tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39715270655844801762011-12-14T19:59:52.573-07:00TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE IN THE GENERAL COPPER CANYON AREA AND ITS GATE, LOS MOCHIS, SINALOA, MX. <br> Routes, travel plans and expeditions on vehicle dependent trips.efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.comBlogger841100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-19700746855459364432011-06-25T17:40:00.002-06:002011-06-25T17:45:52.548-06:00

I really have to dust off my blog, now that rains are coming it´s as good time as any.

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-76461249934629821022010-04-17T18:27:00.005-06:002010-04-17T18:41:23.179-06:00

So, you want to go on a trip, and the issue of money comes up and you cool down on the idea, and then you keep seeing those great blogs of trips on the web and you wonder, "How ?" well, read on ...A great answer on the subject of "How can you afford an overland trip".

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-57377424678970883162010-04-16T00:16:00.003-06:002010-04-17T18:52:03.698-06:00

From MTBr forums.Well, it's steel, so of course it's good. Ninja swords were made from steel. So you know it kicks ass.Things ninja swords were not made from: * aluminum * carbon fiber * dead cats.Other badass things made from steel: * Guns * Bombs * Chuck NorrisAlso steel is steely, as in steely eyed. So it gives you some good mojo, you can defeat your enemies with your

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-75724126471295346552010-03-21T19:13:00.003-07:002010-03-21T19:21:20.760-07:00

Following my belief to make the most of the time away from home, I found out of a cool place to ride a bike while doing some work on the very nice city of Queretaro. Queretaro is close to a couple of sierras, on one of them called The Aserrin, local cyclist have developed some fun trails, but very challenging from me since they are at 7,000 feet, and being a costeñito the climbs hurt.El Aserrin

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-60405382577564512022010-02-16T14:44:00.003-07:002010-02-16T14:49:41.079-07:00

Every now and then I come across some nice reading. Here is a couple. Enjoy !!!Black Mountain CyclesMoving in opposite directionDave Moulton's BlogThe art of doing nothingSaludos.

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-68033482301767627662010-01-14T11:59:00.002-07:002010-01-14T12:05:50.561-07:00

Today was a little chilly at 11c, but still a great morning to go to Los Muertos MTB track at El Cerro de La memoria.The singletrack at our town's only hill has been on construction on and off by us for a number of year, very technical but fun.Los Mochis 125 meters up.The rivers of fog look really nice slowly flowing the valley.

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-60396726194224581182010-01-12T11:46:00.001-07:002010-01-15T11:08:42.427-07:00

The body work is almost complete, and looks like I will be fitting the 35 inch tires ok.From the side, I will push the axle a little bit.The rear looks roomy enough.Inside detail of the fender.Next off will be the camper, I have decided on a flip-top style using and old jeep top but with modifications to look like a Jeep Alaskan Postal Top, I hope it turns out OK.

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-2030579764353880382009-12-27T23:36:00.007-07:002009-12-28T00:37:04.746-07:00

Just received a message from Luis and Lacey, made it across the Copper canyon !!!With all the recent violence I was worried about not hearing from them, but the are in Mazatlan and seems that they had a great trip.Here is another photo of a great Expo setup, Classic Toyota FJ60 with Diesel Conversion."It is so choice. If you have the means I highly recommend picking one up."

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-63413694256789370292009-12-16T12:18:00.002-07:002009-12-16T12:28:06.638-07:00

The last couple of day I been sort of a host to Luis and Lacey, a cool couple from northern California that are in the middle of a really nice and long trip. After crossing the US a couple of times and doing Baja the are heading south to reach Ushuaia.They are driving a nice Toyota 60 with a transplanted diesel engine that should make quick work on next week Copper Canyon travels.A link to their

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-56336736483560389762009-12-14T19:18:00.003-07:002009-12-14T19:27:25.973-07:00

As good as my BikePacking/Cross/Everyday bike was, there is always room for improvement, after some checking around I got a sweet ride, a Rawland Dsogn 650B running some 29er rubber, disk brakes, brifters and some great dirtdrops.I did a cool ride trying to hit road, gravel and singletrack, It does do everything right.

