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LloydEwing

Mar 16, 2009, 6:52 PM

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Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Where does one look for companions who want to travel in the style described in Peoples Guide to Mexico? I had expected that there might be a forum for the question on this web site, but I don't see it mentioned at all.

I don't enjoy traveling alone, probably because I am too much of an introvert to enjoy starting conversations with strangers. I am a single guy, age 55, and I don't have many bad habits.

Thanks very much!
Lloyd
(512)836-7893
Austin Texas

keith

Mar 16, 2009, 8:29 PM

Post #2 of 15 (4503 views)

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Re: [LloydEwing] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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You might try this site: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=39

On the other hand, people often arrive at our place by themselves and find someone else staying here to go hiking with, and I suspect this happens a lot if you are in the "back country" or at a jumping off place of some kind.

Hound Dog

Mar 17, 2009, 7:17 PM

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Re: [LloydEwing] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Well, Lloyd, I understand your quandary as I am also an introvert and the only beings I ever come on to forcefully are my sexual organ and my dog both of whom always respond positively and unquestionably to affectionate approach but I never cross either of them nor do I treat them disparagingly after having gained their confidence if you get my drift.

In the 1970s I married a woman who was and is an extrovert and that has provided me with the assurance I need to cope with a cruel world but before that I spent much time traveling alone about the world in my 20s and became somewhat acquainted with such places as Africa and India and Latin America and so forth in the 1960s when these places only attracted Peace Corps volunteers and politically naive food distribution saps and although I never traveled with anyone,not having the tolerance for other backpacking freaks besides myself, I had a great deal of fun going about discovering the third world and meeting others of like mind here and there and leaving them immediately upon their having gotten on my nerves and I still had an enormous amount of fun as only a loner can so if I were to give you any unsolicited advice it would be to forget joining up with another free spirit you may find intially entertaining but are sure to eventually find endlessly boring and insufferable or you will end up as I did leaving this loathesome creature at a lonely ferry stop with a once-a-week ferry boat to Zanzibar Island and as you leave this human flotsam with a cold beer in one hand and a local map in the other thinking happily of your soon to be accomplished arrival in Dar es Salaam you will wonder why the hell you ever sought companionship on the road in the first place.

Now, I would join you on your journey but I am previously committed so I can only say good luck to you.

Anonimo

Mar 18, 2009, 5:48 AM

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Re: [LloydEwing] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Some back country may have serious hazards such as dope growers or rebels, depending on where you wander.
All generalities are suspect, including this one.

Saludos,
Anonimo

cristalhombre

Mar 18, 2009, 10:50 AM

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Re: [Hound Dog] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Hound Dog you crack me up with your obtuse views and links to the topics.........please keep it up, as these forums are in desperate NEED of your poetic flair + commentary.

Now to Lloyd's dilemma.

I GET IT!!! I am always seeking the opportunity for a hike or some type of back country experience. I have used the Peoples Guide and Lonely Planet successfully to find such trails and local folks who can assist in this type of activity. Networking is critical. When I was in Oaxaca.........several years ago I found a bike shop and barista stand combo that offered a three day mountain bike tour around rural areas. They provided the bikes and essentially everything needed as an ecotourist. We were in home-stay situations in some very remote areas. That was an amazing trip and before my Spanish was very well developed..... I found the Lonely Planet guide the best to link these opportunities - make sure you have a current edition which you can down-load for a specific region. The books seem to be well updated, as options in Mexico change quickly. If you are interested in a more organized group tour + program.......REI, Backroads, and other eco-tourism programs are plentiful.

The hillsides behind Ajijic have numerous trails for day hikes......challenging hikes too. There is a group in Ajijic that meets weekly for a new hike each Monday.... ( I think it's Monday??) My wife and I tend to go off on our own, but we always meet others on the trails enjoying the views and physical "push" of a good hike.

A year ago while in Guatemala, I found a group of mostly Europeans that were organizing an outting with the help of a local eco-tourist fellow, a trip near Panajachel (Lake Atitlan). I was out of time on that trip, but I did get photos and trip log from one of the hikers. Very immpressive and CHEAP CHEAP!!

Anyway these trips are available, but I would suggest that you search some other websites.....Lonely Planet - Thorn Tree and others, I don't think MexConnect is your best bet.

Happy Trails

"NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST...."

LloydEwing

Mar 18, 2009, 10:09 PM

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Re: [cristalhombre] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Thanks very much. Those are good suggestions and I will look into them. I may have just as much success asking on the local Craigslist, and I will also try that.

