The village of El Palmar was along this river. After an eruption and rain a second laher of hot, muddy ash flowed down the river and destroyed the town for a second time. The residents decided to move inland. Now all that is left is El Viejo Palmar and people at this trailhead bridge selling cold soda pop, juices and food mostly to trekkers and maybe locals bringing products across the river.
We were told not to photograph any locals with our cameras or appear to be. We were also told to clear the trail for any locals as they are working and we are visiting. And working they were. Men and women and young people were carrying huge loads of wood and plant stuff on their backs, many of them running down the trails. Of course, I have no pictures.
Here is the bridge from Palmar off toward Santiaquito. "Only one person on the bridge at a time please!" "Wait for that local with the wood bigger than himself." It took us awhile to cross.