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-65167411660207176122009-12-09T17:55:00.000-07:002009-12-14T17:57:23.990-07:00

The following editorial was published today by 56 newspapers around the world in 20 languages including Chinese, Arabic and Russian. The text was drafted by a Guardian team during more than a month of consultations with editors from more than 20 of the papers involved. Like The Guardian most of the newspapers have taken the unusual step of featuring the editorial on their front page. The Guardian

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-39996232932586728872009-12-08T17:59:00.002-07:002009-12-14T18:15:56.082-07:00

Its always nice to meet people, specially like minded, adventurous ones, Today a dear friend and the one responsible for the creation of this blog arrived.Mr. George looking best than ever in El Rio @ San Miguel, Zapotitlan, Sinaloa.He is on his way south after a quick visit to the states.George great and popular bloghttp://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/2009/12/heading-south-again.html

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-48774459403992549502009-11-27T00:15:00.003-07:002009-11-27T00:31:58.126-07:00

My dream car is finally taking shape, as some of you know 2009 was mostly a two wheeled year, but I haven't forget about my 4 wheels and have been at work on a better, tougher and flashier looking machine :-).The workings of a CJ8 that will handle 35s with close to zero lift, and later on with a flipptop conversion.I had to start with 3 jeeps to put together a mint CJ8Thats what a fender hole for

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-43611064428446551152009-11-24T18:40:00.002-07:002009-11-24T18:58:16.660-07:00

While my buddies were away riding El tour de Tucson for the nnnth time, I slowly mumble what to do on the long weekend. The only sensible thing to do was a solo epic ride.I have always wanted to get up and personal with the communities of El Rio Fuerte, the original inhabitants of Mexico before the Spanish conquest.So the plan was to ride up to San Blas and find a way to singletrack along the Rio

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-26812871655594352032009-11-10T16:07:00.004-07:002009-11-10T17:35:23.220-07:00

There is always another side on everybody, one not as visible and somewhat weird.That side of me suddenly remembered a great quote by a very witty and funny man."There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-66772295510214699702009-11-04T08:01:00.008-07:002009-11-04T10:56:20.931-07:00

The state of Sinaloa in northwestern Mexico has several beautiful bays, some of them have inspired many dreams in the past. Falling in the same trap, I envisioned a while back a route to cross them while mapping a loop that will take me from my home and back. As summer creep on me, it became impossible to do the trip, so I just put the plan on hold, and as autumn slowly came, the plan was on !!!.

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-40496547508050319782009-10-11T22:16:00.004-06:002009-10-11T22:34:29.385-06:00

Another weekend, another bike trip. Lately finding new tracks and testing equipment for Bikepacking has become fun, Today's trip took us over some Precolonial settlements and onto a very familiar wilderness close to home.A camera malfunction (Ok, I messed up the settings) gave me some nifty antique looking photos, on tune to describe the 1600s era trails we took.Getting close to Los Cerros de

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-5778701403713597042009-10-05T10:44:00.010-06:002009-10-05T16:09:49.571-06:00

The pueblo of Alamos is the dowager queen of southern Sonora, immersed in memories of an elegant and rich past, steeped in its cultural heritage. Between 1533 and 1540 the Spanish conquistadores Diego de Guzmán and Vásquez de Coronado and the famous traveler Alvaro Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca passed by the site of Alamos and the distinctive Los Frailes peaks of the Sierra de Alamos on Mayo Indian trails

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-55367179746188730832009-10-03T10:39:00.003-06:002009-10-11T22:36:48.011-06:00

I finally put 700cX40mm tires on my trusty franky bike. Looks mountain bikeish now, but should work great, sadly with a Hurricane around us looks like there wont be any riding.

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-43704361619589957262009-10-01T15:05:00.004-06:002009-10-08T10:13:09.985-06:00

Mochicahui, Sinaloa with and undetermined foundation date precedes the Spanish Conquista, one of the three settlements of the Zuaque Nation (Being Charay and the lost Cigüini the other two), it was home of some of the fiercest Indians that resisted colonization until the early XVII century.Located 18 miles from Los Mochis on the Rio Fuerte, it houses one of only 3 Indigena Universities in Latin

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-48290127195826831252009-09-15T11:46:00.009-06:002009-09-15T21:42:18.909-06:00

Los Mochis is surrounded by who knows how many Kms of dirt roads, some follow irrigation channels, some are just plain old caminos. To start my birthday on a good note I decided to ride to El Rio Fuerte not using any pavement at all, half the fun is always to plan the route, some work with Google Earth and GPSbabel and I had an acceptable plan on my GPS.So at 0600 sharp out of my door, off I

