Feb 07

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Sharon and I arrived in the charming and really lovely colonial town of El Fuerte yesterday afternoon (Feb 23). The jumping off point for the Copper Canyon. We had made the ferry crossing from Baja (La Paz) safely and in style just the day before. I am here taking a physical and mental rest before moving on. Sharon who has been anxious to see the canyon left this morning to get a start on it.

After having spent a few nights in La Paz we took the bus to Todos Santos where stayed 6 days. It was great being back and seeing lots of famaliar places and faces. This for me has to be my most favorite spot in Baja. It´s got a beautiful historic center, great food from fancy fancy restaurants to tasty taco & hot dog stands, and awesome natural beauty. The town of T.S. sits just a couple kms away from the Pacific and is backed up by the Sierra de la Laguna. Its really quite stunning and breathtaking. It´s not surprising then to know it´s home to many North American artists.

With the limited funds and time there was only so much we could take in on this short visit. My first stop was to Caffe Todos Santos for an iced latte. The best anywhere and I mean anywhere. Pricey but worth every peso! I got to see and meet up again with Marc, the owner, who was especially kind this time inviting Sharon and I to stop by for some homemade pizza (which too was awesome) and wine. Marc is passionate about his cooking and his food and it shows. It is the place to stop while visiting. We even got a personal tour of his home in a nearby town to show us the brick oven he´s building to help the restaurants growing demand for its bread . One of the coolest homes I´ve seen.

Besides having coffees, Sharon and I spent several days at the beach (Playa La Posa) whale watching from the shore. I had completely forgotten the possibility of seeing them here and what a show we got each time we went. And all for free. No fees. No guides. We were there for hours and the time just flew. You wouldn´t believe if we told you just how close to shore they were. Maybe 100 yards? Incredible and very moving.

We finally managed to pull ourselves away from the great weather and the whales and head back to La Paz to catch the ferry to Topolobampo. A 5-hour journey that we made in style. It was fancier then we were expecting and very comfortable. The views from the deck were great. I spent my time inside mostly chatting with Daniel, a 26-yr old engineer from Los Mochis who´s English and my Spanish was just enough to have a friendly and extended conversation. By mid trip he had offered us a ride to Los Mochis our destination that evening from his parents who were at the other end waiting for him. We hopped in the back of their pick up and they dropped us off at a hotel in town. The next morning Daniel came by to take us to breakfast, make a quick tour of town in his brother´s lime-green Maverick (which was very cool) and then took us to the bus station. What a great guy.
(Feb 25)
Now after spending a couple very restful days in El Fuerte I am ready to move on to either Urique or Creel. I´m still making up my mind and will decide tonight. Whichever I decide I´m certain it will be breathtaking and eye opening. I´m traveling new ground being on the mainland and am looking forward to all that it will bring. Wish me luck and I´ll be in touch again soon to tell you about the Copper Canyon.