Back in the USA

We had a wonderful time in Mexico. We are taking an extra day here at the Best Western Suites at DFW to do laundry and re-coup. Our days on the National Geographic ship, Sea Bird, exploring the Sea of Cortez were expecially interesting. Dad/Grandpa took the strenuous hikes while I took the leisurely or moderate walks. We also briefly kayaked and snorkeled. Each island stop was different. Santa Catalina has beautiful cactus forests of Cardon cactus, tall with groups of colums pointing to the sky. Also Giant Barrel cactus, fat and tall. This island is the only place they grow! At another island there were barking Sea Lions and many, many birds. We circled in Zodiacs which was fun. Some people swam with the Sea Lions but I chose not to! That evening on another island we had a beach barbeque: salmon from the grill and other good things and then around the campfire they brought out somemore fixings, delicious. Sky watching away from the fire was magnificent, even better than at the hunting cabin! The leader had a lazer especially for sky watching which was very powerful and pointed out stars with ease. I could also lay on my bed and look out at the awesome sky during the night. Food was especially delicious three times a day with fruits and nuts available between meals. You will probably notice we are a few pounds heavier!!!

The train trip to Copper Canyon was very scenic. At 8,500 feet it was cold! The canyon has more vegetation than the Grand Canyon so it looks very green. It is beautiful. We took a bus to view points along the rim and we chose to walk back to the hotel. The Mirador hotel clings to the side of the cliff, every room has a balcony hanging over the canyon! Magnificent sunrise and sunsets.
We also went to a Tarahumana Indian village. Such a simple lifestyle--I wondered what they would think walking through our home as we walked through their two room home. There is a clinic where we delivered medical supplies paid for by a previous Elderhostel group and a boarding school through grade 6. The classroom I looked at was very simple. I wished I could give them my school desk that's in the basement! They were clean and happy and the women and girls weave simply beautiful baskets of all sizes. The children are delightful. This was another excellent Elderhostel (the new name is Exploritas). I have a few good photos that you will see sometime, if you wish.

I'm glad motels have computers and cell phones so we can keep in touch. We've only been gone 2 weeks and miss you but are looking forward to seeing the Grants. Love, Mother/Grandma