Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 73

Sights to See: Jesuit missions, Creel, Mexico

Jesuit missions  Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, these missions played an important role in the development of the Tarahumara (they refer to themselves as Raramuri) Indian communities, which still exist here today.  The many missions are spread out, so a guided tour can be efficient.
●Mision Jesuita Santo Cinco Señores de Cusarare  Located in the central zone of Parque Barrancas, off the Guachochi Highway, about 15 miles from Creel.  This is one of the region’s oldest missions, and many Tarahumara celebrations take place here.  The original architecture of the church is intact, and the interior is adorned with Tarahumara paintings.
●Mision de San Ignacio Arareko  Located in the northern part of the park, in the middle of the San Ignacio Arareko commons, about 3 miles south of Creel.  Built with a limestone base, this simple church resembles the other missions.  Objects used by the Tarahumaras for Holy Week celebrations are displayed. 





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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Valley of the Mushrooms, Creel, Mexico

Valley of the Mushrooms/Valle de Ongos  Located in Parque Natural Barrancas del Cobre, this area is named for a group of colossal mushroom-shaped rocks found here.  The rock formations where sculpted by erosion of the volcanic and sedimentary rock layers, producing some intriguing and precariously balanced rocks.  It reminds me of a Salvador Dali painting.



More places around the Copper Canyon.



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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Valley of the Mushrooms, Mexico

Valley of the Mushrooms/Valle de Ongos  Located in Parque Natural Barrancas del Cobre, this area is named for a group of colossal mushroom-shaped rocks found here.  The rock formations where sculpted by erosion of the volcanic and sedimentary rock layers, producing some intriguing and precariously balanced rocks.  It reminds me of a Salvador Dali painting.



More places around the Copper Canyon.



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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Creel, Mexico

A tour to this area usually includes the small lumber town of Creel, where colorfully dressed Indians hang out on the side of the road.  Arareko Lake, the Valley of the Mushrooms where you will see intriguing namesake rock formations, the old Jesuit San Ignacio Mission, and the cave homes where the Tarahumara Indians live are also usually visited.  This town was named a Pueblo Magico by the Federal Tourism Ministry in 2009.


More places around the Copper Canyon.



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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: El Fuerte, Mexico

Walking Tour of El Fuerte  Start at the historical mansion that is now the Hotel Posada del Hidalgo.  Then visit the the 18th-century Spanish church, the municipal palace, the colonial main plaza, the Fort Museum, and various old mansions.
●Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, a Jesuit mission, has secret underground tunnels radiating out.  A secret song once played from the church tower to alert revolutionaries to come to the church to, literally, be saved by hiding in the tunnels. 
●Central Plaza has a beautiful garden with three kinds of palms, including tall, tall Royal Palms.  The central gazebo was made in Mazatlan in 1903.  Sunday is the big night for strolling with music.  On other days, instead of strolling around the park, girls gather in clutches on benches and boys drive big trucks and cars blasting music. 


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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Things to Do: El Fuerte, Mexico

Birdwatchers River Raft Float  Board ultra-safe and dry eight-person river rafts for a quiet cruise down the town’s river, where you will see wild life, birds, and tropical plants.  This organized trip includes a short walk to petroglyphs and from the river back to town.  Life vests, cool bottled water, and transfer to the dock are provided.



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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Misc.: Copper Canyon, Mexico

Copper Canyon tour companies:
●Canyon Travel  (800) 843-1060, (830) 885-2000.  Some trips include stays at eco-lodges that host only guests of Canyon Travel.  Lodges operate on solar power, are staffed with bi-lingual natives, and are located on land closed to other commercial development.  This company uses beautiful small lodges in the canyons and in El Fuerte and has talented local guides.

●The California Native  800-926-1140.

●Sanborn Tours  This company is known for good value. 

Sights to See: El Fuerte, Mexico

Founded in 1564 and at 8,000-foot altitude, El Fuerte is typical northern Sinaloa town.  The Legend of El Zorro originated here.  Diego de la Vega--the man who named himself protector of the poor after a trip to California--was born and raised here.  El Fuerte is the kind of town where folks gather at dusk in their yards to talk while roosters crow and dogs bark.  It has a kind of old-time ‘50s-style that I remember from the Southern California suburbs in the U.S.  The town was named a Pueblo Magico by the Federal Tourism Ministry in 2009 (designated towns are usually small and boast considerable charm)



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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Misc.: Carole Terwilliger Meyers is interviewed by Johnny Jet

Johnny Jet interviews me!

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image c2013 Alison Wright 

Good Eats: Balaboosta, NYC

Balaboosta  214 Mulberry St., (212) 966-7366.  This very popular, cozy spot serves the yummiest Israeli cuisine.  Don’t miss the eggplant bruchetta, hummus, and fried cauliflower.



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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers