Summary of my week in Mexico:

Juarez, whats the big deal? We went through in broad daylight. There were checkpoints on every intersection for local traffic. I saw mothers, babies and children walking along with no fear. I saw no violence, I saw no lack of law enforcement either. There were random checks and pickup trucks with army or federals who had high powered weaponry, none was used during our time driving through. We even stopped and went to a shop to exchange money. I would not pretend that nothing happens in Juarez. Juarez is big, I’m certain that some places may be worse than others. The road that you take to get to the bus station is a main highway. You do not drive through what I would consider a “rough” area. The time spent In Juarez is pretty much straight through, immigration office to bus depot.

The service is a thousand times better than you would get in the US. Any and all request made, were executed above and beyond my expectations. To the extent of keeping a restaurant open just for me, or opening a window I just cant seem to budge, letting me use an office computer to attempt a facebook log in. Helping me with translations, and currency I’m not familiar with. At no point was there a lack of helpfulness or patience.

A lot of souvenirs are much less expensive than any tourist town in the USA. I bought a nearly full size Jade mask for 150 pesos (approx. 15 dollars). In the US, I would have expected to pay close to 60 dollars for the same exact thing.

Divisadero is worth every moment it takes to get there. The places you stop at along the way, make the trip that much more unique. My god it is beautiful! No real words can describe what you see. I think I was speaking in tongues when I first laid my eyes on it. Songs can be written, poems recited, pictures painted and photographs taken, But until you step off the train, turn the corner and it comes into view, you have no idea of the true grasp and surreal feeling. The beauty and scope of the Copper Canyon is so unbelievable you have to experience it for yourself.

El Fuerte has mosquitoes but it’s charm, and a bit of replant can over power any pest. If you are short on vacation days, I recommend that El Fuerte is a stop you do not miss.

Topolobampo Bay is very pleasant, the sun warming you as the boat chugs along. Dolphins that pay in the wake of the boat almost as if they are posing for you. And don’t forget binoculars for bird island.

In short The Copper Canyon tours are astonishing,. With something new around each corner that excited you, the places you leave behind don’t want to let go of your soul. I see why so many have this adventure on their “Bucket List”. But what I don’t understand is why they wait to experience this phenomenal journey, until there isn’t time to do it again and again. There is no time like the present, and no present like time.

Kim Hudson

Day 4 We went to the Mirador hotel for lunch and an afternoon hike to another amazing view point, not that you need a specific point to view the Copper Canyon. There did not seem to be any place that you could not see it. The Mirador Hotel is pretty much built into the side of the canyon, the rooms are more colorful than the hotel I stayed at. The dining area is bigger, the bar is smaller, the rooms have a guaranteed balcony overlooking the canyon.

We took the train to El Fuerte and I must say it was very cool! An engineering marvel to say the least, The terrain that the tracks are laid on is very rugged, and the train goes along without hesitation.

Although I visited in the dry Season, there was plenty to see. We went through tunnels  and over the longest trestle, of the whole route between Chihuahua and Los Mochis. There was this terrific place that you actually circle back as you go up to a tunnel.

The cafe car serves great food and drinks, the seats are spacious and comfortable. The bathrooms are clean and the on board staff is nearly invisible. The speakers played soft upbeat music. What a lovely combination, the rocking of the train and the music- Time for siesta.

Standing in the vestibule for the majority of the train ride was incredible. Fresh mountain air, the sun warming my skin, while I watched the large birds pacing the train. What a treat! The sound of the rails clicking and clacking, the sway of the train coupled with the warm breeze and wildlife. WOW!

I could tell we were getting closer to civilization later in the day, so I went back to my seat and visited with my train neighbors. I shared my pictures from that afternoon. Pulling into El Fuerte there was buzz on the train about mosquitoes. Being from the Northwest I was skeptical and laughed at my train mates who were getting prepared with scarves and repellent.  The hotel transfer was waiting and everyone ran to it (to avoid the mosquitoes). I saw 2 little tiny ones. I giggled at the commotion. The town is closer to the river, and near sundown, there was an hour or more that the mosquitoes were in swarms, eating everyone.  I could not help but hang my head, throw in the towel, and walk to the store to buy repelant. It was by my side the rest of the trip.

The Town of El Fuerte is everything I expected to experience in Mexico. The white exteriors on the buildings hid the vibrant colors of the living spaces. The hotel El Fuerte was amazing and even offered rooftop access to see the Rio El Fuerte. Just across from us the Posada Del Hidalgo (also known as the Zorro Hotel) it is like a living museum. I loved both hotels! They had very high walls that concealed open and covered common areas, as El Fuerte has more of a tropical feel. You could easily stay for a few days and not be tired of it. El Fuerte seems to be my kind of place. Families gathered at night to socialize at the city square. Bordered by tall palm trees an expansive gazebo was home to line dancing while every park bench was full, with parents, grand parents, aunts and uncles watching the children run and ride bikes. As the noticeably older young adults cruised around the square in their cars. Although it was a Tuesday, it seemed more like an American Saturday night block party in the 1950’s.

We had a late dinner after cocktails in the lounge that had huge picture windows overlooking the canyon. There was live music and dancing, it was spectacular.

