For quite some time I have had an interest in the tequila type spirits of Chihuahua. Many of our guests have enjoyed the sotol we have experienced there – usually purchased at a roadside liquor store. Often we are able to buy Hacienda brand (also widely available in the USA) or Don Cuco Sotol (rare in Chihuahua and only distributed in four states now).

At other times we have found local sources for non-labeled local brews. In other words bootlegged stuff and we usually can buy it once we get the word out we are looking for it. These local spirits are often delicious and it is interesting how they vary. They vary according to the origin location of the plants used, soil, water, etc. These factors have been well discussed by Ron Cooper and what makes sotol vary will be discussed in another blog soon.

So…we are putting together a trip to explore not just local sotols in Copper Canyon but also the other brews- lechuguilla, bacanora, mescal, etc.

The first ever Sotol Circle

This October 24 leaving from El Paso, Texas, the inaugural edition of “The Sotol Circle” will make a circuit through Chihuahua exploring the spirits of this enchanting area. The itinerary will include Janos and Don Cuco Sotol, Casas Grandes (Mata Ortiz and Paquime), Madera, Creel, Temoris, Areponapuchi, the Mennonite country (not much sotol here), and Chihuahua City- the big apple and home to the vintage saloon, “Antigua Paz” .

Here is the itinerary and some details:

The Sotol Circle, 2012

A tour exploring the tequila type drinks of Chihuahua

with a grand view of the Copper Canyon and the world renowned train.

Authentic Copper Canyon

The spirits of the Copper Canyon region are several and delicious. This trip will give a variety of experiences seeing the origins, sipping the drinks and seeing the production (in season) of sotol, lechuguilla, tesguino, and perhaps bacanora or pulque.

Here is a brief itinerary:

Day 1- Fly into El Paso and travel to Janos to experience Don Cuco sotol. Evening in Casas Grandes at the restored hacienda “Casa de Nopal”.

Day 2- Cross the high ranch country towards Copper Canyon and experience local sotol on the way. Evening in Creel.

Day 3- Board the world renowned Copper Canyon train and head through the heart of the canyons to Temoris. Evening meal at a local dive in this village with some sips of various local lechuguilla.

Day 4- Hike down to the train and head for Areponapuchi- more local sotol and lechuguilla. Evening with Lola Mancinas- a great chef and wine maker.

Day 5- Time to experience the gondola and zipline, then off to Chihuahua City through Mennonite country. Evening jaunt to the oldest bar in Chihuahua- Antigua Paz. We stay at the historic “San Felipe el Real”.

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Tentative date for El Paso departure is October 24, 2012

This trip leaves from the El Paso airport and ends in Chihuahua City. Price includes all meals but 4, all transport, guides, hotels. Alcohol not included

Price is $975, single occ add $180.

Deposit is $500 payable to TopTrips, 514 S Edwin, Champaign, Il 61821. Balance due 30 days prior to departure date

There are options for adding on more time in Copper Canyon.

Return transit to El Paso can also be arranged.

Along one of the rims in Copper Canyon, Mexico in August when all is green.

Copper Canyon in August

August is a fine time to experience Copper Canyon and the amazing Copper Canyon train. Usually the weather is quite nice. The special thing about the weather is that the rainy season has been on for a few weeks so about each day or so there is a Colorado type shower at noon or so. This freshens things and the waterfalls flow and everything turns green.

Basasiachic Falls

This trip to Copper Canyon in August should be a special one. Often we do not take in the Basasiachic Falls. It is a bit of a drive there and if the falls are low- it’s a disappointment. But this trip will include the great falls as well as San Isidro and the great Gallego overlook, Noritari in the pines above San Juanito, Casas Grandes and of course the grand views and adventure park in the Divisadreo area

Weather in Copper Canyon

The packing list for this Copper Canyon train trip will be a bit different. The weather is warm so just a slight wrap for cool evenings is needed. A little rain protection- like a poncho or rain jacket would be in order. Also sun screen is a must as the elevation and direct sun are both in play.

Details

This trip is August 4-12 and it leaves from and returns to El Paso, TX. You should fly into El Paso early day August 4 or arrive the night before and get at hotel. It is possible to fly out late day August 12 or plan to grab a room in El Paso that day and fly on the 13^th. Here is the itinerary and pricing – you can call Dave at 217.369.9897 or email davehensleigh@gmail for more details.

Don’t miss this special season in Copper Canyon as the waterfalls flow and the green canyon walls shine!