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-18926007223177928042009-09-13T18:00:00.005-06:002009-09-14T20:54:15.099-06:00

It all started late last winter, one morning it just become obvious to me that i had got to get back to my beloved sport. Months later, as I dusted off my road bike, I envisioned bikepacking around, no full kit, just me, a comfty bike and a starry night.Today, I did my first Off/On road metric Century in more than 5 years. (Of course, I bonked on the last Kms )My touring steed, all 90 dollars of

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-80421610769632247022009-04-10T00:02:00.001-06:002009-04-10T00:05:35.477-06:00

As some of you know, I have a great kid, a very good student, adventurous and at 17 ready to go away to college.Being our last Semana Santa at home we planned a father and son trip that was ill fated , while we licked our wounds an idea arrived, lets do a 100 miles motorcycle ride on obscure dirt tracks from Los Mochis to a local private beach (Where he and his buddies hang out on the holiday).

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-68563333421660608532009-03-18T17:47:00.006-07:002009-03-18T18:04:54.298-07:00

I haven't really ridden a motorcycle in more than 20 years, but have longed to enjoy the region on a more personal and minimalistic way, that was my reasoning when I started biking again a few months back, problem for me is that a Bicycle is great but don't really cover a lot of ground in a long weekend, so version 2.0 of my minimalistic push will be on a small bike, a 1988 Honda NX250. And to

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-10131920357407889192008-10-30T17:30:00.004-07:002009-03-18T17:46:07.047-07:00

On Dr. Monroy's recommendation we decided to make a quick stop near San Juanito to enjoy local Broiled Chicken and a couple of cold ones.Due to some problems with the water supply in Creel a small dam was commissioned a while back, the result its a stunning secluded lake not far from Creel and perfectly suited for an afternoon snack.Cheers from dangerous Mexico ...We did get to Creel later that

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-77827186494673286082008-10-30T17:25:00.002-07:002009-03-18T17:30:37.116-07:00

There are a couple of common ways to get from Basaseachi to Creel, the paved one that makes a big loop up north and the off road goodness of a trail that I like to take, however progress its doing its thing and now its being paved also :-(.Progress, Grrr ...

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-907980574157105492008-10-30T17:20:00.002-07:002009-03-18T17:24:09.349-07:00

A new day gave us some fresh road to cover and a lofty midday destination, Basaseachi Falls.I has been some time since i visited Basaseachi fall outside of the rainy season, it was just as nice as i remembered. I keep thinking that I need to spend a week or so at that place alone, so many trails and such a nice Canyon, I think I don't speak only for myself when I tell you that we left the place

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-6898729808812718732008-10-29T16:56:00.006-07:002009-03-18T17:19:54.646-07:00

As I raced along Mexico's 15 towards Esperanza, Sonora, Mx. I just kept on thinking how good life really is; On Esperanza a good friend of mine, whom I have never actually meet, was waiting for me.The trip has started, or at least the plan, a year ago when I received a PM asking for directions on the trails of Mexico's Copper Canyon. The gentleman's name was Jan Alsen, and adventurer with a firm

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-49168528603617329752008-09-12T13:53:00.002-06:002008-09-12T14:03:38.925-06:00

Yesterday, thanks to Tropical storm Lowell, 10 inches on rain were dumped on Los Mochis, the results as expected were city wide flooding. Today, however the damage looked not as bad as we thought, the hydraulic systems are doing its job, dumping a lot of water to the ocean, the real damage is to the crops, especially early Chiles and Tomates.As of today, no loss of human life has been reported,

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-29772142814463109892008-07-28T18:38:00.000-06:002008-07-28T18:40:56.095-06:00

View Larger Map

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-1174898800886632972008-07-22T21:36:00.003-06:002008-07-22T21:50:35.669-06:00

Last week I started a fun little endeavor, I went looking for my perfect Commuting / Touring /all around bike. After asking around eventually I found my gem, an old 90s hybrid bike laying in the back room of a buddies shop. Some tough bargaining later we settled for an even 500 pesos :-) .I went looking for my bike tools and started trying to put something usable together, of course one thing

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-10843855451941958442008-07-06T17:18:00.004-06:002008-07-06T17:40:10.087-06:00

