No heat, it was in the low 40’s. Note Cindy’s attire. Creel – Mexico
What a difference a day makes. It was 100+ in Los Mochis yesterday. Creel – Mexico
We were preparing to go into Batopillas Canyon, an 8 hour each way drive with 1000+ foot drop offs next to a bumpy one lane dirt road. We could only take the bumps so much on top, but what a view! Creel – Mexico
This is Pedro our guide for the trip into the Canyon. He said he had made the trip 240 times. Creel – Mexico
Here’s how you get up on the sit on top (aka: Suicide Seats). We were strapped in like a jet cocpit. Creel – Mexico
We again had a very early morning bus to catch for a 6 hour ride north from Mazatlan to Los Mochis. Note the buses final destination was Los Angeles Mazatlan – Mexico
Creel – Mexico
Like kids everywhere, they were up a tree. Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
Neither lost nor really a Cathedral. This chuch at Satevo is being rebuilt near Batopillas. There were all sorts of rumors about the place. Nothing nice! Sateveo Mission – Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
Neither lost nor really a Cathedral. This chuch at Satevo is being rebuilt near Batopillas. There were all sorts of rumors about the place. Nothing nice! Sateveo Mission – Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
Sateveo Mission – Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
Sateveo Mission – Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
Some of these bells had dates in the 1700’s. This was once the richest silver mining area in the world. The climb was a bit “heart in mouth”. Sateveo Mission – Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
The mission is being completely restored. Tourism is king in Mexico. Sateveo Mission – Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
This store in Batopillas still used this turn of the century cash register…. Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
This is the station for the famous Chihuahua Railroad that goes from Los Mochis on the Sea of Cortez (mainland side) to the capital of Chihuahua, the city of Chihuahua. Copper Canyon is about 7 hours which is 1/2 way. It goes to 8000 feet and the Copper Canyon system is 5 times the size of the US Grand Canyon with 5 rivers and deeper gorges. Los Mochis – Mexico
Happenstance. We were in Batopillas on it’s 300th anniversary of mining. A horse caravan ride/race was to leave the day we were there. It was expected to take 13 days to Chihuahua. Pancho Villa once robbed this silver train. All part of the legend. Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
This pretty young lass gave the kick off to the ride to Chihuahua. In a town of a 1000 people you can imagine she was a bit popular0 Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
Ironically, as we were leaving Batopillas (10 hours to our hotel!), we saw the riders from the previous day camped out on the river. They had some support for the first legs, but once really in the mountains, they would be truly on their own. Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
Well, it looks good, but we had almost all our photo cards stolen on our last day. That’s another story for a post and later in the program. This is why you aren’t getting to see the fantastic scenery…..Someone else in El Fuerte or Los Mochis Mexico has my pictures. Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
We loved the name. And, we only saw ONE Chihuahua the entire time we were in Chihuahua. Ay Chihuahua! Batopillas Canyon – Mexico
Well, there’s these folks who live (many in caves…yes caves) called the Tarahumara. These are indiginous people and are legendary long distance travellers. Without any training, they have won 100 mile races. Mexico entered a few in the Olympics in 1968. They lost. Why? They were forced to wear shoes and the 26 miles was too short a distance for them!….It’s the truth. Creel – Mexico
Creel – Mexico
creel
This hotel is on the rim where several of the canyon systems come together. The view is spectacular. Posada Barranca – Mexico
This hotel is on the rim where several of the canyon systems come together. The view is spectacular. Posada Barranca – Mexico
We stayed up in the new area. You had to walk 5 minutes, but no one else was up there. It was worth the walk. Hotel Posada Mirador, Posada Barranca – Mexico
The hotel in the foreground is basically at the top of a 1000 foot drop off. The new rooms are at the very top left….look closely. Hotel Posada Mirador, Posada Barranca – Mexico
If she looks a bit stiff, the drop right behind her would explain it. I was more nervous than she was. 1000 feet, more or less straight down. Posada Barranca – Mexico
Hotel Posada Mirador, Posada Barranca – Mexico
Posada Barranca – Mexico
The Tarahumara are also NOT afraid of heights and have no fear of walking down sheer cliffs. It’s astonishing to watch. Think of mountain goats with two legs. Posada Barranca – Mexico
If you’re a serious backpacker, this place is heaven. You would come across dozens of Tarahumara flying along the canyons, steep cliffs or not. Posada Barranca – Mexico
This was the view from our hotel room!… Hotel Posada Mirador, Posada Barranca – Mexico
These kids and their parents lived in a modified cliff dwelling below the hotel. Part cave, part house. They are a very shy people and we asked if we could take their pictures. Most of the time they didn’t want us too. But sometimes they would reluctantly say yes. These are the Peyote using Indians many in the US have heard about. They also consume LEGENDARY amounts of corn beer. They could drink anyone you’ve ever met under the table. Posada Barranca – Mexico
5:30 AM Los Mochis – Mexico
This was our train. Unfortunately, most of the photos were lost on our last day. There are approximately 80 tunnels and 20 bridges for the entire ride. It took over 90 years to finish this marvel and is considered one of the most spectacular train rides in the Western Hemisphere. Posada Barranca – Mexico
El Fuerte is the legendary home of Zorro. They actually put on a Zorro show here at the hotel in El Fuerte. It was the bus ride from here to Los Mochis (2 hours) where our luggage was opened and we lost about $2000.00 worth of stuff and 80% of our photos. El Fuerte – Mexico
Leaving our hotel for Los Mochis (2 hours) and then the 6 hour bus ride south back to Mazatlan……Boat Projects await! El Fuerte – Mexico