The mighty Basasiachic falls roars in August- from summitpost.org

Urique is the town you see below...site of the Caballo Blanco run.

Every spring in Urique at the bottom of one of the Copper Canyon gulches, the Caballo Blanco UltraMarathon is run. The brain child of Micah True (Caballo Blanco), this race was put on the running map by Chris McDougall in his bestseller “Born to Run”.

Where is Urique?

Its at the bottom along the Urique River below the majestic Gallego overlook. I love this little town- it is at the end of the road and is quiet kind of like Batopilas over the hill. Jose and Tita have a restaurant on the main drag and the food is wonderful. They also have a little hotel that is serviceable- especially in cooler months.

Who was Caballo Blanco?

Yes WAS! At this writing his body has been found in the Gila Wilderness. He apparently passed away while running there a few days ago. I met him in Creel a few years ago and we chatted on line from time to time. We shared a passion for this land and he will be deeply missed. As I said, you can read all about him in “Born to Run” and his site carries a lot of the flavor and lore of his eccentric existence. Micah True will be missed…one of the true characters in Copper.

When is the Caballo Blanco UltraMarathon?

Usually the first Sunday in March. When we have been in the canyons at this time we see the runners coming in a week before to get acclimatized and prepped.

Miguel Lara (center) and his running buddies in Copper Canyon.

2012 Copper Canyon Ultramarathon results

I am chasing these down. If you have them please send me the link. I know the winner was the bashful Miguel Lara from nearby Porochi ejido and he set a course record.

Other Copper Canyon Long Runs

Several communities have them in Chihuahua now as well as around Northern Mexico. There is actually a run in Cerocahui which is in July I think. You can contact Mario or Tito at San Isidro Lodge for info.

Copper Canyon Running Trip

People often ask me about the barefoot runners and  Caballo Blanco. So I have started a Copper Canyon Running Trip so that people can experience what it is like to run with the Raramuri.

Authentic Copper Canyon Founder

This company – this family of experience providers known as Authentic Copper Canyon – has become the leader in small group culturally rich Copper Canyon tours. Now I am launching new trip experiences to directly involve the indigenous Raramuri with our guests. We have always emphasized the crafts, language, etc of these people. Now we will offer specific trips focused at these unique parts of their daily life.

Here is an overview of the trips:

Run with the Raramuri- Runners at all levels will have the opportunity to run daily with various barefoot runners up and down the train line. Road running and trail running can be included and trips can be coordinated with one of the local 100K runs in the Copper Canyon area.

Raramuri Basket Weaving- Hands on observation, instruction, and workshops on how to create these intricate baskets from local materials. Material gathering, dying, and weaving will be included.

Raramuri Language Immersion- Tour the canyons and the Raramuri ejidos with local Indians and learn the basics of their language as you go.

Raramuri Ejido Life- Visit and even overnight in a variety of Raramuri areas up and down the Copper Canyon train line.

The most important aspect of this initiative is that the Raramuri will directly benefit from it.

My plan is to employ an increasing number of  Tarahumara to teach these skills. It is a sustainable way for them to benefit from the growing tourism trade to Copper Canyon, Mexico.

Now you can not only SEE this great place but actually live life with the Tarahumara in Copper Canyon.

Here are some highlights for each season.

Spring- very dry and weather is easy to handle.

Summer- starting July 1 or so it rains often. This greens everything up and the water falls flow.

Fall- green and cool- some think this is the ideal season, but it can get stormy.

Winter- nice at lower elevations. We might get a snow at higher places.

Here is our 2012 calendar for Copper Canyon tours- including both New Years trips.

The El Paso Community as well is sure to roll out the red carpet for a great event.

If you are coming, why not consider a trip to Copper Canyon just after the 2011 Sun Bowl? On January 1st, 2012, we will head south into this amazing place for a five day excursion including the amazing Copper Canyon train (37 bridges and 86 tunnels).

What is Copper Canyon?

• Copper Canyon is majestic…deeper and more vast than the Grand Canyon and certainly one of Mexico’s best kept secrets- called the greatest place the world has never seen.

• Copper Canyon is rugged…a land filled with the romance and mystery of the Tarahumara Indians (the barefoot runners of “Born to Run” fame), Mennonites, Spanish colonial culture, and a rich dose of “Old Mexico” hospitality.

• Copper Canyon has a train…it is traversed by the grand railway “CHEPE”, cited as one of the world’s most spectacular trains- including 37 bridges and 86 tunnels.