Over the last few months I have been slowly drifting away from the Jeeperos/Rockcrawlers mindset and more into long expedition type travel, however lately I have gotten this newly found desire to get back on my beloved bicycles, Is it the $5 Dollar tread on expedition portal? Is it the perceived achievement of going camping on a Bicycle?.Cars give you so much mobility and flexibility on travel,

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-66604612081222096642008-06-27T21:32:00.004-06:002008-06-28T02:03:55.103-06:00

A link to a master GPS file by my Canadian friend Jan, a lot of work has been put on this file, I hope everybody can put it to good use.Thanks again Jan for your hard work.Link to Jan's Master GPS File

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-58120757055470476682008-06-27T02:06:00.002-06:002008-06-28T02:08:45.809-06:00

About the last thing that I expected to find there was people, somebody watched over the ship for a few years but it was gone a long time ago, so we were surprised when we found and old Volkswagen beetle straight out of Mad Max at the ship, turns out some enterprising fisherman were trying to get steel off the ship to sell at Topolobampo, and had crossed the car in a small boat to help them carry

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-22463037660424570902008-06-26T12:37:00.002-06:002008-06-26T12:40:49.496-06:00

Yep, that dot its the ship, so we walked ...and walked ....and walked ....The ship only grew bigger after a while, but still unreachable ...And then, Success ...The proud and run down father ...

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-77908732030668261382008-06-26T12:32:00.002-06:002008-06-26T12:36:57.230-06:00

Once at the planned crossing point we unloaded the Kayaks, of course, the small canal turned out to be a mile long, but well, who is counting ....Getting ready to leave, the no turning back point.After fighting some wind and currents, we made it to the other side, hid the kayaks in the bush and proceed to cross the dunes, not so nice at 104 degrees..

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-7949930975123468042008-06-23T20:24:00.003-06:002008-06-23T20:27:51.683-06:00

About the only way to get there is to grab a small boat and just go there, but I have always envisioned a better plan, hop aboard my Cherokee, ask for permission to go across a big piece of desert land called "El Guachapori", jump across the small canals dividing the island in kayaks, across half a mile of BIG dunes and walk 3 or 4 miles of virgin beach.So off we go to our destiny.Crossing El

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-46206635109694525152008-06-23T20:20:00.002-06:002008-06-23T20:23:28.977-06:00

A long, long time ago, a hurricane brought to the northern beaches of Santa Maria Island in Sinaloa a big ship, somehow it avoided all the nearby sandbars and landed in a truly remote spot in the Island. Back then, a trip was planned and we arrived by boat to the ship around 1978-1979. Since then, I see the ship by airplane or on Google maps on occasion, even tried to put together a group to go

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-88748083824934148612008-06-16T19:17:00.004-06:002008-06-16T19:47:35.767-06:00

If you want a history rich, middle of nowhere mining town, Batopilas is it, established by Spanish conquistadors in 1632 as a center for silver mining on the region, eventually more than 350 claims where made, became famous after former Washington, DC governor Alexander Robey Shepard arrived in 1875 and bought the San Miguel Claim which helped Batopilas had some strange records like the first

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-78471346522114002562008-06-11T17:44:00.007-06:002008-06-12T15:37:25.771-06:00

A while back I came in contact with Alex Lockhart, just your normal guy who decided to take a 5,000 mile bike trip and while he was at it, cross Copper Canyon like a real man...He went down to Batopilas, back up to Creel and ended up crossing to Baja via the Guaymas ferry.If you have some time and wanna read an exceptional journey take a look at The Vagaries of the Road, an honest and direct take

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-15460883309690303552008-06-10T10:33:00.004-06:002008-06-10T10:50:55.652-06:00

After what seems like an eternity, I am finally getting back on track and hopefully getting the blog the right attention.A lot has happened in the last few months in the region, most notably its the increased security issues due to the increased Government - Drug lords wars. Seems this time its for real, at least I don't remember nothing as violent since Operacion Aguila in the late 70's. What

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-40194168331932719672008-04-13T11:06:00.003-06:002008-06-10T11:49:18.321-06:00

Atotonilco, Guanajuato ...On the way back crossing the river ...Finally the Sad Official photo, I really didn't want it to end.

