Skip Hunt Vagabond :: Mexico 2009 :: Muchas Espinas

Skip Hunt Vagabond :: Mexico 2009 :: Muchas Espinas

In 2009 from June to August I traveled in Mexico on a motorcycle on a journey blogged @ Skip Hunt Vagabond

(excerpt from the Skip Hunt Vagabond travel blog)

“It wasn’t long before another bohemian showed up… an Argentine who turned out to have an incredible fascination with photography. I showed him the ropes of the place and told him about the farmer who comes by once a week (today) with fresh… fruits and vegetables for cheap. He didn’t know what peyote looks like or how to clean it, etc. So I agreed once again to indoctrinate my fellow would-be peyotero to how to cut a rug with Senor Mescalito.

All went well after I’d answered the hundredth question about photography and stated I’d answer just one more before we had to focus on getting our minds clear for the “ceremony”. I can’t really can’t have the kind of experience I like to when I’m functioning as a guide because I’m always looking toward the inductee and making sure they’re doing ok. They usually follow all of my advice and there’s rarely a problem. But, I try to keep my head focused on their having a great experience instead of my own. I suppose that’s my little way of “paying it forward.” ;-)

It was a great afternoon with perfect weather. The Argentine mostly wondered about making photos in the desert. When he came back to show me what he’d captured, I was blown away. All of this time I’ve spent in the desert, I never thought to focus on the main thing I was trying to avoid, i.e.. thorns. The thorns or “espinas” in Huiricuta are particularly brutal. Well hidden, and perpetually finding there way through your boot’s sole and or embedded deep in your hands and legs. Over the years, I’ve learned to keep the unwanted barbs out of my flesh, but I’d never thought to turn my lens to what I’d always feared most… the thorns! What a revelation!”

The journey took me into the Sacred desert region known as Huiricuta by the Huichol Indians… to major cities… strange villages that induced perpetual deja-vu… mountains, jungle, peyote & mushroom rituals… coastline… matriarchal community… and amazing winding roads all through the Sierra Madres.

These are images I made on this journey and that will also be used in a soon to be announced book.

Distruta!

© 2009 Skip Hunt