• Copper Canyon is enchanting…called “Barrancas de Cobre” in Spanish; it’s just five hours from El Paso, Texas. Yet it is a whole new world of gracious people, delicious Northern Mexican cuisine, and incredible architecture.

• Copper Canyon is fun…now home to adventure options including a huge gondola, zip lines that soar above the abyss, horseback riding, biking and hiking that take you along the rim and deep into the canyons and more.

Authentic Copper Canyon trips are a genuine week long excursion by train into this amazing place. We always keep the groups small, the itinerary flex, and the level of discovery and rich experience high. The hotels and food are authentic and of exceptional quality. Accommodations vary, but always include private rooms, hot water, linens, etc.

ACC collaborates with skilled and experienced Mexican vendors to provide a deeply enriching experience. Your scenic excursion will be packed with art, architecture, history, people, the cuisine of northern Mexico, tremendous photo spots, and a great dose of the romance of the train rolling through the heart of Copper Canyon. We also now offer “The Blue Corn Express”, the first ever culinary trip to the Sierra Madres, as well as a Sea of Cortez by yacht option.

What makes this trip unique?

• Dave and his expert team of Mexican guides know Copper Canyon and the Sierra Madres inside out, and you will have an in-depth experience.

• Your itinerary will be planned, but the groups are small and we often flex to maximize your trip experience.

• We emphasize local people and out of the way places in order for you to fully take in the rich and gracious culture of this wonderful destination.

Call us today to get on board with this Sun Bowl trip to the Copper Canyon.

Well our experience is that it is and while there are concerns, even northern Mexico is much safer than other tourist destinations people use now- such as South Africa and Beliz. Still during this period, Europeans, Australians, Canadians and of course Mexicans are traveling extemsively in the country. Staistics show that tourism to the country has been up in the last 18 months.

I am walking this walk to connect and build a bridge.

Here is the info:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Hensleigh, 217-369-9897

davehensleigh@gmail.com

“One Solitary Gringo” to “Walk across Juarez”

August 18-21, 2011

Walk Across What???

Juarez seems to be the LAST place any sane person would chose to even go to, let alone walk across. Most people assume that my body will end up filled with bullets, decapitated, and hung from some bridge with a scrawled cartel note tied to it.

But the actual situation and threat to US citizens is actually much different than what we expect based on most US press reports. I will walk across this border city from the Rio Grande to the south neighborhoods and simply report what I see moment by moment…and let the results speak some reality into the situation.

Who I am:

I am just “one solitary gringo” walking across Juarez.

I am also the owner and lead guide of Authentic Copper Canyon, the premier supplier of culturally rich small group experiences on the train through Copper Canyon, deeper and more vast than our Grand Canyon and 4 hrs south of Juarez.

I have a deep love and respect for the people and land of Mexico. Our groups often travel through the border in the Juarez/St Teresa area, and I am pursuing this walk as a small step in bringing understanding and connection across the border.

Purpose: To give a clear view of life right now on the streets of Juarez from an outsider’s point of view. People on the US side are filled with negative images only and this will give an actual moment by moment story of what it is actually like on the ground in Juarez.

Plan: Enter Juarez from El Paso by the Bridge of the Americas on Friday morning and simply walk across the city. I will stay overnight, interact with people, etc. Moment by moment I will send pictures, text, audio and videos via twitter and blog to followers across the USA and the world. Then I will follow with more in-depth articles and videos of the experience.

Rationale: Many of us who work or live in Mexico have been frustrated by the one-sided perspective that most US side folks hold to of everyday life in the border areas.

Of course there are serious problems there. Yet when people travel there, almost all of them are amazed at how tranquil it is. So if it is possible to take a larger number of people there via the internet, perhaps they can understand more accurately that actually, there are not serious concerns with tourist travel to Mexico now. More broadly this little journey may help to replace distrust and negativity with respect and interaction.

Perspective: The idea is not to make a political point, but rather to communicate an accurate, on the ground picture of what life is like. I will not carry signs, make political or policy statements, meet with officials, etc. I will simply walk a path across the city to include busy streets, parks, markets, stores, restaurants, etc, and the message will be whatever I experience.

Interestingly as I have been preparing for this walk, 100 % of the people who know something about Juarez have very strong cautions. On the other hand, 100% of the people who live there or who know it well are very positive. Perhaps my observations will help connect these two groups.

Find Dave at www.AuthenticCopperCanyon.com and follow him on twitter @CopperCanyonGuy.