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-85094355097009873132008-04-12T11:03:00.003-06:002008-06-10T11:46:15.774-06:00

From there we moved to a creepy place, a local cemetery, the bodies are placed to rest without coffin and at 1 feet depth at most. Whats more, due to the rapid decomposition of the bodies, the place its usually re utilized after 10-20 years. People in the communities don't mind because everybody is considered relatives to one another.The Local Cemetery.A lonely Capilla at the top of the hill ...

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-69113090440289754582008-04-11T11:02:00.003-06:002008-06-10T11:41:04.452-06:00

For Sunday, a very special part of the trip had been planned, The leaders had contacted a couple of Archaeologist from the Universidad Nacional to guide us to some of the Religious Architectural landmarks of the area, where they explain to us the different forms that the Catholic church used to build the vast number of temples in the region during the conquista. Our Guides, they know their stuff

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-69366263535885793702008-04-10T11:01:00.003-06:002008-06-10T11:35:05.793-06:00

Upon arrival to Jaral, I had already contacted the local Jeep Club, and had planned a weekend trip with them. So after a quick meeting at work Saturday morning, off we go to La Ruta de las Capillas.The Guanajuato Jeeperos.com bunch its a nice group of fellows, they planned a route to some of the high desert plains in the state, the trip started climbing the sierra de Guanajuato with some very

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-22365497390546109042008-04-08T11:00:00.003-06:002008-06-10T11:31:58.790-06:00

A couple more shots of Tapalpa, Jalisco.The renovated inside of the main ChurchThe main Corredor

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-77818447469040373662008-04-07T10:58:00.005-06:002008-06-10T11:29:27.170-06:00

After doing the beach thing, I woke up with a solid hangover to help remind me of all the fun of the night before The plan was a straight shot to Jaral del Progreso, Guanajuato, but after driving along the wonderful San Blas to Puerto Vallarta Road, it was decided that a drive up the mountains was in order, whats an extra 400 miles with a bad hangover. Tapalpa, Jalisco is one of Mexico`s Magic

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-56669456649012443142008-04-06T10:55:00.003-06:002008-06-10T11:24:01.230-06:00

I think that work wise i have it very nice, I can practically walk to my office and have lunch with my wife and kids everyday. :). However, every once in a while, there is a project far, far away from home. We just landed one of those, and now the problem is that I have to drive a thousand miles to work :(. Seems to me, that the only sensible thing to do is make a road trip out of it.So off I go

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-86904811824581855562008-03-28T22:50:00.001-07:002008-05-04T23:04:45.893-06:00

I got a gig away from my hometown, in central Mexico, and that have been keeping me somewhat busy, I did get a nice Road Trip in, details to follow ...My trusty Jeep Cherokee crossing a creek in Guanajuato.Saludos

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-58281481249986277582008-03-11T12:32:00.008-07:002008-03-11T13:21:14.750-07:00

Semana Santa marks a catholic celebration with big roots in the area, from the indigenous interpretations to the spring breakers week long party, for most of the people its a week to spend with family, usually in the various beaches or by the river having some mariscos and carne asada and attending church. The weeks before Semana Santa are called Cuaresma and its a period of repent and

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-76668564202611400052008-03-10T13:04:00.009-07:002008-03-10T13:53:15.688-07:00

For a change, today`s blog won`t talk about travels or cool places, it`s all about my daughter Olga Alicia, and her 15th birthday.In Los Mochis we are lucky enough to still have a Debutantes Party, each year our local Country Club host a dance to celebrate the young girls introduction to Society, its a big deal, with preparation several months in advance, we even get to have a waltz dance with

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-53842422735993340072008-02-29T18:17:00.004-07:002008-02-29T20:45:37.886-07:00

Choix is truly the gateway to the northern Sinaloan sierra, its the last post before the big mountains and a place of tough traditions and people.Founded in 1605 by the Jesuit priest Cristóbal Villalta, in recent years, thanks to Huites Lake its becoming a tourist destination, You can go to several old mines, the House of culture and its small but interesting museum where you can find

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-81054923116532568902008-02-27T20:21:00.018-07:002008-02-28T12:50:09.217-07:00

For me, work is most of the time a fun and rewarding activity, but when it involves a 17 hour drive, 14 hours a day in a back to back week, it can get a little. Mmmm, how can I put it? Just too much.Anyway, I`m back to my postings and happy at home.I spend the week at Jaral del Progreso Guanajuato, a little town that happens to be the center of Barley production in Mexico. However not all was

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-35666993062677125962008-02-18T21:49:00.004-07:002008-02-18T22:01:06.823-07:00

Please give a try at El Coppero Canyon GateCopper Canyon Gate twin brother, from now on I will be publishing in Spanish and English, hope you like it.PS Any Germans or French speaking Canadians that care to help ?????Saludos from sunny Mexico.

