Mexican caving opportunity

[Sleazeweazel]

Mexican caving opportunity:

Those of you who are interested in Mexican caving probably know that political unrest by indigenous groups has made access to certain areas problematic at best. This is especially true in Oaxaca and Chiapas. Add to that the sometimes nasty, not to mention greedy, attitude of certain villages.

So it I am glad to report that the tiny village of La Trinidad, which is located in the heart of cave heaven in the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve not too far from Jalpan and Xilitla, is reportedly most eager to welcome cavers, and to provide food, shelter, guides and mules for those wishing to visit Hoya de la Luz and other remote caves and pits.

I learned all this from a wandering wise man named Jim Conrad (not a caver) who is working with local villagers on grassroots ecotourism and conservation projects in the Reserve.

It is worthy of note that the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve is one of the most biologically and geologically diverse places on the planet. It includes El Sotano del Barro among other wonders. I have explored some of the area and can assure you that it is one of the most beautiful places on earth and a veritable paradise for cavers, birdwatchers, and other naturalists and explorers.

I’ve never been to Hoya de la Luz, but from Jim’s recent photograph it appears to be even more magnificent than Hoya de Guaguas, though slightly less deep at only 591 feet . The bottom of the enormous open air pit is filled with deep green jungle and trees up to 175 feet tall! The photo can be found at: http://www.backyardnature.net/n/06/061229hl.jpg Jim assures me that the photo does no justice to the overwhelming reality of the pit.

According to the locals in La Trinidad it has been almost ten years since any cavers have visited the pit. This is perhaps entirely due to the remote location and difficulty of access. A report on that trip can be found at: http://www.caves.org/grotto/cullman/pag ... donde.html

With a 4X4 it will soon be possible to drive within a kilometer or so of the village of La Trinidad. Quaint bungalows are being built to accommodate the cavers that the Village hopes will come soon, and horses, mules, and guides are available. Everything is still extra cheap like the Mexico of old! No ripoffs and friendly indigenous people living in a place untouched by time.

If you would like to visit, the best place to start would be to directly contact Jim Conrad at the Biosphere Reserve headquarters at: (country code 52) 441-296-0242. He won't be in that office and the people answering may or may not speak English. If they don't, say "gringo Jim" several times and maybe they'll figure out to come get him. Or Fax to 441-296-0818, His email address is jim@backyardnature.net . His excellent weekly Naturalist newsletter is available online at:

Subscribe AND unsubscribe to Jim's Newsletter at
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All previous Newsletters are archived at
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Visit Jim's backyard-nature site at
http://www.backyardnature.net

You can also surf the web for the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve.

So, this is an opportunity to help an impoverished village to benefit from ecotourism while visiting the remotest heart of the Mexican karst!

Sleazeweazel
AKA: Bruce J. Morgan
Environmental Designs
POB 1519
Archer, FL 32618 USA
352 495 9748
http://www.environmentaldesigns.org

[cob]

It is worthy of note that the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve is one of the most biologically and geologically diverse places on the planet. It includes El Sotano del Barro among other wonders. I have explored some of the area and can assure you that it is one of the most beautiful places on earth and a veritable paradise for cavers, birdwatchers, and other naturalists and explorers.

thanx bruce, it is indeed a most beautiful place to be.