Before our farewell dinner, we were lucky to be introduced to Maria, a Mata Ortiz artist. We watched as she painted one of her pots.

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Sergio showed us one of the pots that were going to be fired while we ate.

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These pots are going to be fired in a similar way as the Mata Ortiz potters of long ago fired their pots though I'm sure they didn't use a bicycle wheel to stand the pots on!

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A galvanized tub is placed over the pots, wood is leaned on the tub and doused with kerosene before it is lighted. Surprisingly, the pots will only be in the "kiln" for about an hour.

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We totally enjoyed our table companions at the farewell dinner. It's hard to believe that our trip is almost over.

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Bill is appointed auctioneer and the auction begins

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Bev started the bidding and was the lucky one to get this beautiful pot.

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Tired but happy travelers returning to the hotel.

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This is an example of some traditional Mata Ortiz pots. They were delicate multicolored pots made without a potter's wheel.

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Long before the Mormons and Mexicans arrived in this area, an ancient Amerindian culture built a large adobe city called Paquime.

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Artifacts at Paquime suggest the culture lasted nearly 800 years and exhibit a blend of Pueblo Indian and Mesoamerican characteristics.

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We knew we would have a long day on the bus today but due to a border glitch, it turned out even longer. The van crossing just before us was carrying about 20 kilos of marijuana in the gas tank so we got to watch as the dogs did their job and the agents did theirs. I guess because we were next, we got the complete going over. The bags were unloaded twice - the second time was in this dirt lot along with us and the carry-on bags so the bus could go through x-ray. It was an education to say the least!

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