We call it Copper Canyon, but in Mexico this deepest canyon in North America is known as Barrancas del Cobre. The Spanish name is more appropriate in that it is plural, since the gorge is not just one but six different canyons. Some of the confusion is due to the remoteness of the area; a road was not even cut to the bottom until the mid-1970’s.

Urique, seen from the top of the canyon

Even today, getting to the bottom is so much of an adventure that most visitors settle for a view from the famous El Chepe train that runs alongside Urique Canyon, the largest of the six gorges. While the train provides a glimpse of life in Copper Canyon (Tarahumara Indians, wearing colorful native dress, ascend to the rim each day to sell their handicrafts to tourists), to really experience this unique world it is necessary to descend to the bottom, with the town of Urique being one of the more popular destinations. Read More »

Big Basin Redwoods State Park camp site

Camping in Big Basin Redwoods State Park is one of our favorite summer activities. Just an hour away from the Bay Area, Big Basin is truly a camping gem, with tall redwoods rising into the sky, providing shelter and a unique California camping experience.

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Designated as only one of two Federally Designated “Wild and Scenic Rivers,” Wekiva River in Wekiwa Springs State Park is a vast and incredible, nature-centered attraction. This central Florida park encompasses nearly every out-door activity in one location just outside Apopka, just 12 miles north of downtown Orlando. Guests are invited to canoe down the Wekiva River, hike through the natural park surroundings for an overnight adventure, and explore Wekiwa on horseback.

Wekiva River by Kayak, Florida

Crystal clear, 72ºF water, for which Wekiwa is famous, is ready to be explored with your snorkel, by canoe, or just wading in the River. Guests are able to rent canoes for the day or overnight from the park starting at just $35/day. Guided and self-guided tours begin at Canoe Beach Landing with many options depending on your party size or your length of visit. Overnight camping is available with or without all of your sleeping necessities provided. Read More »

When I first learned that Mazatlan’s lighthouse – el faro – is considered to be the highest lighthouse in the world, I was impressed. I did a quick calculation…hmmm, 157 meters high, that means it would be nearly 500 feet tall. Wow, I thought, that is tall, wondering why I hadn’t actually seen it. I figured that a tower that tall should be easily seen from anywhere in town, but just assumed it was hidden by one of the hills that I hadn’t yet made it around. Two days later, having walked almost the entire length of the oceanfront promenade  without spotting the lighthouse, I began to inquire as to its whereabouts.

Mazatlan's lighthouse sits atop the hill at the mouth of the harbor inlet

People kept pointing to the hill at the mouth of the harbor inlet, but no matter what angle I got on the hill, I still saw no evidence of a lighthouse. Eventually someone made me understand that the lighthouse sits on the peak of the hill, and that the claim of highest in the world refers to the elevation of the land it sits on rather than the height of the tower. I looked into the distance at the perfect cone-shaped hill; if I squinted I could just make out some sort of structure at the very peak. Read More »