Category Archives: Copper Canyon

Adventures Off The Beaten Track: Copper Canyon

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A couple of years ago, Don Mankin, an award-winning travel writer and adventure enthusiast (among many things), joined Journey Mexico for a pulse racing trip through the Copper Canyon. To our delight, Don published an article about his trip which ran in the Spring 2012 issue of Active Over 50. The article became award-winning and we would like to congratulate our friend Don for receiving the Gold Award in the ”50+ Travel and Travelers” category for print articles from the North American Travel Journalists Association.

photo by Alejandra Villalobos Palacio

Here is an except Zipping Over Copper Canyon, Mexico by Don Mankin:

 I’m scared of heights. So what the hell was I doing zipping across a 1,500 foot deep canyon on nothing more than a cable, some pulleys and assorted safety equipment? The adrenaline rush is part of it. I’m not too old for that but it was the views more than anything. As I soared faster than I have ever traveled before without mechanical propulsion, I had plenty of time to look at the maze of canyons below.

The Copper Canyon in northern Mexico is one of the biggest canyons in the world, even bigger than the Grand Canyon – 6,000 vs. 4,500 feet deep and four times the volume. The Copper is more vast than steep, made up of seven major and over 20 minor canyons rather than vertical walls plunging down to a single river at the bottom like the Grand.

It’s not only the scale and the views that make the Copper Canyon so attractive. It is also the home to the Tarahumara Indians, whose isolation in the rugged Canyon has produced many world famous long distance runners and a culture that is still relatively untouched by the modern world.

To read the entire article, you can download  it from Active of 50 here.

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Copper Canyon FAM Trip

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Once a year, Journey Mexico operates a FAM trip through The Copper Canyon to discover what might be Mexico’s most adventurous state. This year the 10 day FAM will cover both South Baja and The Copper Canyon over May 5th to May 14th.

The trip begins in Los Cabos, inspecting some of the most high-end hotels including One & Only Palmilla, Ventanas al Paraiso, Capella Pedregal and Esperanza Resort. A little beach and culture time come next with a stop off in the Pueblo Magico of Todos Santos before making our way to La Paz and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Isla Espiritu Santo.

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After 5 days in Baja California Sur, attendees will board a private plane to cross the Sea of Cortes and transfer over to The Copper Canyon, settling in another one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos, El Fuerte. The following days are full of adventure and discovery: a train ride on the world famous Chihuahua al Pacifico into the Sierra Madre Mountains, nature walks to a nearby waterfall, trips to breathtaking vantage points and incredible vistas of the canyon, cable car and zip-line excursions, visiting Creel (yet another Pueblo Magico), and hiking to Lake Arareko and Cusarare Waterfall.

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If you would like to join or would like more information, please e-mail Zachary at zach [@] journeymexico.com  Space is extremely limited so please advise interest ASAP.

2013 Mexico Travel Bucket List

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As we enter the new year of 2013 and a new era of the 14th baktun, it is time to start not only planning new adventures and travels — but also completing them! If you’re looking for the most exhilarating trips to add to your 2013 Travel Bucket List, Mexico has some of the best!

With a majority of Mexico’s destinations deemed safe for traveling and increasingly more tourists visiting, Mexico is back on the map for many international travelers. The world is starting to understand the message that not only does Mexico have incredible beaches and luxurious resorts, it also has a wealth of culture and vast offerings of nature and wildlife. Here are Mexico’s most invigorating experiences and destinations to add to your 2013 Travel Bucket List:

1) El Rosario Monarch Reserve
One of the most amazing natural phenomena in the world is the annual migration of the North American Monarch Butterfly. Arriving in late October, they travel up to three thousand miles to their warm wintering grounds in Michoacán, Mexico. The butterflies transform Michoacán’s El Rosario Reserve to vibrant shades of orange as they completely envelop the trees and cover the grounds–a truly spectacular sight to see.

