March 4th - Santa Clara del Cobre

Our day started off a little slow as we wanted to put some water in the RV fresh water tank for the rest of the trip out of Mexico. The water in the park is not drinkable, except for one tap at the entrance to the park that is connected to the town water system. The pressure was quite low so it took some time to fill it about third full. After that delay, we assisted one of the campers in a Volkswagen Westphalia to get his vehicle started. So we didn't get our daily tour under way until almost noon.

We first dropped in a new campground on the south side of Patzcuaro, Hacienda La Mesa, which was on our way to Santa Clara del Cobre. Our friends Dale and Jan wanted to know our impressions. The campground has recently opened and has good services. But it isn't much more than an open gravel parking lot. But it does have a restaurant and a magnificent view of Lake Patzcuaro and the town below.

S.C del Cobre was a short 15 minute drive down the highway and we got to the town square about 1:30 PM so stopped for lunch at a small restaurant on the square. Hanging planters were everywhere around the square and, uniquely, they were all made of copper. After eating our "bistek tortas" (thinly sliced roast beef strips on a toasted bun), we started our tour of the town.

As with most towns in Mexico, the buildings around the town square (zocalo) are faced with columns and overhanging roofs.

This town is famous for its copper works and was once a copper mining centre. In keeping with the copper theme, there is a tribute to copper featured in a gazebo in the centre of the zocalo...a huge copper tub.

We visited several stores offering jewelery, cookware, and art ...all made of copper.  It was hard not to buy just about everything but we did break down. I'm sure someone is going to regret that we didn't buy a set of three copper frying pans for about $20. Next time, we will have to take orders for those that want a set.

 Bev beside a big copper tub.

We toured the copper museum (4 pesos each) to see the real artistry in copper. Some of the pieces were quite unique and just about all were crafted locally. There is a copper artistry competition every year which is usually won by one of the local craftsman.