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-35038962362722877542008-02-17T14:00:00.005-07:002008-02-18T01:21:24.041-07:00

My only relationship with birds used to be the dove and duck hunting trips with my dad when I was young, however it always interested me the droves of tourist that came to the area to watch birds.So I have tried to get some info on the Birding adventures in the region.There are several outfitters who offer tours and guide services for this activity, most are on the El Fuerte area and some in the

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-3436895427323747212008-02-14T22:33:00.021-07:002008-02-14T23:50:02.984-07:00

On the lower Sierra, besides a big strong river in 1563, El Fuerte de Montesclaros was founded by the spanish conquistador Francisco de Ibarra, The original Sierra Madre explorer.Several years later in 1610, a Fort was built to ward off the Fierce Zuaque and Tehueco native americans. During that time, El Fuerte served as the gateway to the vast frontiers of the northern native-held territories of

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-32048913703539474302008-02-11T19:46:00.000-07:002008-02-11T23:23:07.030-07:00

Ever wonder how deep are the canyons?. Me too!!, so lets find out.Formed by five major river systems, these barrancas (canyons) are four times larger than the Grand Canyon of the Colorado.The system have 9 rivers, and all have carved deep canyons on the sierras.Here is how they stack up against the 1,425 meters of the most famous of them all, The Grand Canyon.Canyon Depth ComparisonUrique-Copper

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-60794661744695670372008-02-08T21:41:00.002-07:002008-06-28T02:32:44.129-06:00

A while back we started this blog on the recommendation of a very nice person, fellow traveler and friend, George from vagabonders-supreme fame, he even accepted to be our host at El Rio (Our family weekend getaway), during this time publishing the blog, we have had the good fortune to be on contact with a lot of people from all over the world who are, were or will be traveling on our region.This

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-11624905305345161162008-02-07T01:31:00.000-07:002008-02-07T00:35:38.144-07:00

A nice snapshot near Creel on September 2007 during La Ruta de la Indepenencia..

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-90979775439774331402008-02-05T21:42:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:23:39.633-07:00

Yesterday I started looking for info on Raramuri dialects with the idea of having a couple of words that we could use on our travels, i found a web page of an association of research centers and universities that i think you will like. I like the way it gives insight on the vast ecosystem and its actual state. Must read.The Mexico-North Research Network. THE PROJECT ON DIVERSITY IN THE SIERRA

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-29121540922087645362008-02-04T22:24:00.002-07:002008-02-18T01:24:58.467-07:00

Las Copas again, I just love this little trip, it was my son first route driving his own car and with his good old friends. I am happy to inform you that the guy can wheel!!!, he sure made alot of the 50 or so HP of his car. We stayed the night and had some great Carne Asada, remembered stories from our earlier rutas and just had a good time. .Mundo and his mighty Suzuki SamuraiI wonder how some

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-6934715322196311152008-02-02T01:28:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:25:29.117-07:00

Thats how El Chepe has been called by Readers Digest, it might just be true, Riding across 39 bridges and through 87 tunnels its really a technological marvel, couple that with Albert Owen story and you are in for a nice tale.The concept of the railroad was officially recognized in 1880, when the president of Mexico, General Manuel González, granted a rail concession to Albert Kinsey Owen of the

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-16043349452240857752008-01-31T15:58:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:25:56.496-07:00

Today´s blog will hold the weather for the several towns of the region, by Accuweather.I put a permanent link to this blog on the sidebar for future reference, I hope its usefull.If you need any other place, leave a comment please.Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather RadarWeather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather RadarWeather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather RadarWeather Forecast | Weather

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-38999723061754626832008-01-29T11:53:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:28:21.908-07:00

I found out about an interesting Eco-Tourist project in the area, a bunch of guys are trying to resurrect the original trail of the mule trains that were used to transport silver from Batopilas to Chihuahua and turn it into a MTB and backpacking trail.Proyecto Eco TurísticoCamino de Plata - Silver Trail