So follow me this week starting Thursday night …

Just get onto twitter and follow @coppercanyonguy and also watch my facebook page.

These are planned trips from Authentic Copper Canyon for 2011…we can plan your individualized experience for you on almost any date…small group trips for families, travel clubs, etc. are our specialty! 

September 1-8 - The Blue Corn Express – Our delicious culinary trip through the reaches of Copper and the incredible railway… with an emphasis on food!

September 9-17 – Classic train trip- This is such a beautiful time of year to experience Copper because it cames at the end of the rainy season. The whole environment is green, apples are on the trees, the pines glisten, and the waterfalls flow.

NOTE: Servive trip to Casas Grandes to work with an important project putting cement floors into dirt floor homes- Date is Oct 24 to 30 and cost is just $695. Has a possible Copper Canyon add on from Oct 29-Nov 2. Call Dave at 217.369.9897 right away for details.

October 28-Nov 4 – Classic train trip…and this is a wonderful season to be in the Sierras- some think it the best.

November 14-21 – Classic train trip

December 21-28 – 8 days in Copper during the special Christmas season.

December 28- Jan 4 – New Years in Copper Canyon…it’s a train trip and it’s a party Mexico style!

January 16-23, 2012 – Classic train trip

February 20-27- Classic train trip

Other trips can be scheduled at almost any time in the year and personalized for individual trips or small groups. Call Dave at 217.369.9897 or email davehensleigh@gmail.com for info.

A full list of excursions will be posted soon for each month in 2012.

Yes…we offer private trips to Copper Canyon and will work with you every step of the way to plan you trip to fit with your interests. There is so much to see and experience- not just the Copper Canyon train. This is an excellent way to make the most of your vacation time – you don’t have to wait on a group or spend time doing what is on the itinerary. The trip plan is yours and the daily schedule is flexible.

What if I am a “Free Independent Traveler“?

Free independent travel is well supported by our team. Just call us and we will give you a hand.

When is the best time to go to Copper Canyon?

Any time of year works and each season has its positive aspects. Usually the only time of year we do not do Copper Canyon trips is June- it is both hot and dry during this time. Late summer is nice with refreshing rains and warm weather. The fall is a favorite with greenery everywhere and calm weather. I like winter there- the holidays are festive and of there is snow at high elevations it is special. Then spring brings nice weather and the apple blossoms pop in Mennonite areas.

How does pricing and planning work for a private tour of Copper Canyon?

We work together to plan a schedule that fits with your desires- Copper Canyon train trips can begin in El Paso, Phoenix, Tucson, Chihuahua City, Los Mochis, as well as other approaches to Copper Canyon, Mexico.

Pricing is actually quite reasonable. Typically our small group excursions with 4 or more people are about $1395 for 8 days and 7 nights. Personal tours for two will be about $2,000 each for the same time frame- depending of course on arrival place and the itin.

Who will my personal guide to Copper Canyon be?

Usually these personally escorted tours of Copper Canyon are led by one or more of our Mexico team. These folks are the cream of the crop in Copper Canyon guides and they do an excellent job of letting you discover the place to the fullest.

How to get started with a private tour of Copper Canyon:

Call Dave Hensleigh at 217.369.9897 today or email davehensleigh@gmail.com. We can discuss options and get you started for your custom tour to Copper Canyon.

One if the cool spots that people want to see but usually miss is the spot where the line loops around and goes under itself- if you are coming from the Chihuahua City end toward the west- or over itself if you are going east and climbing away from Los Mochis toward Chihuahua.

It is called “El Lazo” or the lasso in English and it means the loop. Near the highest point on the line, it is midway between Creel and Divisadero and as I said it is easy to miss. Most folks just sit in their seats and wonder where it is…perhaps noticing that the sun is coming from one direction and then another. But if you watch your kilometer markers (little white signs on the right of the train as you go west), hang out the window, and move from side to side, you will see it. (By the way, I encourage our guests- especially the train lovers- to leave their stuff in their seats and spend their train time at a window between the cars or in the bar car…great views from the bar car).

The reason for this engineering feat is to help the railway loose altitude quickly- switchbacks just don’t work for a train. Photo people should have their cameras ready just before and after the loop because there are some good looks at the railway as it works its way into the canyons area.

Note for those traveling to Copper Canyon: if you travel with us I will have kilometer by kilometer guides for you. If you are going alone or with another group, I am glad to send you a copy. Just email me at davehensleigh@gmail.com.