Travel in the Peoples Guide style is not so much about back packing as it is about traveling like the Mexicans, living like them, and living with them. You go at a more leisurely pace and if you find a nice spot you just might stay for a week or a month or two. The Peoples Guide is more about the people you meet than the places you see. The goal is to get away from the places where tourists would normally go and meet people who may never have seen a gringo before. If you are willing to travel and live like the Mexicans you can do it very cheaply, by our standards in the USA.

Actually the reason I was asking here is that the Peoples Guide to Mexico website refers their readers to this message board. Most of the the people who traveled in the Peoples Guide style were probably the old hippies of the late 1960's. Sadly, that generation is getting older. Many of them probably do not enjoy travel or are not able to travel like they did when they were younger. (A wise uncle pointed out to me that one wouldn't want to have a heart attack in a rural area of Mexico.)

Keith's post is especially interesting, and I looked in his user profile but it doesn't say where he is located. I wonder if it might be the the kind of "jumping off" place he is talking about?

Thanks very much,
Lloyd

Ed and Fran

Mar 19, 2009, 6:09 AM

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Re: [LloydEwing] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Keith's post is especially interesting, and I looked in his user profile but it doesn't say where he is located. I wonder if it might be the the kind of "jumping off" place he is talking about?

http://home.comcast.net/~ramsay52/

Rolly

Mar 19, 2009, 7:26 AM

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Re: [LloydEwing] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Carron

Mar 19, 2009, 8:26 AM

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Re: [LloydEwing] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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We started visiting Mexico almost 40 years ago and began planning to retire here not much thereafter. We have lived in Mexico now for 11 years.

Our Bible was The People's Guide. The early editions were much more free-flowing and fun (IMHO) than the recent ones. I am sorry we traded ours in for a newer one. Over the years we have brewed many a batch of pretty potent tepache based on Carl and Lorena's recipe. Is it still included??

I am sure youth has its advantages. But we live a fairly connected to the land/rural lifestyle. From Tapachula, Chiapas, in the south to Cd. Acuna, Coahuila, in the north we have had some fine adventures. And even though we are in our middle 60's and do not hike or bike or even ride our horses, we expect our adventures to continue.

You are right to do your homework. The results should be satisfying. One of the glories of the Mexican experience is that (1) there is an amazing diversity in this country that should satisfy anyone's fancy--you just have to look a bit, and (2) your dream will be affordable.

cristalhombre

Mar 19, 2009, 9:41 AM

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Re: [LloydEwing] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Lloyd

Here is a trip outline below for a Sierre Madre Trek with "Wilderness Inquiry". Just an example of an alternative program that might be perfect for you. My wife and I have participated in a couple programs like this as we have traveled about. One HUGE benefit of a group that would be interested in such a trip is you get "folks" with shared values.......that's a big deal for me. REI had a trek trip in the Sierre Madres in the past, but I don't find it posted any longer. I don't know your budget or intended destination, but this might be a good start for exploring MX.

Bien viaje amigo...................

Join WI on a trip to Copper Canyon, a unique and diverse place that offers a fascinating combination of great natural beauty and interesting human history. Board the world-renowned Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad at El Fuerte and explore the best of this wilderness: six massive canyons, four times larger than the Grand Canyon. Cross 36 major bridges, pass through 87 tunnels, and gain 8000 feet of elevation in the Sierra Madres. Get off the train and descend into the canyon town of Batopilas to get an up-close view few people experience. Hike to the "lost" cathedral and ride a burro to a remote pueblo. Investigate the fascinating culture of the indigenous Raramuri people, and see the effects of missionaries, industrialists, and revolutionaries on the Copper Canyon area. Sample Itinerary
DAY 1: Fly into Los Mochis Federal Airport and meet your group in the evening at the Santa Anita Hotel. Discuss the trip with your guides and new traveling companions over dinner.

DAY 2: Shuttle to the historic Spanish colonial village of El Fuerte in the morning. See the village from on a river boat tour and experience your own Mexican-style welcoming fiesta at a beautiful hotel.

DAY 3: Board the Chihuahua-Pacific Railroad in the early morning. Leave El Fuerte and begin the steep climb to 6,000 feet. This is not only a beautiful ride, but one of the engineering marvels of the world. Sit on the right side of the train for views of the canyon to the south. You will reach Divisadero station by mid-afternoon and get off the train for a hotel room perched right on the edge of the canyon. Here you'll meet Tarahumara vendors selling baskets and other traditional crafts.

