Norawas de Raramuri’s connection with the Running People of the Copper Canyons is deep. The miles we have run together and the bond we have created through respectful encounters are all building blocks of a relationship that benefits everyone on multiple levels, as Korima, the beautiful Circle of Sharing, dictates.
Last March was hard for everyone. The local government had to struggle with a terrible situation, the international runners were faced with the reality of the Canyons life, local townspeople have suffered human and financial consequences and the Raramuri, like us, were caught in-between too many conflicting situations. Everyone was left with many questions.
But the bond between the Copper Canyons and the Mas Loco runners is stronger than adversity.
Last week, a few of us traveled down into the Barrancas for the first time since March, bearing a message of hope and peace, as always. Apprehensions and fears were set aside, with the focus being placed on showing everyone that we are all together in this, that we are all connected and that we will always have love and respect for the Canyons, its people and its beauty.
Cabanas San Isidro, our friend Mario's beautiful place above the Canyons |
We arrived at our friend Mario’s cabins in San Isidro, where our Raramuri friend Horacio was waiting for us. After a first outing up to the rim and down to his village of Porochi, we shared a meal and agreed to take off for Urique on foot, early the next morning.
Following Horacio on the trail to Porochi |
Michael Miller, Flint and Horacio |
We emerged in Urique close to La Pista, the street-that-turns-to-a-landing-strip in the town’s heart. With the sun shining, the birds chirping and the mourning doves singing their quiet song, it immediately felt like coming back home.
Mas Loco Patrick Sweeney on a break in Porochi |
We met the architect and inspiration of that project, our friend Prospero Torres, who brought great news of progress and fresh new ideas for improvements that will facilitate adventure tourism while benefiting local people, in a true vision of ecotourism. We are all very excited about this and will share more about the specifics of the trail in the coming weeks.
Raramuri ladies working the metate |
We came out of the Canyons smiling, satisfied and hopeful for the future, reassured of the bond we all share and grateful for the prospect of new beginnings.
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