It has taken me three weeks of hiking in the valley before I could make it to the high village and Terry’s land. From the landing at the lake about half the distance to the property is cobblestone lane. From the river bridge it is steep mountain trail the rest of the way.
Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is in a volcanic caldron. That means it is a lake that now rests several thousand feet below the highlands above. The land rises quickly from the waters edge. The surrounding farm lands and villages hang on steep mountain slopes.
This particular valley extends upward about half the distance to the highlands above. It is a steep mountain valley with two rivers that meet below the village. The upper village and farm land rests on a small mesa of flat land fed water by surrounding springs.
The vista of the lake and distant active volcano is breathtaking from this elevation.
A portion of Terry’s land is used for organic gardens. The farmers that raise and own the crops there are a part of a local growers association. The association is helping the farmers to grow new crops and find new markets.
I will rent the A-frame that borders the organic gardens while I build on my property just above Terry’s holdings. I have spent many years looking for this opportunity and I will share with you what I have found.
I have a friend who has lived in this village for years. He knows his neighbors and works with them on a daily basis. He is an accepted member of this community. He has vastly decreased my entry time in to this community.
I am fitting right in as another farmer growing organic crops. I have been invited to take part in the associations’ activities. I am quickly becoming a member of a small and open community of people with common interests.
This is fun!
Smiles, ET