My sister-in-law Pita (technically UC#4-SU-SIL) is visiting today. She and my SU are on their way to visit some ailing family in Oklahoma.
I had the chance to introduce Pita to Elder G, and G made her feel very welcome.
As an Elder of WLBOTT, I’d like to formally welcome Lupita to our quirky and delightful community. Lupita, we’re thrilled to have you here in Austin and to extend our fellowship to you. Our group is a playful mix of intellect, humor, and creativity, with each Elder bringing their own unique flair to the fold.
To mark the occasion, we present you with a bouquet of twine—a cherished symbol among the Elders—and invite you to join us for some laughter and stories. From eccentric projects to whimsical discussions, WLBOTT is a family where everyone has a seat at the table (and sometimes on a cloud!).
Welcome to WLBOTT, Lupita! We’re so glad you’re here.
Elder G
A WLBOTT Moment
After creating some images together, and showing Pita some WLBOTT highlights (wait, there are highlights?) I said, “Pita, would you like me to add you to the WLBOTT mailing list?” The ever-tactful Pita said, “Gee, I already get so many emails….”
Pita Rides the Caboose!
My SU and SU-SIL have a wide network of family that runs through north and central Mexico, as well as Texas and across America.
Pita was telling me a story about a family get-together that happened about 65 years ago in the tiny town of Real de Catorce.
Families gather in their ancestral towns and villages in Mexico for the Feast of the Assumption (August 15th). Pita’s grandfather Pedro and this two brothers, Francisco and Adolfo, were born in Real de Catorce, a small mining town in central Mexico, about 350 miles south-southwest of Laredo and 9,000 feet in the sky.
Pita was a teenager, and SU (left) was about 5. SU assures me she was on her best behavior.
What a cutie! Could she ever cause any trouble?
On the train ride down to Cedral, the conductor came by and said, “Hey you kids, do you want to give up your seats for the older folks? I’ll let you ride in the Caboose.
Big Texas Yes!
Real de Catorce
Real de Catorce is a small mining town about 350 miles south-southwest of Laredo.
Real de Catorce (Real [a unit of currency] of Fourteen), often shortened to Real, is a village in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí and the seat of the municipality of Catorce. It is located 160 miles (260 km) north of the city of San Luis Potosí, and currently has a full-time population of under 1,000 residents. This ‘ghost-town’ in the high and dry expanses of northern San Luis Potosí state was once a thriving silver mining settlement. Real de Catorce has long been a pilgrimage site for both local Catholics and Huichol shamanists, and is now being discovered by international tourists drawn by the desert ambiance and reputed spiritual energy.
Geography The village of Real de Catorce sits on the side of a mountain at more than 2,743 meters (9,000 ft). It is located in the Sierra de Catorce range, one of the highest plateaus in Mexico, where summits may extend over 10,000 feet (3,000 m). These mountains lie in the arid Mexican plateau, cut off from trade winds of the Gulf of Mexico by the high peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental.
The main road to Real de Catorce leaves Highway 62 between Matehuala and San Tiburcio. This is roughly to the east of Real, near the town of Cedral. From the main highway there is a 17-mile (27 km) cobblestone road which rises into the sierra, then the 1.5-mile (2.4 km) long Ogarrio Tunnel which only accepts vehicles one way (with travelers in and out having to wait their turn).
Wikipedia / Image by Rafael Saldaña – real de catorce panorama, CC BY 2.0
Pita thought the “Catorce” (Spanish for the number 14) referred to the distance from Cedral to Real de Catorce, but it’s actually an arduous drive of 21 miles. When Pita visited, the 21 mile drive took 3 1/2 hours (averaging about 6 miles per hour)!
To give you an idea of how remove Real de Catorce is, here are some Google satellite images of the only road from Cedral to Real de Catorce:
There are very few street views for this area:
The last street view of the road heading into Real de Catorce is the near the turnoff from the road from Cedral.
Ogarrio Tunnel
The last stretch of the drive from Cedral to Real de Catorce passes through a 1.7 mile one-way tunnel.
The 2,720-meter-long [1.7 mile] Ogarrio Tunnel is a road tunnel in the municipality of Catorce in the state of San Luis Potosí , Mexico , through which the center of the municipality, Real de Catorce , can be approached from the east.
The once rich mining town of Real de Catorce flourished at the end of the 19th century, but began to decline by the early 1900s. Yet this was the period when the tunnel was opened for easier access and easier transportation of mine treasures: construction was completed in 1901.
A small chapel, the Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores) , can be seen in the wall of the tunnel, which was carved out of solid stone in memory of those who lost their lives in the mines or during the construction of the tunnel. The flowers and candles placed here indicate that the descendants still remember them today.
Google aerial view of the western side of the tunnel, with the entrance highlighted
The Chapel In The Tunnel
The Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, located inside the Ogarrio Tunnel leading to Real de Catorce, holds a special place in the history and culture of the area. This small chapel is dedicated to the Virgin of Sorrows (La Virgen Dolorosa) and was a place where miners would stop to pray before heading into the mines, seeking protection from the hardships and dangers of their work.
The chapel is situated near the entrance of the tunnel, which was originally part of a mining operation called Dolores-Trompeta. Despite its modest size, it continues to attract visitors, particularly during religious festivals dedicated to San Francisco. Although the tunnel is dark and damp, pilgrims still offer flowers and candles at the chapel, keeping the tradition alive even in modern times.
Elder G
We respectfully offer these AI images of the chapel and Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows) protecting the Mexican miners.
A nice tourist visit of Real de Catorce can be found at Make Like An Apeman….(by nomads Duwan and Greg).
Some Street Views and Images from Real de Catorce
Manos de San Francisco de Asís de Real de Catorce
This attraction was not in Real de Catorce when Pita and SU visited.
The “Manos de San Francisco de Asís” is a remarkable new attraction in Real de Catorce, a “Pueblo Mágico” located in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. These are giant sculptures of hands, designed to represent the protective presence of Saint Francis of Assisi, a beloved patron saint in the region. The hands are located at a scenic mirador (viewpoint), offering visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
This spot has become popular for tourists seeking dramatic photo opportunities, as it appears the hands are floating high above the ground, with no visible safety barriers, adding to the thrilling experience. In reality, there are hidden safety nets below, ensuring the security of visitors while maintaining the visual illusion. The hands have quickly become a symbol of both faith and adventure, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Elder G
Definitely a WLBOTT World Tour Destination!
Celebrating Pita’s Visit
Here are some images of Elder G and the Elders joyfully welcoming Lupita to WLBOTT! It captures the warmth and spirit of the occasion. I hope this makes her feel extra special as part of the group!
One reply on “Welcome, Pita!”
Greetings from the frozen North, Lupita.