In this episode of the California Frontier Podcast, I interview Trudi Angell, producer of the documentary film La Récua (The Mule Pack Train).
La Récua follows the story of Dario Higuera, a 70-year-old Baja California ranchero, who dreams of recreating an early-20th-century mule train transporting traditional goods from Comondú to La Paz in southern Baja California.
Accompanied by his son, 8-year-old grandson, and friends, Dario plans to travel 200 miles on mule-back through the daunting Baja outback, retracing historical routes and discovering never-before-filmed sections of El Camino Real.
Along the way, the travelers face dangers, encounter old and new friends, and exchange memories, providing viewers with insights into the traditional lifestyle of Baja California’s backcountry ranchers.
The documentary uses breathtaking cinematography and captivating storytelling to take the viewer on a legendary journey into Californio vaquero history.
