Exploring Nature: Copper Canyon T
rain
If you are the adventuresome type who is up for a transcendent travel experience, let me recommend the Copper Canyon train trip.
As I recall, you can drive down to Chihuahua, Mexico, to board the train and it is a 405-mile journey that winds up at the Pacific Ocean town of Los Mochis. Along the way, you’ll see cascading waterfalls, lush valleys, sheer cliffs and winding rivers. Your train, operated by Ferrocarril Mexicano, will go over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels.
Along the way, you might have stops to purchase handicrafts from the local Tarahumara Indians who live in the canyon country, at heights up to 7,300 feet. I purchased a handmade doll. As I recall, meals are served on the trip, and it is a quite comfortable ride.
It was not comfortable at all for those who built the route and some 2,000 people died constructing this railroad. It was a most dangerous undertaking.
If this train trip is a little too much for you, I can recommend something a little tamer — especially for all you bird lovers. Assuming you don’t mind planning well ahead, I suggest you attend the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival set for Nov. 5 - 9 this year in Harlingen, Texas. It is probably my all-time favorite festival for several reasons.
First, the birds are spectacular — green and brown jays, chachalacas, great kiskadees and Altamira orioles.
Second, the Alamo Inn, where I usually stay in nearby Alamo, is a most friendly establishment that really caters to birders.
Finally, I always load up on fresh citrus on my trips to the Valley, returning with bags of oranges and grapefruit purchased from the many roadside stands.
So, take your pick — the train trip of a lifetime or a birding festival with spectacular avian delights.
Or mayhap you’ll be like me and enjoy both!
