In the Land of Cave and Cliff Dwellers

A determined explorer sets out from Deming, New Mexico, to chart the rugged, little‑known terrain of north‑western Chihuahua. With a modest wagon train, a few mules, and a handful of companions, he aims to uncover the hidden valleys, springs and cliffs that lie beyond the familiar rail lines. The narrative opens with a witty critique of typical travelogues, promising a fresh, on‑the‑ground view of a landscape where water is the most precious commodity.

As the party crosses the border in early March 1889, they encounter a narrow, sand‑capped peninsula that juts into the United States, a region shaped by old treaties and the whims of surveyors. The author’s keen eye sketches the stark contrast between fertile plains and arid deserts, hinting at the challenges of irrigation and survival. Listeners will be drawn into the early stages of a quest that blends humor, geography, and the rugged spirit of frontier exploration.