After waking up in a very old colonial building that was converted to a hotel, I was ready train ride to the copper canyon. I have always liked riding the rails because you see sights that you would not ordinarily have the opportunity. Further, you have the free attention to soak them in and experience the beautiful natural surroundings. The added option of meeting interesting people and trading travel stories is a real bonus. For this ride, the terrain was a lot like southern Arizona with the mid-sized mountains and low growth vegetation. Very rocky but not overly imposing. The vistas never really opened, as the route was within a narrow river valley. About halfway through, I was chatting with one of the cabin stewards and he offered to let me ride up front. When I say, upfront, I mean outside on the very front of the train. I could not resist and took him up on the (200 peso) offer. It was an intense experience feeling this massive engine pushing upward into the mountains. I was actually left alone with the open corners on both sides. Interestingly, I never saw the steward again. It was a bucket list ticked off…not that I ever thought about being stuck on the front of a moving train with a cliff to one side. Anyhow, after 5-hours we arrive at the hotel, which was literally built on the rim of the canyon. I have to say the view was beyond breathtaking. I just stared for the first hour and kept going out on the balcony to make sure it was not a picture painted on the wall. My Neighbours, Donna and Dewayne, who were every bit of mid-eighties introduced themselves over the stunning landscape. Donna informed me that this trip was a bucket list for her and, I think, she will not tick off that many more in her life. I set my alarm and got up before sunrise to watch the show. Sure enough, Donna was already on her balcony. We talked a little about how beautiful it was with the sun rising over the canyon. I could see a tear in her eye as she watched and snapped picture after picture. For a brief moment, I forgot about the whole event and just thought how happy I was for Donna to have this experience which she had dreamed about for years. Then, I immediately thought, where the hell is Dewayne? Why is he not up sharing this? Pretty sure the experience was lessened by the likes of me! Around the hotel, I seemed to be a bit of a novelty, as I was 20+ years younger than everyone else at the hotel. I guess they thought I was their kid or something(?). One guy, a dairy farmer from Canada named Forrest, kept seeking me out to talk. He was a great guy, but we had the same conversation each and every time like we never talked before. The canyon is interesting, in that, it is inhabited by a small community of indigenous natives. I suspect they have been there for hundreds of years. Just living a simple life of migrating out of the canyon in the spring for the crops and back down in winter for warmth. Everyone seemed amazed by this and how hard life must be. I suppose, if you do not know anything else, it is actually easy. It is harder through our eyes and western comforts. I had to admire the people and wonder how we have lost sight of these simple times. Then I promptly put in my headphones to hear the Chainsmokers. No ready to live that simply, quite yet. The canyon is very impressive, but less so when compared to our gem back home. However, I found it more manageable to view and experience. We did the rim tour and really got to see a large portion of one of the three main canyons. The train ride back was delayed; so, I spent time in the lobby talking to people from many different countries, As usual, I found the Americans to be the most annoying of the lot. Anyhow, the ride back was pleasant and we arrived late evening. The next day I walked around taking photos before heading to Mazatlán.
From Arizona to Panama Canal 