After dinner a bunch of people sat outside, by a small fire and sang songs from different cultures, including American top 40. I visited with a multi generational family from Michigan who were on a week long adventure just like me. Viewing such a majestic and large place a few feet away from us, I could see how small the world can be. I felt so blessed to be sharing this magical moment with new acquaintances. Something we will have in common for the rest of our lives. Star gazing and bonding by the fire, at the pinnacle of the Copper Canyon.

Our transfer driver was waiting for us in El Paso. He helped us find the best currency exchange rate. He ushered us into the bus station at Juarez, arranged and paid for our tickets to Chihuahua. We went through security, yes I got stopped and randomly checked. It was painless, quick and as efficient as possible. The buses leave every 30 minutes, so there was no long wait for our motor coach. I will be honest, I was not looking forward to a 5 hour bus ride to Chihuahua. But our bus was very large, comfortable and clean. The bus driver put movies on for us (dubbed in Spanish of coarse). It was a good refresher to high school Spanish classes. The bus was air cooled but still warm enough to get a good nap in before arriving in Chihuahua. The bus pulled into a big station in Chihuahua. (there are 2 bus stops in Chihuahua).

The city of Chihuahua has tiny houses to huge hotels. Businesses that use easily recognizable American cartoon characters, renewed in a vibrant, yet seemingly unfamiliar colors. (Example: John Deere green Big Bird). Wonderful parks and sculptures are abundant. The state history is deep in this city, showcased in murals, statues and buildings hundreds of years old. Our hotel was large and similar to those we are used to in the states.

http://www.railsnw.com/tours/charter/garibaldi_steam/garibaldi_steam.htm

Welcome aboard! The one and only Oregon Coast Crawler will take you on a memorable 5 hour journey of exploration and beautiful Oregon scenery. Originating in Garibaldi, we make a leisurely trip up the Oregon Coast affording fantastic panoramic views of both Tillamook and Nehalem Bays. Our vintage train stops for a waterside picnic lunch and free time at Wheeler as well as an afternoon snack and stopover in Rockaway Beach.  The train is pulled by the 100-year old Curtiss Lumber #2 Heisler, a geared logging engine, or the Mccloud #25, which is an Alco 2-6-2. We will also be using an open air car for unparalleled views and enhanced enjoyment.

A minimum of three photo runbys have been scheduled and more will be added if time permits. A lunch made with local ingredients will be served at Wheeler picnic-style in the park, and a Tillamook County historian accompanies our trip for onboard commentary.  Our October 1st trip will be a celebration of the centennial of the completion of PR&N’s rail line connecting Tillamook County to Portland.  Whether a railfan, a photographer, or simply someone who enjoys a relaxing day on the Oregon Coast, the Crawler is sure to please. 

As this trip is limited to less than 100 passengers, we highly recommend making your reservations ASAP.

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad will kick off its back-from-the-ashes season on that Saturday, with opening day festivities in Chama and in Antonito, Colo., the two ends of the historic 64-mile mountain steam railroad.

“We are telling the world we’re back, we’re better than ever – and we’re ready to report to our visitors and friends on how far we’ve come,” said Elmer H. Salazar, president of the C&TSRR Management Co., which operates the line. “We were well along in our multi-year upgrading of the line and its equipment – when the Lobato Trestle fire sent us into a tailspin last summer.”

Salazar recalled how Chama was cut off from the line when the June fire rendered the Lobato Trestle unserviceable. Passengers were transported by motor coach to the Cumbres Station, up the line – but the rumor persisted that the line was closed down. It was a tense year in which the damage was assessed, the repair budget determined, the necessary funding secured and the construction project launched. The tourist economy of Chama was hard hit by the railroad’s setback.

But now all elements are poised for a big year for Chama and its visitors, as the trestle is almost completely repaired and service is set to be back to normal — but better than ever.

“I can’t say enough about the can-do spirit of Reiman Corporation SW’s crew (the contractor for the trestle repair). We experienced a delay in the start of the project, but even with the shortened timeline they pitched in and got it done, Salazar said. “Now the trestle’s ready to go, the years of work are evident in the condition of the track – and we’ve given special attention to the locomotives and cars, painted and shined to possibly the best condition they have ever been in.”

The staff and crews of the line are anxious to show off their work in getting equipment and operations to a high degree of readiness for the season.

“This line belongs to the people of New Mexico and Colorado – literally, and we hope they will come up in large numbers to inspect our stewardship of this unique treasure,” Salazar said. “We expect to make them proud of how much we have accomplished.”

A variety of events, from posting of the colors, to Indian dancers from Santa Clara Pueblo and the Jicarilla Apache nation, and comments by local civic leaders will highlight the festivities. Trains will depart from Antonito and Chama bound for Osier, Colorado for the classic “mid-day, mid-way feast stop” especially prepared by Narrow Gauge Catering to inaugurate the season. “From our office staffs to our train crews, everyone is enthusiastic about this year’s season,” Salazar said. “This train has been a part of the two communities since its construction in the 1880’s and these people have worked for generations to keep it alive and exciting. “

With the smell of coal smoke and the echo of the steam whistle, the railroading heart of Chama and Antonito will come to life on May 28.”