Copper Canyon to Hidalgo del Parral

Exciting, exhilerating and white knuckle day. It was a big with all the riding. The canyon was more than I expected. At one stage I didn´t see anyone else for about an hour. The place was empty except for me.

It was my intention to camp in the canyon for a couple of days but.... I couldn´t help but think about what John Kiely would have thought. It is a bush walkers and photgraphers paradise. Also would have been interesting to see Mick Rentsch throw the bike around. Grandpa Stanley just took his time.

There are a lot of signs to Indian Misssions. Apparently the Catholic Church is doing a good job with them. Saw a few and was hoping to take photos but the were very shy and not socialable at all. Suppose they have been abused for years and they would be more forthcoming once they had a chance to assess my intentions.

Reached the township of Hilalgo De Parral. The towns are like rabbit warrens and it took me a while to get the centre. The centre is usually where a plaza is situated. Got a room in a hotel right next to the plaza.



Seventeen dollars for the room. The fittings are old and the rooms could do with bit of a touch up but for the price.

Found a restaurant that looked decent and stared dumbly at the menu. Roberto the waiter spoke better english than I do. Real keen on America and thought I was American until I told him otherwise. He brought me a heap of food and then gave me the bill that I knew was wrong but he insisted was right. Must have been half price night.

Walked the streets looking at the shops that stay open late everynight. They close for a few hours over lunch.
Jason, my son, has always wanted a pair of crocodile boots. They had them together with ostrich and snake. No where to put them mate. Most are bit over the top but some were nice. This is ranch, horse and cattle country. Huge leather industry here. Churchs everywhere and the people are practicing catholics.