DAY 4: The train leaves Divisidero for Creel around noon. Arrive in Creel mid-afternoon and check into your lodging. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the town and the crafts of the Tarahumara Indians. Get ready for the big descent the following day.

DAY 5: Take the dramatic descent to the bottom of the canyon to Batopilas, truly one of the most scenic and exciting drives on the planet. An old mining town nestled between a river and a canyon, Batopilas will serve as a base for further exploration. You will stay in a beautiful "Casa" near the town plaza. Visiting Batopilas is a bit like traveling back through time. Look at the slide show of this trip to see what we mean.

DAY 6: In the morning, take a shuttle and hike along the river to the "lost cathedral" of Satevo, built by the Jesuits two centuries ago to save local souls. In the afternoon, visit the Shephard mansion ruin, the remnants of a large silver mining operation owned by a renegade American who, in a former life, was the mayor of Washington DC!

DAY 7: Saddle up to ride burros to a remote pueblo called Cerro Colorado. Stop and have lunch along the river, swim in crystal clear water, and soak up the beauty of the area. Look for the abandoned gold mine at the base of Cerro Colorado and have a soda in this little village. This is real Mexico!

DAY 8: Early in the morning you'll begin the six-hour ascent to the top of the canyon, stopping for breakfast burritos in the very small pueblo of La Bufa. Once back in Creel, check into Creel Lodge and continue your exploration of the sights.

DAY 9: Spend the morning in Creel and then travel by van to Chihuahua City. Arrive in Chihuahua City in the afternoon. Visit the Revolutionary Museum, Pancho Villa's last residence, a fine arts museum, and the cathedral square. Enjoy a last banquet in Mexico with your new friends.

DAY 10: Pack up for your departure in the morning. Transfer to the Chihuahua Airport for the flight home. Travel, Terrain, Etc...
TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: This is a more traditional touring style adventure than many of Wilderness Inquiry's trips. You'll travel by a variety of means, including train, bus, mule, and foot. Hikes will be a few hours in length. The mule ride is an all day affair, but you will stop and get off several times for breaks.

WEATHER: Temperatures during this season range from the 30s to the 80s. This area should be quite dry, but it is wise to plan for rainy days and pack accordingly.

LODGING/BATHROOM FACILITIES: You will be staying in hotels and villas or lodges. Bathroom facilities will be flush toilets. Showers are available at all of the accommodations. Most lodging will be on the first floor and relatively accessible, however certain amenities commonly found in the United States may be lacking (such as grab bars in rest rooms to assist persons with disabilities). All rooms are double occupancy.

GROUP SIZE: The group size will be approximately 10-12 participants, plus 1 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: If you are new to outdoor activities, you need not spend a lot of money on gear. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to complete this trip. If you use a wheelchair, expect less accessible trails and accommodations than you may be accustomed to in the United States.

"NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST...."

Hound Dog

Mar 19, 2009, 3:16 PM

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Re: [cristalhombre] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Lloyd:

Never commit to go to a place where anyone spells out your intinerary in terms of "Day one and Day two and Day three and Day ad nauseum" and stoops to tell you you will experience this or that extraordinary vista after riding over this or that extraordinary road through this or that extraordinary canyon looking out at this or that unbelievable and indescribable volcano because the person who agrees, for a price, to always help you find the Emerald city is always in search of their own Emerald city not the one you are looking for in vain and that Emerald City can be at the top or the bottom of the Copper Canyon or the forever green fields of the Chiapas forest or the fry cook´s bailiwick in McDonalds or the place they process turds to make your drinking water appear palatable and if you find the keys to this kingdom you will have been the first person on this earth to have done so.

(This post was edited by DavidMcL on Mar 19, 2009, 3:36 PM)

Hound Dog

Mar 19, 2009, 3:46 PM

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Re: [LloydEwing] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Is this reply taken.

wendy devlin

Mar 20, 2009, 2:31 PM

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Re: [Hound Dog] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Take it, Hound Dog. You don't 'do' tours.

Have never taken a tour or 'cruise', myself. However. Never say never, either.

If the Op was to explore a part of Mexico, first via the internet, that interests him.
Make some enquiries, arrange a few contacts with people, prior to arrival.
Be flexible. Friendly. Chances are he'll make some travel companions, the informal way.

Always. Works for me.

jerezano

Mar 22, 2009, 8:48 PM

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Re: [wendy devlin] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Hello,

Instead of driving to where he is going and looking for a companion, take a bus. Preferably a second class bus. He will meet lots of interesting people who will describe lots of back country places. He will meet a lot of people who will go with him if not too far out of their way.

If he wants to do what Mexicans do he has two choices. Either take the luxury tours or go cheapie. Our middle class likes to hoard money and then go luxury. Our working class uses buses and does what is within a limited budget. I remember one Mexican friend and his wife traveling round trip bus all the way across Mexico from the Gulf coast to Mazatlán, and not having enough money to stay at a hotel, slept on the beach. Said it was one of the best vacations they had ever had. All enjoy life much more than we foreigners do.

I have a senior gringo friend now touring Nicaraugua (after many visits here in Mexico) who has been taken places by oldsters, youngsters, and kids. He just wangled an all day expedition to an off the road interesting local area and an orchid farm. How? By buying a gallon of paint and painting his cheap hotel room which was badly in need of it. An uncle of the grateful owner showed up and offered the trip which has as a reason a visit to his farms near there to do some needed chores, and then off on the expedition. Living like the local people! In this visit he has had a private tour of a cigar making place (not able to call it a factory since everything was by hand), other similar visits and he has just sent me pictures of a one-man shop where the owner was taking mustard and sealing it into 1 ounce packets to supply places like Burger King and local "pulperías". This last started when he went looking for an advertised Subway which he soon found out had closed a while back. Nothing canned here. Nothing even smelling like tour packages. Nothing the ordinary tourist would ever encounter. He travels by bus. He talks to the people even though his Spanish is rudimentary. Only thing not local is when he entered Nicaragua by air. Never seems to lack companions to go with him.

One of the interesting things about Mexico is that any normal Mexican will talk to any other Mexican within hearing range. No introductions necessary. No worry about what to say. No worry about being politically correct. And many treat us gringos the same way. Particularly if we can speak just a bit or more of Spanish. I just came back from an all day día de campo with a Mexican couple to a balneario . While there a family which had finished using one of the available portable grills offered us the one they were using complete with burning charcoal. They even carried it over to where we were. We didn't need to look for an unused grill, start a fire, pile on charcoal or anything else. Naturally this started a short chat and after eating the wife went over and spent an hour with the family while her husband and I talked about everything from the US changing policy toward illegal immigrants to why Americans insist on calling ourselves Americans while not admitting that Mexicans, Peruvians, Colombians, in fact some millions of other Americans, have the same right to do so.

None of us need to search for companions to go out back. Just go out back and enjoy the people.

jerezano.

(This post was edited by jerezano on Mar 22, 2009, 8:53 PM)

Hound Dog

Mar 23, 2009, 3:13 PM

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Re: [wendy devlin] Where to Find Friends for Travel in Back Country

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Take it, Hound Dog. You don't 'do' tours.

Well, not often Wendy I guess because I feel trapped when subjected to someone else´s itinerary and requisite lunches at Uncle Juan´s taco joint. The most recent guided tour we took was a city tour of Puebla because we had a severely limited time on our first visit there. When the tour guide informed us incorrectly that a particular sculpture in that city was the ugliest in Mexico thereby proving he had never seen the sculpture I call the McDonalds arch on Lazaro Cárdenas in Guadalajara I swore that was it for guided tours.

When we travel we prefer a combination of public transportation and private automobile although I can see the value of the Copper Canyon tour or some tours in the Lacandon Jungle in Chiapas where private transportation is not always a practical option for all legs of a journey. Since we live at both Lake Chapala and in Chiapas´ Jovel Valley, we normally drive between these two places on the most direct route from Lake Chapala to San Cristóbal. That would be the route from Chapala to Ocotlan to Mexico City to Puebla to Veracruz State to Tuxtla Gutierrez and up the mountain to San Cristóbal. This time we are planning to drive from San Cristóbal to Tapachula and up the Tierra Caliente to Tonalá, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and on to various points along the Oaxaca Coast and on to Lazaro Cárdenas on the Michoacan Coast, Uruapan and on to Lake Chapala. We will relate this adventure here if the trip is as pleasant as we expect it to be.

For most tours of Chiapas, we prefer to take our personal automobile although my wife likes to take collectivos, which are locally very popular, when she is alone. She will probably take a combination of collectivos and "chicken" buses to Toniná (outside of Ocosingo) and Palenque before we leave for the lake but to each his/her own I say. Been to those places - done that.