I've some how got it in my head that I'm ready to be home, cutting my trip off 3 days early. The language barrier and the fact that I'm starting to run low on the money in my pocket, but mostly the language. But I know if I don't try to get a little more of Copper Canyon sights I'll be disappointed. So I head south out of Creel towards Urique. I'm not planning on going there but I want to stop at some of the vista points along the way. It's cold this morning and have to stop and switch to different gloves and put my liner in the jacket. I reach the observation point before anyone else and watch the Native Americans set up there stands. This little girl follows me around until I agree to buy a small bobble head turtle from her. She worked me over pretty good and convinced me I needed to get a couple of bracelets and baby rattles. She's worked hard and deserves a break. I speed off back to Creel to get something to eat before hitting the long road to Neuvo Casas Grandes. Sorry pouch, your cute, but your not getting food from me. OK, you got me. He gets a small chunk from my pastor burrito. I think he and that little girl live together. Back on the road. The dirt and bugs piling up on the old girl after 2 weeks. A quick stop to shed the winter gear. A long lonely highway. I make it to Nuevo Casas Grandes late in the afternoon for my final point of interest. What I knew before coming here, was that there was a 2000 adjoining room dwelling, and with a few pictures I knew I wanted to visit. It was a late entry into my ride plans so I didn't have any time to research it before leaving. So here is the link if you want to know more. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casas_Grandes The ball court. I top off the bike and have that struggling conflict with myself on whether or not to push on to the border or get a place in town. I don't even make it a block before I do a U turn and head back to town. I'm too tired and hot. I find a room off the main drag to call home for the night. From the balcony of the room you can see the ADA compliant hand rails. I won't have any beer tonight. I'll be coming back, just to eat at this place.
Booger, It's SOOOOO hard leaving Mexico at the end of a good trip . But, you have had some good miles, some good food, some invitations to a calmer life, some cartel anxiety, and some opportunities to pick up a bit more of the language (a frustration when your heart is there but your tongue lets you down). Thanks for taking us along
It's another early morning ride, it's cold and still abit dark. Chilis drying in the field. I make one last stop for some Birria and coffee. Arizona somewhere in the valley. There's the fence. And I'm starting to get a little bit sad. I get stopped at 3 different check points, they search me thoroughly. As I ride through Agua Prieta, 2 cars slow down next to me while rolling down their windows, I'm not sure what to think of this and then I see them with their cameras. Unbelievable, they're taking pictures of me, I give thumbs up and ride on. I do a half ass attempt at trying to find the Auduna and find myself in the line to cross the border. I screwed this up. Pull up to the window and confuse English with Spanish several times. The guy tells me I'll have to reenter Mexico so that I can check the bike back out. "So I'll have to get back in line then". Border agent "Hell man, your on a bike, just cut through, I don't care". Sweet. I get the bike checked out and cut back through the line. This upset alot of people I guess. Long story short. I get pulled in for inspection, but at least I'm out of the sun. This guy is hoping to find something, so I let him dig around in my dirty clothes bag and watch the grimace on his face appear as 2 weeks of nasty sweaty stink come pouring out. I almost laughed out loud. He didn't do that thorough of a job on the second one. But went through everything else. Almost 3500 miles through Mexico.
Holy crap dude. You said in words that I can't. Thanks so much for following along and ending this RR with your quote.
Good stuff, thanks for sharing! You say the language barrier bummed you out, do you think the Rosette Stone was worth it or would be with more time? I'm thinking about getting it myself as I have probably a year to go.
I know how he feels about the frustration, I found I could read it and understand it better than speak it but managed to get buy. Not hijacking the guy's RR but I tried RS and it wasn't working for me. the program I bought and liked is "Visual Spanish" here's a link to a free demo: http://www.spanishprograms.com/ and it's a lot cheaper than Rosetta Stone http://www.amazon.com/Visual-Link-Spanish-Level-V-4/dp/B0000C08KK Just saying........... Booger, glad your home, I am ready to head back down there is really so much more good than negatives down there Thanks for taking us along.
Not sure what I think about it, I did learn alot from it, but found it difficult to use do to the fact that there was no English to help you understand what is going on. I will try something else, most likely go to school. I'd really like to do a immersion class. The langauge was difficult. It was what I was looking for, to struggle abit. If I had a riding partner with me I probably wouldn't have gotten bummed out so bad, but then I most likely would have missed out on a great experience of the struggle. Thanks for reading the story.
Thanks for adding that link, I will be looking at it soon. And thanks for following along the whole time Idaho.
Really enjoyed your trip Booger------you tell a good story and I felt everything you felt. Thanks so much !!!! I wish I was a younger stronger guy like you---------I'm getting to where I can't pick up my 950 anymore so it has gone for sale. You had yourself in a real fix for a bit-------and I imagined that it was me----------I'd still be there----or at least my bones :huh:huh:huh:huh So much of Baja all tore up and deserted I keep hearing and seeing. I'm thinkin' it's time to go back. BigDog
Great report. Nothing like riding Mexico. And you really need to talk with your bank- they screwed you but good. To find the value of the old pesos, you basically lop three zeros off. So, those pesos are worth about 1 peso each. If that.
Thanks, your comments mean alot coming from you. If you find yourself down in Mexico agian, let me know, I'll help pick your bike up.
Well it took a week and half to get it straightened out, but they finally caved and gave me back full value. But they did let something slip. They had just fired a guy who may have been responsible for the bad money. Fortunately I still had the receipt and that's how they tracked down who was responsible.
Booger, My travels have taught me more Spanish than a beginners class....but having a bilingual person help is invaluable. The Latinos who are patient with me when I am south generally smile when I explain: "Si, hablo Espanol....pero sin verbos".................................. "Yes, I speak Spanish....but without verbs." I have never really studied my verb tables (lazy), but try to increase my vocabulary when I can. oser
Great RR Booger and thanks for sharing. Been there and 'felt' that and always had that feeling of was it me or the air but that is the sense of all travels off our "beaten path". In a few quick days you have a life time of memories. That is irreplacable. Would love to join if you venture south again for a multi day trip. Cheers mate. Michael
Great report Been down to Batopilas twice and that road sure is torn up since the last time I was there.
I enjoyed your RR very much! I guess the Cartel's are another reason not to ride at night. Glad you made it out in one piece. Thanks for sharing this with us. Later John