The Drrons shoot a killer and other delights.

[drron]

Dinner that night a vegetable ragout followed by a rack of lamb the way I like it.

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Mrsdrron doesn't like it like that so seafood for her.

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Desserts.

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[drron]

The next morning it is Isla San Jose and an early morning zodiac cruise.

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The ship was anchored in sight of the Baja peninsula for the first time.

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But we were headed for this lagoon but by a totally different route and scenery than any previous zodiac cruise.

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[drron]

Different birds.

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The lagoon is just behind that sandbar but we are going the long way.

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And the big difference-mangroves.Unusual in this neck of the woods.

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So lots of fish species as well as a few species of rays.And birds.

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Then into the lagoon.

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[drron]

It was quite stunning especially with the early morning light.We were on the first group.The next group thought the glare detracted from the experience.

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Back to the Explorer with Baja in the background.

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We moved close to a group of rocks where there was deep water snorkelling with sea lions.We were told a very strong current so as I had experienced this in the Galapagos I passed.Right decision.Those that had never snorkelled with sea lions thought it was wonderful but those who also had done it in the Galapagos thought it much inferior with the experience also ruined by aggressive other passengers.

 

[drron]

After lunch it was off to Isla San Francisco.

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.The scout boat is off.

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We are not alone.

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After the initial sand dune there is a large salt pan to cover before hitting the rocky part of the island.

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I am off by myself looking for little things on the ground.

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[drron]

A lot of things look dead.

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Even things obviously alive are rather gaunt.

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But occasionally some beauty.

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When there are flowers there are birds.This bird decided to stay and pose.

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[drron]

But I was looking for smaller things.

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This is what they looked like from eye level.

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More cacti.

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Not to forget the rocks.

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There was a lizard in the last photo but he off.

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[drron]

Another small thing noticed on the dunes as we wind our way back to the zodiacs.

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A new arrival.Not all Mexicans are poor.

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Sunset from the restaurant.

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The first courses that night.

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To busy with the sunset and conversation to remember to take further courses.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

OK I've got you two Sussed!

You enjoy food on the rocks, with a garnish of bird!

In all seriousness though, I'm thoroughly enjoying this exposé of Mars. I think it's a trip I'd enjoy!

 

[drron]

Early next morning we are in Topolobambo ready for an 0530 departure for the copper canyon trip.Looking forward to this.

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We are at the El Fuerte station well before the due time of 0800 for El chepe.

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We were given a ham and cheese burrito on arrival.One bite was enough.The undernourished dogs roaming the station probably had their best meal in years.
0840 and El Chepe approaches.

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It had been a 2 hour bus trip and just over an hour waiting at the station and now a 6 hour train trip.However most of us were anticipating a great experience so we were undaunted.there were just over 120 in the Silverseas group so we had the first 2 carriages to ourselves.

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The station is well outside the city of El Fuerte and the surrounds are not salubrious.

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The first part of the trip is through flat lands with a few cacti.

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[drron]

Turkey vultures used the taller cacti as viewing platforms.

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There needs to be a Clean Up Mexico campaign.

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Then into the foothills of the Sierra Madre.

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There is a small viewing area at the front of each carriage.A good view of the loco.

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The line is starting to rise.

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[drron]

I keep a close eye on the track.

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We reach the El fuerte river.Six rivers drain into this river and each forms a canyon.The Copper Canyon is just one of these.

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The little town and a stop at their station.The train is a local train as well as a tourist train.

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The river is dammed here.

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[drron]

The dam went for miles.

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Even a former town exposed by the low water levels.
The dam extends up the canyons.

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[drron]

A farmer takes advantage of the lower water level.

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Slowly working our way higher.

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As you get higher the vegetation changes.

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[drron]

In places the line winds back on itself so you can see where you are going-

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and where you have been.

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[juddles]

Great photos drron Love them.

 

[drron]

Thanks juddles.A lot more to come!
In most cuttings plants are growing virtually on the stones.

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The country is becoming much more interesting.

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[drron]

Levelling off and seeing more signs of habitation.farmhouses often with rock walls.

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Rough roads and a pipeline-the wide area.

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And a few towns.

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Wonder what this fellow is thinking?

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[drron]

We reached the last station before we were to get off.It is where the trains change crews.We were now over an hour late.The train coming the other way was on time so we passed here.That brought out the basket sellers.

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[drron]

It really made me feel safe that our carriage had stopped next to this tanker when I read it had passed a safety check......in august 2000.

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Some different rocks up here.

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And glimpses of a canyon.

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We did try to join the selfie phenomenon but with cameras and no selfie stick.

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