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2) Chiapas
Inhabited with lush jungles, exotic native communities, colonial cities  and Mayan archeology, Chiapas is an incredibly diverse state in Mexico. The Sumidero Canyon, with its towering walls and exotic wildlife, is a popular attraction; but not to be missed are the radiating waterfalls of Misol-Ha and Agua Azul within the Lacondon Jungle. Other highlights include San Cristobal de las Casas, appointed one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns) which is an extreme contrast from San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, where indigenous customs and traditions are still very much present.AguaAzul

 

3) Xilitla & The Famous Gardens of Sir Edward James
Hidden in  state of San Luis Potosi, the Magical Town of Xilitla is known for its abundant vegetation and surrealism. Among Xilitla’s waterfalls, mountains and tropical rain forest is where an eccentric Englishman, Sir Edward James, decided to create his own fantasy world of surrealist inspiration. Towering concrete sculptures and fantastical figures create a dreamlike castle and gardens that await to be discovered.
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4) Isla Holbox &  Swimming With Whale Sharks 
Isla Holbox is beautiful island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula (close to Cancun) known for its white sand, crystal waters, and incredible sunsets. While beautiful to visit any time of the year, it is May through September when the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark, come to migrate. Growing over 40ft in length, they pose no threat to humans, which makes swimming with these giant creatures in the natural habitat a must-do for every adventurer.

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5) Copper Canyon
The largest canyon in North America, Copper Canyon is nearly four times the volume of the Grand Canyon found in the USA.  There are many adventure activities such as hiking, mountain biking  and wildlife viewing but the highlight of this region is the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico Train. Crossing numerous bridges and tunnels, the changing landscapes offer unbelievable photo opportunities.  Along the ride you can stop off to experience historic haciendas, visit the frontier mining outpost of Batopilas and learn about the indigenous Tarahumara traditional culture.Copper-Canyon-Bucket-List

The Copper Canyon – Tours of a Lifetime.

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Where is Copper Canyon and why is it considered a tour of a lifetime?

The Copper Canyon, or Barranca del Cobre in Spanish, is a system of canyons located in the (Sierra Tarahumara) southwest portion of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. It was formed some 40-80 million years ago and it covers about 28,000 sq. miles of amazing gorges and incredible ravines.

The Copper Canyon is located 350 km (217 miles) from Chihuahua and 250 km (150 miles) from Los Mochis, in the state of Sinaloa.  The Copper Canyon is almost four times the volume of the Grand Canyon and offers a multitude of hiking trips and other activities including mountain biking and white water rafting. Wildlife viewing includes many species of mammals, birds and reptiles.

Four of the main canyons in the area are:

  • Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon):  5,770 ft. deep
  • Barranca del Sinforosa: 5,904 ft. deep
  • Barranca del Batopilas:  6,002 ft. deep
  • Barranca del Urique: 6,136 ft. deep

The only way to reach this beautiful place from the city of Los Mochis is on an 8-hour train ride. From Chihuahua you can travel by train, car or bus.

If you take the train, you will make several stops that include Ciudad Cuahutemoc. This area thrives on the apple industry and is home to the largest Mennonite community in the country. Another stop is at Creel, a town in the Sierra Tarahumara. Divisadero is only 36 miles from Creel and it has the best known view of the 3 canyons together: Copper Canyon, Urique and Tararecua. Also nearby are the Basaseachic Falls, the second highest waterfall in Mexico with a drop of 246 meters (812 feet).  Adventure Park Copper Canyon, a national park, is the most popular attraction in the area and has the second largest zip line in the world.

The train route delivers wonderful viewpoints, valleys, cliffs and waterfalls, as well as dozen of tunnels and bridges.

Have we intrigued you enough with this wonderful area? Here are 5 amazing Copper Canyon tours that will sure take you on a tour of a lifetime.

Copper Canyon Railroad Adventure

This trip is ideal for travelers wanting to combine the world famous Chihuahua al Pacifico train journey from the Sea Cortes up into the Sierra Tarahumara, with visits to local towns and villages very much off the beaten path.

The rail journey whisks you over 36 bridges and through 87 tunnels along its 405 miles length. Explore the rugged paths down into the Batopilas Canyon, and hike through the beautiful Copper Canyon and La Bufa Canyon.

One of the highlights of this trip includes a visit to the small village of Satevo, about four miles from Batopilas. The “Lost Cathedral” of Satevo, sometimes referred to as “Templo de Nuestra Senora de Satevo,” is said to have been built in the early 1600.

Discover Baja and the Copper Canyon Tour

This adventurous trip is designed for those who wish to enjoy a number of different activities during their visit to Mexico. It runs for 17 days, and travelers will enjoy amazing hiking in the Copper Canyon; a spectacular train journey through the mountains; trips into the pristine Pacific whale lagoons for opportunities to see, photograph, and even touch friendly Gray whales; and a unique kayak trip through a incredible wilderness area in the Sea of Cortez. This trip is a classic adventure taking in three different areas of Northern Mexico. It is ideal for active travelers wanting to combine remote hiking and paddling in unforgettable wilderness settings and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities with visits to local villages and towns very much off the beaten path.

