Turning Cartwheels in Sarchi

How a wheel is made

We rolled into town and saddled our horses in the Sarchi town square--Taking in the  giant, painted oxcart---big enough to fit the Jolly Green Giant and be pulled by a team of behemoth oxen!   The World's Largest Oxcart (a Guiness book title that has surprisingly never been challenged) was painted at the Fabrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro, a hundred year old warehouse where the wheels are designed and painted with the deepest care.

We marveled at the intricate work by painters and struck up a conversation with Henry, who offered to show us how the factory has worked for a hundred years.   That is when the magic began.

 

Henry told us that the wheels were not designed from a round piece of wood, but rather from 16 triangles of wood, set in a metal frame.

Each wheel is so strong that it is guaranteed for 50 years (or, as Henry joked, 100,000 miles!)

The sound the cart makes as the wheel turns on its axel is important music, says Henry, and he takes pride in knowing that the oxcart driver will hear it on each revolution.

 

But most spectacular was the power system in the plant.  One hundred years ago, a water wheel was installed which powers everything from the drills to the saws and to the air pump, which cools the forged metal.  It was wonderful to see the pride that Henry took in describing the fascinating workings of the factory.

We went to the botanical garden too, where the spiders perched right near the playground equipment.  There were some pretty flowers and dangerous swings.  But the factory was really worthwhile.  Also recommended:  Soda Rustica for lunch. 

Only about 45 minutes from San Jose, near Grecia, this place is a treat for a day trip!