The town of Los Ebanos has little to distinguish it. Only three miles south of U S 83 it looks like a public service film about poverty. It has one unique feature, a hand drawn ferry dating to 1950. It is the only one of its kind crossing one of our borders.
The river has been forded here at least since the 1700's, by armies and cattle thieves, and bootleggers during prohibition.
I figured the ferry was largely a tourist draw, rarely used but kept as a curiosity.
Wow - was I wrong. They did a steady business all the time we were there just as soon as the operators' lunch hour ended.
Note that the last sign just before the water line reads "Reduced Speed Ahead".
That's Mexico on the other side, and it looks a lot more prosperous over there.
Lunch break over we begin to see action.
Maximum load three cars. I didn't think the Suburban would fit but they packed it on.
Hand over hand, they move quicker than you'd think.
If you look closely you'll see an American flag on the front of the overhang and a Mexican flag on the back. Thanks to my friend Barb for pointing it out.
International Ferry.......... brings to mind exotic far away places, huh?
Loading the ferry for the trip to Mexico. Notice how the ferry is anchored to the American side. The two men on either side are holding a chain wrapped around a pole. Safety standards may be a tiny bit lax here. The Americans standing on this side of the ferry are crossing to Mexico so they can take advantage of the duty-free liquor purchased on our side. Weird laws.
Just up the road, a picturesque old building with an interesting sign in the window.
Yes, it says "Pot drinks". It also looks like someone lives there.
Los Ebanos translates as The Ebony Trees, and here's what one looks like.
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