Mexico Destinations: Lago de Zirahuen, Michoacan
by Zihrena

Mexico offers the visitor an enormous variety of destinations. One of the more peaceful is Lago de Zirahuen, situated in the hills of Michoacan, Mexico, between Patzcuaro and Uruapan. Lago de Zirahuen a lovely fresh-water lake surrounded by pine forests and blossoming thistles, it’s crisp air permeated by the smell of wood smoke. Not what you'd expect in tropical Mexico.

By the lakeshore lies a small village known for its "trojes" - weathered wooden structures used original for silage and grain storage. In the chill mountain air, cool even during the day, thrive multitudes of brilliant pink, red, yellow flowers: Geraniums, waxy white calla lilies, delicate begonias, roses and petunias.

The lakeshore is studded with wooden docks for boats - no motors are allowed on private boats, according to the signs, although motor-powered tour boats do ply the waters for the benefit of visitors to the area.

During our first of many visits in 2001, we stopped at one of the popular stops in the town of Zirahuen called the Troje de Ala – its long covered pier is constructed of wood in wonderful crisscross patterns that filter the late-afternoon sunlight glinting off the water. Alongside the pier one can find small shops and food stands, all surrounded by a profusion of brilliant flowers, and offering such fare as charales (tiny, savory, crisp-fried fish that are eaten whole and that are a specialty of the Patzcuaro area), sopa de hongo (a spicy concoction of fresh mushrooms and herbs in a clear broth), hand-made tortillas rolled or fried with savory and spicy fillings, and both fresh and smoked lake trout.

As we sat eating and sipping our drinks by the lakeside, we asked about a large expanse of what appeared to be a field covered with plastic or tarp of some kind across the lake. We were told that it is a blackberry farm, grown for export. The young brambles are kept under heated cover until the weather warms, and then they are uncovered to ripen. Plump local blackberries can be found in the Patzcuaro market and are one of the unexpected delights of the Patzcuaro/Zirahuen area.

In addition to the berries, we learned that Zirahuen is now a main source of the Patzcuaro whitefish, a delicate fish originating from Lake Patzcuaro, located at a lower altitude and in what is now a considerably more populated area. Lake Patzcuaro was always known for its white fish, and its fisherman traditionally used the graceful butterfly nets that are unfortunately no longer used on what remains of the lake, and aren’t seen anymore unless you hire a couple of local boatmen who will pose with the nets for your camera.

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Article Source: Articles@ITPiMP