the
Seasoned Traveler edited by Don Mankin and Shannon Stowell is not a typical
walk in the park, not by a long shot. Instead, the anthology, published
by National Geographic, takes the reader from the frozen latitudes of
polar ice caps to the desert sands of Tunisia and most everywhere in
between to highlight adventures for the active traveler. Since no adventure
compendium would be complete without featuring the remote Sierra Madre
mountains, Joan Merrick, a contributor to Hulahula, reflects on her experience
touring Mexico’s Copper Canyon with The California Native.Merrick, a New Yorker now living in Alaska working as a nurse practitioner, is no stranger to adventure. Her work serving patients of fly-in villages along the Yukon River and Pribilof Islands is thrilling enough that vacations to the bottom of Copper Canyon are the only way she and her husband keep in step with this excitement. “I wanted a destination that offered more than just sand and sun and sweet alcoholic drinks with funny umbrellas,” writes Merrick in her essay. For Merrick, the escorted 11-day Ultimate Tour, guided by Jessica Jerman, proved to be this and much more: “The ride to the bottom of Copper Canyon was breathtaking.”
While safety is paramount on all California Native trips, the nature of travel in this rugged area of Mexico is known to be effective at raising the pulse. Descending approximately 5000 feet while traversing 40 miles of gravel roads is indeed a test of fortitude. However, clients tend to agree with Merrick, feeling vertigo is a small price to pay when they arrive at the town of Batopilas: “The town has 1500 people, one main street, a small sleepy town square, and a sprinkling of businesses, including a sandal maker who uses old tires for soles. A small store sells mango ices dusted with chili powder. The town was charming, a step back into the past and well worth a little discomfort and anxiety to get there.” It’s hard to tell these days, but the sleepy town of Batopilas was once the site of one of the largest silver-mining operation in the world, adding a rich history to this quaint village.
The flagstone of California Native Copper Canyon Adventures rests on the capabilities of guides who accompany guests on deluxe escorted tours. Guides enjoy sharing their knowledge of the area with clients. Many California Native guides have spent time working with charitable organizations in the area and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Tarahumara culture. Such is the case with Jessica Jerman, the 27 year old from Wisconsin who facilitated Merrick’s trip. Merrick remarks: “Through Jessica’s efforts, we had the good fortune to visit the home of a Tarahumara weaver. . . Jessica also arranged a dance and game demonstration and took us to the home of a violin maker. These are just two examples of the times during the trip that Jessica’s language skills and the goodwill that she and the company have built up over the years led to a unique experience.” These personal touches did not go unnoticed by Merrick, who was at first hesitant to group-style travel, but warmed to it when she realized she was in good hands: “These experiences convinced me of the advantages of visiting this area with a guide who has already established personal relationships with these very special people.”
Riding the Hulahula to the Arctic Ocean offers similar accounts from other traveler writers who, like Merrick, are more in their element when hiking the backcountry or interacting with an exotic culture.
The California Native prides itself in developing tours for the active traveler who enjoys creature comforts—even in the most remote locations.
Click Here for information on our Copper Canyon Tours.
