Editor's note: For decades, visitors to Big Bend National Park could go down the Rio Grande River for an "informal" border crossing to Boquillas, Mexico. Usually, you were rowed across and could pass the time downing a beer or two and shopping for souvenirs. Officials turned a blind eye to the practice. Border crackdowns since the September 11th attacks have put an end to that. The border "crossing" is closed, and there is not a legal one for more than 100 miles [more than 160 km]. So, Boquillos is cut off, and its previously ignored clandestine tourist trade has ended.

By P. Carroll Voss

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION -- Memorial Day weekend, two board members of the Friends of Big Bend National Park made their way down to Boquillas Canyon at high noon. It was 108°F [42°C], cooler than the day before at 112°F [44°C], thank goodness for low humidity.

Mike McShane, his wife Susie, and myself and youngest daughter Nancy hiked down the river's edge to the canyon.

"Victor!" Mike hollered out.

"Victor, Victor, Victor, Victor..." the echo was clear, crisp, and served Mike well.

Victor picked it up and yelled back.

"Mikey, Mikey, Mikey, Mikey...."

Moments later, Victor waded up the Rio Grande and 3 men, one on horseback and two dogs came across the river to meet us on the U.S. river bank.

We had 30 pounds [13 kilo] of frozen chicken, one of James Evans' Armani suits, 11 pairs of men's and women's running shoes, children's shoes, canned goods, coffee donated by Jim Glasscock, and some children's apparel for toddlers.

The group quickly exchanged handshakes and best wishes, and turned to the task.  We loaded the food and goods on horseback and on the men's shoulders.  Soon, they waded back with more echoes of "thank you , thank you ....."

There are approximately 60 adults, and 30 children still hanging on in Boquillas. Most make an honest living working for one of the large Mexican ranchers in the area. Some have had to find another way of surviving there in this remote area of Mexico. The nearest town is Muzquiz, 160 miles [257km] by dirt road, and 10-15 mph [16-24 kph] for 11 hours. 

We agreed to gather more goods for them to be delivered in October.

(NOTE: This was not an official activity of the Friends of Big Bend National Park or the Big Bend 50 Ultra Run.  If you are interested in learning more on how you can participate, you may click here to send an e-mail for more information. For more on the status of the border crossings in the Big Bend National Park area, click here.)