Second in a series of local heroes
by Leslie Eggerling
Toward the top of our daily walk up to the Grand Miramar, husband Mike made a new friend – a black cat named Pasa. It was not unusual for Mike to befriend cats but this one was different because she did not especially like people. After a couple meetings with Pasa, his owner happened to come out his front door and was amazed that his cat had a new buddy. She was contently rolling on the ground and letting Mike scratch her tummy. The feline friendship led to many conversations with his owner Luis who ultimately became a better friend than the cat.
In the winter of 2021, we had been making the scenic hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas for several years. We were originally introduced to the hike individually by two Canadians, Doug Abrahamson and Dan Sebastian. There were so many hikers, that these two were leading separate groups on different days. We enjoyed the natural beauty of the scenery and also the camaraderie with all the regular walkers, so we went often during our winter stays.
It was apparent that thousands of others also enjoyed the scenic walk and that it was taking a toll on the paths. Many areas were being worn down to the roots, and there was a constant barrage of garbage left behind. This was especially apparent between Boca and the beautiful blue waters of Colomitos’ Bay.
At the time we met our new friend Luis, who was also a frequent hiker on the same trail. In August of 2021, Hurricane Nora landed in Puerto Vallarta and left terrible destruction in her wake. The hiking trails were especially hard hit, with fallen trees, damaged railings, garbage and water runoff making the trails difficult and dangerous. Instead of lamenting the condition of the trails and hoping someone else would fix them – Luis decided to take action.
In December, he organized a fundraising event with some friends. They collected 25,000 pesos which was used to rent chainsaws to cut and remove the fallen trees as well as tools for railings and trail repairs.
They gathered a group of volunteers on Dec 13, 14, and 15 of 2021 for what would be the first Las Animas trail cleanup.
Two weeks later, on a hike, Luis was dismayed to find the trail to Colomitos Beach full of garbage again. Sadly he realized that an annual event was not going to be sufficient to keep the trails clean and healthy.
He recruited a group of volunteers who shared his vision. The team of trail crusaders agreed to clean on the second Sunday of every month of the year, including during the rainy season.
You might think that the enthusiasm for trail cleaning would drop off but most of the original volunteers are still going strong, and many more have joined.
One of the pillars is Luis’ friend Aaron Delgado, owner of El Coral restaurant in Las Animas. From the beginning, Aaron has been a willing partner providing garbage bags, laborers from his restaurant, tools, panga rides, and discounted meals to the volunteers.
He also picks up the garbage bags from the various drop points and takes them to Boca for pick up and hauling to the dump.
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the cleanup efforts and found the team good-natured and enthusiastic about the mission. When we finished working, we took a panga to Las Animas and shared a seafood BBQ at El Coral—a satisfying end to a deed well done.
The Banderas Bay Project is now starting its fourth year, and more than 750 heavily packed 64-gallon black plastic garbage bags have been hauled away from the trail. More than 30,000 pounds of paper, aluminum cans, bottles, and every imaginable type of garbage.
But it doesn’t stop with garbage. Luis’s group has also hauled sandbags to attempt to slow down the trail erosion. They have added railings and secured bridges.
They have installed several garbage can areas along the path, which they also maintain. Colorful signage that not only includes a map but also impresses cleanup and conservation along the trail.
Luis has a very busy schedule running his own company, Banderas Bay Realty by Luis Salazar. Though his business is busy and growing, he still takes the time every month to lead his team walking and cleaning the trails to Las Animas. If you want to participate, the Facebook page is Banderas Bay Project. Please give a like and follow.
Luis Salazar, you are a hero to me and Puerto Vallarta. Thank you for the incredible work you have done and continue to do!