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-13543654789667113342008-01-28T13:32:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:26:59.479-07:00

As I was getting ready to fix some things for my car on Saturday, a friend asked me to help him move some stuff off his trailer, he picked me up and off we went to a Taller (Workshop).We were trying to get a heavy differential off the trailer, when a guy decided to help and grabbed a brake line and start pulling it, of course the line broke free and despite my Homer Simpson, Cat like reflexes, it

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-21600788135054458952008-01-26T16:45:00.000-07:002008-01-26T17:42:42.811-07:00

We finally got a hold of a great GPS route, from El Fuerte to Tubares to San Juanito, as usual click the linky, hope you enjoy it.For me its the best route to take from Los Mochis to Creel, the views of Presa Huites, crossing El Rio Fuerte, plus the steep Tubares - Piedras Verdes Trail makes a winner, it also includes the backroad to Urique.For the .klm file you should have Google Earth installed

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-23616156242392894722008-01-24T22:35:00.000-07:002008-01-26T16:44:57.196-07:00

So much for being the lone blogger in the house, as of today my kid has decided to start helping :-).The first two blogs ...How do you feel when you write in english?When I write in English I feel a lot of wonderful but very awkward emotions. The first thing I feel is a bit of accomplishment because I spent a whole year learning it, and I have to admit it wasn't easy. I also feel really good

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-2115703057122862032008-01-23T20:51:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:29:56.486-07:00

I like living in Los Mochis because I can get to the mountains in a couple of hours, but a nice thing is that I can also get to the beach in a hurry, last weekend we did a route that took us a long time to archive, we call it Los Mochis to Las Copas, and for us its a classic.The route took us across the big Ohuira Bay and to a place that never get visited by vehicles, I really like the look on

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-85060280367736693602008-01-21T18:54:00.000-07:002008-01-21T21:08:11.099-07:00

I haven't been able to post lately since i have been preparing the first GPS tracks that some people have asked me about.I will post two different type of Tracks, for Garmin GPSs and .kml files for using on Google Earth, This its the first try at a .kml (Google Earth File), You should have Google Earth installed or use the Google Maps option.Its a 8 MB file, so be patient..kml and .gdb files at

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-64547606545163765602008-01-16T07:41:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:31:26.089-07:00

And then, on the last day, we rode ... And rode ...And rode ...And rode ...And finally, Success !!!Basaseachi Falls, all 650+ feet of it .. The dirt road up to Basaseachi was very nice, for me one of the best in the whole area, its being paved with maybe 20% ready, i have mixed feelings about the improvement, i think i will be good for the communities, specialy during the harsh winters, but i

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-22055146488481461262008-01-15T11:40:00.000-07:002008-01-16T07:18:33.286-07:00

Finally, we made it to Creel ...Since we where there, we had to check out the bar with the live Bengal Lions at the door, sadly after that and way too many beers everything its kind of blurry .. So not much to tell ...Whats left of the crew. It was later on the day declared the official Hangover dayOn the way to Basaseachi, and the rain began ...If you can only take two roads on the Copper Canyon

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-41534884478301028802008-01-14T11:39:00.000-07:002008-01-14T15:05:03.810-07:00

And on we went to Cuiteco, crossing Bahuchivo, taking the lower dirt road.A nice day to wheel with your friends.The Friendly Mexican Ejercito. Doing a hard and underfunded job.When you see the railroad it only means you are getting closer to somewhere.Our Tijuana friends, a diesel van sure comes handy when you have to pull a JK across the sierra. Toño, our Navojoa Main man, showing us how not to

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-39958255822567463052008-01-13T11:37:00.000-07:002008-01-13T22:28:34.902-07:00

Whatever relief we felt for crossing the river soon ended, as we realized that we had to drive 3 or 4 hours in the dark and under a heavy downpour to get to Temoris, were we decided to spend the night.But first, Chinipas, the forgotten, middle of nowhere, last century mining Mecca.For a while there where the not so menacing little clouds.And all smiles and even a rainbow shot.But then, the smiles

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-42969528792842238382008-01-12T12:02:00.000-07:002008-01-12T22:57:49.316-07:00

Some time ago we setup for our annual trip up the Tarahumaran sierras in the Copper Canyon area, but this time somebody decided to do an open invitation to the nearby 4x4 clubs, little did we knew that we`ll end with a nice and long line of more than 60 cars....Our trip consisted this year of a long drive starting in Navojoa then to Alamos, across the Chinipas river, up to Temoris, cross the

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-81639879539987759402008-01-11T10:45:00.000-07:002008-01-11T11:35:14.371-07:00

Our annual trip to la sierra this past september was a great success with over 60 cars from several 4x4 clubs.We took route B to Creel and then went on to Basaseachi falls, it was great to travel with so many people, and the Montañas where nice as always.Read on to see what a bunch of guys on 4x4s did last september ...

