Next up. mine spelunking (Aduana Mines)! Woowho, I'm ready for a little adrenaline rush, r u? Finding this town was a bit of an adventure in itself, but alas, we were there. But where exactly were we? To say the town square was small, especially compared to Alamos was an understatement. Along with the fact that it seemed utterly deserted we questioned if we were actually in the correct place.Well, when in doubt, go shopping. The women's co-op artisan store was on the corner. I picked up a lovely scarf and meet the local women who sat on the porch outside, making really cool stuff. During my purchase, one lady spoke some English, so I attempted to communicate. Well, it paid off and she led us down the riverbed/road to some locals that guided in the area.
Sitting on plastic chairs on the stone porch/ outdoor kitchen, we attempted to hire them to guide us through an old mine. After some discussion, all in Spanish of course, and thinking we understood what she was saying, we were on our way. To the mines! After hiking 45 minutes up hill, through a cactus forest, in the dry, dusty heat, we came to the opening of the old copper mine. We geared up, and made our final ascent to the mine we were to spelunk down (actually repel down).
We were at the top of a vein that ran down over 100 ft into the rock. The shaft was hand dug over many years. Onto the ledge! I decided to go first, knowing that I'd chicken out if I didn't. Who's idea was this anyhow? Oh, ya, mine! Did I mention I am not a big fan of heights? Yeah, well that subject seems to always sneak back up on me in situations like these. Okay, into the hole I go. After all, how hard could this be?
It was thrilling and just the perfect among of adrenaline for me. At the bottom finally, I look up and encourage Brian. As he comes down, I take a look around. There are butterflies (really moths) everywhere. You can see where there was a cave in towards one end. I wonder, how are we getting out?
Thank goodness, we don't have to climb back up, but we do have to go through a small opening. A spelunking we will go..... Not bad, really, did I mention I'm sort of claustrophobic? Anyhow, it was great, even if communication with our Spanish only speaking Eco-guide was a bit strained.
The temperature in the mine was a palatable 55, like a cool drink of water. Boy, it was nice since it was so hot outside. We turned on our headlamps and away we trekked. Along the way, the guide pointed out the various copper veins on the walls, and more 100 ft deep holes we had to step around, protected and crossed by tree limbs. It was just so neat to be down there. Alas there was a light at the end of the tunnel, and we emerged from the mine through the opening we passed on the way up.
Whew, that was a good time. On the hike down the tour kept on going. Lead by their daughter, she took us around the small town and up to the old mine plant. Thirsty, need water. Did I mention it was hot?
Finally, we arrived back at their home and our car. Brian pays the amount we had seen published, in the "good book", only to find out that our guides weren't the ones advertised there. Their rate was double what we thought it would be! Remember that conversation we thought we understood in Spanish? Well, we really need to learn the language, to say the least. Not to despair, instead of being $10 per person, the whole deal was $20/person. Still a steal.
In the car, we head off to our next destination: El Fuerte and a much anticipated train ride!
To check out the pic's of this adventure, click on link below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157614880206219/
