La Granacha Natural Reserve

Welcome to La Granacha Natural Reserve in the mountain highlands of San Nicolas which is about 20 km south of Estelí. The mountains in the distance separate the town of San Nicolas from the cities of León and Chinandega. From this vantage point on a clear day you can see several volcanoes. Unfortunately, the clouds in the distance didn't help. We're in the middle of the dry season which still provides a beautiful and spectacular view. We found a huge rock that I had to climb. I can still keep up with the Elders...kind of. 

This is how bananas are sold in the small pulperías. You can chop off the bananas in bunches or, like most people, buy them one at at time. Many people have banana trees in their back yard but there are also banana plantations where large bunches are brought in by truck.

Nestled in the mountain highlands of La Garnancha there is a place called El Jalacate where there are many paintings and rock carvings in the side of the cliffs. An old hermit-like man, Alberto Gutierrez, has lived there for many years and has carved these rocks based on his dreams. We saw carvings of animals, landscape, people, stars, and other designs. The best was of the Nativity which was tucked away on the back wall of a small cave. As we visited with Alberto, you could tell he is very proud of his work and the many accolades he's received from various people across the world. When we signed the ledger we saw people's names from all over the world. Now there is someone from Las Vegas. Though the hike was tough on some parts of the trail, the artistic talent of this man was incredible. The carvings were awesome and the views spectacular. We had a group of missionaries with us which is always a blast. Enjoy the pictures....

We love working with these awesome zone leaders; Elder Cook and Elder Mower. They're great examples for their zone.

We all had to place our placards under the Christ child to show we are here in support of Him.

Happy Easter!