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-77973904911950338622008-01-11T08:20:00.000-07:002008-01-11T15:26:25.452-07:00

My friend Jan Alsen just send me some nice info on the different canyon systems around the area, i hope you enjoy it.Some of the major Canyons of the Sierra MadreUrique Canyon- accessible via country highway from the town of Creel, - the gateway to the Copper Canyon- deepest canyon of the system- excellent vantage points at Divisadero (good vistas), the Mesa de Arturo and the Cerro del Gallo,

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-64499942430418918472008-01-10T08:44:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:32:15.076-07:00

You need maps?, i got some heavy, printable, detailed maps.They are from Mexico´s SCT (Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes), PDFs with great detail, they have most, but not all of the backroads, What they do have is most of the communities, and that helps, they dont have the Mythical Choix-El Sauzal road (Too new, I guess) which connects Choix-Tubares-Piedras Verdes-Mesa de Arturo. It does

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-24871638158863334902008-01-09T11:15:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:32:45.231-07:00

We decided yesterday to try to cach some of the snow that falls on La Mesa del Campanero near Yecora, so expect a detail trip report and GPS route.Thats part of the harder route I talked about before, but this time we are going to get there the easier way :-(La Mesa del Campanero is Yecora´s main hunting and agricultural zone with more than 1,300 tons of apples and apricots per year, plus some

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-48728998344070553732008-01-08T09:23:00.000-07:002008-02-12T14:06:36.450-07:00

Of the 3 main routes that you can use (Coming from the Pacific coast) this is the only one that is viable for explorers with heavy RVs and/or 2WD. There is also a hard subroute for those seeking an unforgettable experience (And with rigs to match).The paved route starts in Esperanza, Sonora, About 8 miles north of Cd. Obregon, Sonora.From Esperanza you start driving on State Road 112 to Rosario

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-3076072844367693522008-01-07T12:13:00.000-07:002008-01-06T21:26:01.868-07:00

So you want to cross the Chinipas river in Late summer?Thats how a bunch of jeeps on 35s tires looked like last September, it was fun !!!

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-43503985636657293852008-01-07T08:00:00.002-07:002008-02-18T01:37:26.701-07:00

Today, i'll start with a map and a quick listing of the bigger towns in the area, most of the dirt roads on the region connect this towns, some are well known but most of the new ones are not in maps yet.I will cover only the roads north of El Fuerte, you can certainly go up the sierras from Culiacan and Guasave/Sinaloa de leyva but its considered risky and I woudn´t recommend it.Lets start ...

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-20262894033429996682008-01-06T14:24:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:37:06.578-07:00

Most people i know try to learn about the location of a place just to get there and don´t really learn much about how it was founded, or why it even exists.I will try to provide information on the different places along the way and what they represent from severals points of view. Hopefully you will have a much nicer time when you get here, and leave with a better understanding of the place.The

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-83001437339164130152008-01-05T20:37:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:36:31.026-07:00

Los Mochis its the starting point of the ChePe, the famous rail road that crosses the Tarahumaran Sierras, a really nice engineering marvel that crosses 39 bridges and through 87 tunnels as it climbs from sea level to over 8,000 feet at the sierras.What is not as widely known its the trails that crisscross the region and can be used for nice overland expeditions in a 4x4 vehicle, next week I will

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971527065584480176.post-73379579181408245492008-01-05T18:36:00.001-07:002008-02-18T01:35:57.274-07:00

After a nice afternoon with my friend George and his Blog, I have decided to start my own, I will document the area of the Copper Canyon and its entrance at Los Mochis, Sinaloa, I hope to provide information of the area to fellow travelers and expeditioners from all over the world.Saludos.

efuenteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17880076030512420117noreply@blogger.com4