Another reason I like Copper Canyon so much.

It’s the amiable people.

I jumped on a bus one crisp morning recently headed out of the mountains toward Chihuahua City. It was early and I was waking up as were most of  the people on the bus.

I paid the driver and turned up the isle mumbling “Buenas Dias” to an older guy in the front row. What came back was not just a response from him but a chorus- probably 20-25 Mexican voices- saying “Buenas Dias!” right back to me. In one of the simplest ways, it was heartwarming.

I felt welcomed. And that is one of the reasons I love that place- I am oftem made to feel welcome.

Why I enjoy Copper Canyon so much.

I have asked this question many times. What draws me to this place? Why do I enjoy it more each time I go? Like this is my job….shouldn’t I get tired of it? What makes me smile and often break out laughing when I am there. What made that stranger I met in Areponapuchi spontaneously say “Dave, you are happy!”?

Certainly it is the immensity and ruralness of the place. And there is the romance of the train as it rolls up out of Chihuahua into the rugged Sierras. And there is the amiable quality in the people. But I really think I like it because it is like the 1950 times I remember back in Kansas. Simple. Quiet. Home oriented. Good food. Humor.

The faces of Copper Canyon

When we travel in this enchanting land of the Sierra Madres, there are always numerous gaga sights and memorable places…like this ridge above Cerocahui (close to the Bahuichivo CHEPE stop). It was evening after a torential storm. There are more moments and places like this than your camera or your heart can take in.

But the most memorable and meaningful sites and pics are the faces of the people. This little guy was hanging out at the church in the tiny town of Cuiteco as we came back from a long walk to a waterfall on Sunday morning a few weeks ago. When that look of unstoppable optimism shines through a weathered life like that, it leaves a long impression.

Not many people get off of CHEPE at Cuiteco, but it is worth it. I plan to keep it in our itinerary for Copper Canyon train trips as much as possible.

Baja and Copper Canyon…

…the best of two worlds that are beyond belief.

Places like this are so common…a remote beach on an uninhabited island or an area on the mainland where there are no people for miles. So arid and quiet that you can hear it crunch and a little bee or rabbit will be audible. Just to sit at a spot like this alone for a few minutes is in itself a vacation maker. Even in summer, the early morning will be cool enough to keep you in a long sleeve.

 

Couple this with a few days rolling down the romantic CHEPE through Copper Canyon in Chihuahua and Sinaloa and you have a perfect destination vacation.

Our next one is February and I have a few spots at a bargain price.

Another Copper Canyon adventure…

 

Once again in a few weeks we will head for Mexico and the enchanting reaches of Copper Canyon. This place is deeper (by 2000 ft) than Grand Canyon and is actually a network of five canyon systems…it is vast beyond belief.

Our trips always involve beds with clean linens and hot showers and GREAT food- its not a hiking trip. We ride the train almost every day and there is the option of taking a walk to some wonder if you want. Groups are small and the itinerary flexes to maximize your experience.

So call me (217.369.9897) because the next trip is Dec 2-8 and I am in Mexico doing some other work with videographers and chefs and writers before then.

Simple Beauty in Copper Canyon

When we were in Copper a few weeks ago, we jumped off the train at the little village of Cuiteco. For so long I had just gazed at this little place from the train, with a fine stream babbling through it and finally I experienced it-what a cool spot!

Quiet, local folks, good food…but one pleasant surprise was the flowers.

 

There were many showy flowers of all colors. But my favorite was the simple little wild zinnias. They were everywhere. As we walked up the canyon above town they peaked at us from the rocky slopes.

Off to “TRADE” show with Mexican Tourism Bureau

It is  “The Retail and Destination Expo” in Las Vegas and I am off to join my Mexican friends there to promote Sierra Madre vacations.

 

Copper Canyon is such a perfect destination…innexpensive, safe, uncrowded- not to mention that it is a vast wonder with a huge dose of old Mexico.

This is the cascada not far from Cuiteco a few weeks ago.

Farming the Sierra Madres

 We saw this hillside being farmed above Cerocahui several months ago. It looked hopeless…rocks, dry, and a slow hard process. Just beside a Tarahumara home.

 

 

 

This is the exact same spot just 3 months later….taken when we were there two weeks ago. Amazing what a bit of rain and some persistance will do. Corn and beans are grown all over this area for daily needs.

Huarachis…and the Raramuri

These simple little sandles are worn year round by the natives of the Sierra Madres. Christopher McDougal has written about them in “Born to Run”.

Tesguino in Cuiteco, Copper Canyon

I had been wanting to give it a try…and last week I had the chance. I took a look at the homemade brew, watched the little objects floating around, realized it looked like dishwater(or worse) and gulped it right down. aaaah!