I actually arrived home more than 24 hours ago, but was so exhausted from traveling (and so sleep-deprived) that I wasn’t prepared to post anything yet on Mastodon. Anyway, I caught up on my rest, took care of a mountain of laundry (after wearing the same clothes multiple times on the trip), went shopping to replenish the pantry and refrigerator, and now I’m ready to say a few words…
My journey was to Mexico, specifically to Mazatlán, in order to witness the recent total solar eclipse. I’d never seen one before in my life and figured this might be my last chance. I also chose to take a train trip through Mexico’s extraordinary las Barrancas del Cobre — aka Copper Canyon — with multiple overnight stops and hikes along the way.
Although I’ll admit to feeling some guilt about commercial air travel, given the obvious conflict with my passionate stance in favor of the climate and environment, I consoled myself with the knowledge that this was only the second time in six years I have flown anywhere. And while I was in Mexico, I deliberately took buses or trains whenever possible, avoiding extra flights.
Anyway, it was a wonderful trip.
The eclipse itself was nearly indescribable, since it is like nothing evolution has prepared us to see. I mean, the experience is completely outside the range of normal human expectations. To look up at the sky in midday and see the sun obliterated, blacked out by a disc in front of it… stunning. Shocking. Breathtaking. Spectacular. Unforgettable.
And Copper Canyon is also a wonder, a marvel. Of course in good conscience I can’t recommend leisure travel, but if you ever have legitimate reasons to be in Mexico and can fit that in as a side tour, it’s absolutely worth the time and the cost.
I’ll have much more to say on my usual topics over the next few days and weeks. Still catching up on everything that’s been going on in the world after being mostly out of touch for the last little while. That was quite a refreshing change, I must say. Soon, though, it’s back to work!
@breadandcircuses I had the chance to witness a total eclipse about 20 years ago and it is absolutely incredible. Really glad you saw it. My next chance is 2026, I think, and I intend to move heaven and earth to go with my family. I really want my children to experience one with me.
@breadandcircuses Sounds really great! Also, regarding the contradictions in one's life: I guess it's extremely difficult not to practice some contradictory actions. Catching a commercial plane for some trip? Yes, I've also done that even when having consciousness of the dreadful predicament we're in. I also drive a car (less and less, but I do), also eat meat from time to time (not often), buy some not really necessary tech stuff... I'm not "without sin", and at the same time I take conscious action, speak out... I'd even say it's healthy no to be too rigid. So I'm glad you gave yourself this trip and experience, and welcome back! 🙏
I think we all have to grant ourselves a few lapses in our climate efforts or we would just break.
I fly from Aust to the US once every two years to visit our son who lives there. While there are people hopping around the globe in their private jets for utterly selfish and frivolous reasons, I'm not willing to do without the universal, elemental joy of spending time with somebody so precious to me.
The idea that the way to fight climate change and other similar problems is through individual virtue is very pernicious. I'm not saying that everyone shouldn't be aware and do what they can, but the only way these problems get solved is through government regulation.
@breadandcircuses It's a strange thing to witness. I saw a big partial in 1999 while I was working in South Wales. I remember the grey, monochrome landscape and the birds falling silent.
@breadandcircuses Sounds like you had a great journey, including Copper Canyon. Did you get to venture down into it at all? Do the towns kids still meet the train and try to get travelers to stay at their hostels?
Copper Canyon is amazing! Visited briefly in 1989, hiked a side canyon, & found, but didn't take, a Tarahumara (?) trail that went straight up out of the canyon.
@MHowell I stayed at the top of the canyon, mostly, but did take several hikes along the rim and one day took a trail partway (but not all the way) down to the bottom. I'm told that the Tarahumara natives, many of whom live at or near the bottom, regularly climb all the way to the top to sell their hand-woven baskets and other wares. Their endurance at walking (and running) is legendary.
Oh, I also rode a long zip-line across part of the canyon -- wow, what an exhilarating thrill! -- then had to take a steep hike up to board an aerial tram back to my starting point. That was an awesome day.
@breadandcircuses That sounds fantastic - I was disappointed to have to cancel our trip to Torreón for the eclipse, but it sounds like most of the path through MX had a phenomenal experience...
@wcbdata Yeah, as I suggested in my post, there's no comparable experience to a total eclipse. I wish everyone could see that at least one time. And Mexico was the obvious choice for a great viewing point, since it's much less likely to be cloudy in most locations there.