than the stores.

After that, we were free to wander through the unique little shops in town or go back to the hotel and rest before yet, another wonderful meal.

Steve and Pat