Copper Canyon

Our drive this trip from Creel took us into Divisidero, past rock outcroppings among the pine trees; crossing the ferrocarril, the track that rises and carries the trains, laden with cargo into the Sierra Madre Mountains. The human cargo is most often separated between the first and second class trains that make the daily trip. First class is clean, up-to-date and equipped with luxurious accommodations: a restaurant and bar car with large, panoramic windows that overlook the breathtaking scenery. The gringoes favor this train and jockey for a favorable place in line as it chugs into El Fuerte. A comfortable seat on the correct side of the train takes on critical importance to these passengers as the train nears the station! The pace up to the canyon is deliberately slow and the stops few. We were part of that human cargo up to Creel two years ago. Tarahumara women stand by the tracks and offer their exquisite, hand-woven baskets for sale at the few stations where stops are made. Negotiations and purchases are quick as passengers move on and off the train. There is a twenty minute "teaser" stop at Divisidero when the human cargo races off the train to hurredly snap pictures of the amazing grandeur of the Copper Canyon before they snatch up shawls, baskets, jewelry and tasty local food (that, hopefully will not cause problems for their tender tummies) and leave in their wake the pesos these local folks desperately need to survive. The demanding blast of the train horn is not to be ignored by the frustrated passengers, and motivated us to return by our own vehicle this year. It was a luxury to assume a more leisurely pace from Creel up to the viewpoint. We happened to arrive in the afternoon, just as the train was preparing to depart from the station.Verbal descriptions just don't capture the splendor of the view but the uploaded pictures will hopefully take you to the canyon rim with us. Larry and I independently reconnected with the young Tarahumara woman from whom I bought several shawls two years ago. Larry will deny this, but HE is QUITE the SHOPPER! Between the two of us, I think we made her day.

Moving North

The trip from Durango to Parral took us from high plateau into a wide, lush river valley. We passed through a small, tree-lined village bordering the river bank in rich farm land. There is a sense of contentment here . . . needs satisfied; a good life.We encountered two gringo "bicyclistas" peddling along the highway. Now, THEIR Moms have reason to worry! There is little or no shoulder, so when these brave, foolhardy adventurers encounter passing trucks, the experience is, to say the least, risky. We've both been dealing with colds, so the drive seemed long, and tired us out. Larry was in no mood to maneuver through narrow city streets, so we stayed on the edge of the town in a motel with rooms facing out onto a pleasant courtyard. He napped while I enjoyed some quiet reading time on a bench outside.After a good night's sleep and a relaxed breakfast, we departed Parral and headed North. The easy drive brought us to a town west ofChihuahua called Cuauhtemoc and into a Mennonite-owned RV Park. This area has a large population of Mennonites. The buildings and developments reflect their presence. Though the guide books told us that the Mennonites do not speak Spanish and continue to converse in their native German dialect, the lady at the office door greeted us in Spanish and was unable to understand English.

Pancho Villa's Neighborhood

This picture was taken along the coast at Maruata. I needed to include some incredible scenery, though not of the Devil's Backbone. THAT will have to wait!

We're settled in at Durango tonight after an exciting drive up the Devil's Backbone. The scenery WAS spectacular . . . especially from the passenger's window! Going UP the backbone means we were on the OUTSIDE edge of the road! We buddied up for a while with a group of trucks. The drivers must have been talking on their CB's because oncoming traffic would wait until our caravan would get around a tough curve. They took turns! I'm glad we took the trip on Sunday when most of the drivers were home with their families!

Tomorrow, we'll head to Hidalgo de Parral, the town where Pancho Villa was murdered. 30,000 people attended his funeral. It's interesting getting the Mexican perpective on history!

Climbing The Devil´s Backbone

Sunday morning is an ideal time to traverse the Devil´s Backbone, the road between Mazatlan and Durango.....fewer trucks to skirt around!
If you´re patient, we´ll upload pics of the trip after we cross the border. We´re having to rely on the old camera because the digital camera has had too much tequila and is on its back under a tree for a siesta!
From Durango, we´ll work our way to the Copper Canyon and spend a couple of days in Creel. Last time we were there, it was snowing! The canyon is breathtaking!
From Creel, we´ll head to Nueva Casas Grandes for some shopping before crossing the border about the first of the month.
There is much to share when we get home!

Feathers, Fur and Scales

We've come across all kinds of animals as we have traveled. It's not uncommon to see a rooster strutting his stuff down the street....or a cow grazing along the side of the highway...or an iguana lizard sunning out in the park. Wildlife is everywhere! Up close and personal. Part of this phenomenon has to do with being in a more tropical climate; another possibility is the acceptance of creatures...on the street; in the house; by the road. They are not shooed away.

On the Beach at Sunset

Surf crashing into the sand; birds soaring just above the waves; young rider on horseback galloping down the beach with his hair waving in the breeze, waving as he passes; seashells in the empty wineglass; pinks and peaches turning to oranges and reds as the Sun dips into the ocean.........We imagine the sunset from our balcony and feel incredibly blessed.

Inside the La Casa Sur!

WooHoo! Welcome to La Casa Sur! The view out to the marina and down to the pool is wonderful. The palazza (deck) is nice and spacious. Our condo is going to be a great winter home!