On Sunday February 17th, Everette and I were invited to join Epifano's family for a picnic adventure to a unique geological site on the east side of their village, San Baltazar Guelavia. Everette had gone there with them about three years ago, but I had never been. To start our adventure, a 1-ton pick up truck picked all of us up (more than 20 people - I didn't count) at Epifano's house. The drive up to the spot took about 40 minutes. In this first picture you can seen the truck crossing this creek. To enter this area, you must have permission from the government of the village. 

All of us were in the back of the truck holding on tightly so we wouldn't fall. The ride was rough and we were constantly jostled. Only two of Epifano's daughters with small children rode in the cab of the truck.  

The following pictures show the terrain and an another crossing of the river that creates some of the geo formations in this area.

When we reached the end of the road, we started a one mile hike down to the river. Everette said that when he came with the family three years ago, the road was not complete and they had to hike about 2 1/2 miles in the riverbed to reach the spot. We only needed to hike about a mile. Everyone participated by grabbing a bag, a pot, a chair, or the small charcoal stove.

I carried the cookies and cups!

The terrain was not difficult here and we got to enjoy the plants and trees.

Here, Epifano's daughter, Beatriz, is helping me across the stream. Beatriz was very attentive and made sure that I was safe.

These are the beginnings of some of the unusual rock formations. These rocks look like they have been welded or cemented together. Scientists believe they are the result of fallout from a massive volcanic eruption in Mexico City thousands of years ago.

Here is the first glimpse I had of the canyon formed by action of the water in the river over thousands of years.

The photo below shows water continuously bubbling up from a tiny whole in the rocks. In some places the water is warm.

The large leafed plant at the top of this photo is a variety of maguey called tobalah. Mexcal is also made from this type.

Jacobo's finger gives a perspective of the size of these rocks which have been formed together by pressure.

This green covering has been formed by minerals deposited on the rocks.

Here is another example of the action of water upon the rocks forming crevices and unusual shapes.

At this point the chasm is much deeper, slippery in spots, and a little dangerous. Everette found a stick for me to use to negotiate the river.

Mineral and rock formations create the walls and our passage was slow but very interesting. The shapes of the rocks are so varied. Some are rounded, some cylindrical, and some sharp.

Here is Epifano, the father of this gang and a friend of ours since 1994.

The mineral deposits and rock formations are stupendous but unfortunately the camera didn't due justice to the colors due to the low light.

The mineral deposits come in a variety of rich colors which are determined by the mineral content. The reddish color suggests the presence of iron. They are still being actively formed by the water running over the rocks.

Here is an excellent view of this river canyon.

Wish we had a geologist with us to explain the different types of rocks, deposits, and formations.

Here is the entrance to the swimming spot with the waterfall at the end. In some spots on the walls the water streaming out is warm. If you are cold from swimming in the chilly river, you can press yourself up against one of these spots to warm up.

The shape of this swimming spot is round and closed in with the waterfall at the end. The water is quite chilly, but no one could resist diving in including two of Epifano's daughters and me. Next time I will brings shorts - my jeans were wet the rest of the day.

The next two pictures show more evidence of the extreme pressure exerted by the volcanic ash. It's amazing since Mexico City is at least 250 miles from here.

Here are some of the guys enjoying the water and a good view of the waterfall.

The pattern and variety of colors here is just amazing. This is like contemporary art but it is a natural formation.

Ofelia and Beatriz decided to join the fun.

When we returned from our swimming adventure, lunch was served. The women had prepared chicken and rice at home and everyone had carried it to this spot. We also enjoyed salsa, refrescos, fruit, and tortillas. The little charcoal stove was used to reheat the chicken and tortillas.

Everyone found a spot on the rocks to sit and enjoy the meal.

Here we found a couple more small holes that allowed the water to bubble up to the surface.

Here are two more examples of rocks that appear welded together.

This is our last look at the canyon as we leave.

From this area we could look north east and see the back of Hieve al Agua with its famous mineral formations.

We're on our way back to the truck after a very pleasant Sunday afternoon.