This trip includes the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad journey through the canyon. This train ride is a highlight in itself and this spectacular trip is a natural transition between the cold, arid canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara and the dazzling Sea of Cortez.

Copper Canyon Hiking Tour

Ideal for active travelers seeking adventure, this Copper Canyon hiking tour is a 9 day expedition through the canyons of Northern Mexico.

On this tour we’ll visit wild campsites near remote indigenous family compounds perched on canyon walls. Access to these sites is only available by mule and walking.

This tour also includes the spectacular train ride through the canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara.

Copper Canyon Semana Santa Trek

This unique 10 day trip is operated during the Semana Santa Holy Week.  We will delve into remote Tarahumara villages and experience the preparation and culmination of the processions, dances, and rituals that mark this incredible amalgam of native Raramuri creation myth and Catholic tradition in the High and Low Sierra Tarahumara.  Visits to logging outposts, frontier mining towns, and colonial cities are peppered with nights in traditional Tarahumara villages and rancherias.  Our rugged hike culminates in the town of Munerachi on the walls of the Batopilas Canyon, where we will participate in the most intense night of celebration in one of the most traditional Tarahumara villages.

Copper Canyon Discovery Tour

This trip is an excellent way to discover the beauty and excitement of the northern Mexico area. The highlight of this trip is the train-ride through the Copper Canyon, referred to as “The Train in the Sky”, and voted “Most Exciting Train Journey in the World.” Not only would you be able to explore this amazing canyon, but you would have the opportunity to experience the culture, traditions, and history of several colonial towns in Northern Mexico.

If you are looking for a truly unique vacation, the Copper Canyon might just be what you’re looking for.

Top Adventure Travel Trips in Mexico

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Adventure travel trips and tours in Mexico are one of our specialties at Journey Mexico. For those of you planning adventure vacations this summer, we’ve put together a list of our favorite adventure tours.

From pristine beaches and remote jungles to spectacular mountains, lakes and rivers – these travel adventures get to the heart of this grand destination: Mexico.

 

1)      Baja Multisport: Sea Kayaking and Hiking Trip

On this adventure trip you’ll visit both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez coastlines of Baja California, Mexico. Perfect for active travelers, it combines remote hiking and paddling in intact wilderness settings, plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities and visits to local villages.

This trip includes a full day Sea-Kayaking expedition in the Sea of Cortez. Experience the turquoise waters of the protected beaches of the Island of Espiritu Santo.  We will also visit the resident sea lion colony where you can opt to swim and snorkel with these marine mammals.

During our day hike, you will indulge in the seascapes of the rugged Pacific Coast of Southern Baja California. In this hike into the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere reserve you will also experience the beauty of cascading waterfalls in the stunning cactus forests.  A visit to the fishing village of Todos Santos and a day of surfing provides a taste of the old Baja.

2)      Chiapas Adventure Trip – Ziplines, Waterfalls, and Ruins

On this fabulous adventure trip to Chiapas, Mexico, you will zip line through the tree-tops of the jungles and mountains of the region. Take in the magnificent beauty of one of the area’s waterfalls, measuring over 100 feet in height, and swim in the refreshing water from the falls. This journey also includes a visit to the archaeological site of Palenque, an ancient Mayan city known as one of the greatest achievements of ancient man, and to San Cristobal de las Casas, a charming colonial city where you can converse with the indigenous people of San Juan Chamula and Zinacatan, and learn about their colorful ceramics and textiles.

 

3)      Swim With Whale Sharks and Visit Ancient Ruins Trip

This adventure trip to the Riviera Maya in Mexico, is perfect for wildlife lovers. One of the highlights of this adventure includes swimming and snorkeling with docile whale sharks (ranging from 10 to 65 feet in length) on a secluded island. After a few days of nature immersion, explore the ancient Mayan ruins at the world renowned Chichen Itza. Your private guide will explain the significance of this archeological site and the achievements of the Maya civilization. You will also have the chance to cool off in a beautiful sinkhole before enjoying a picturesque lunch nearby. Accommodations at the Isla Holbox (a tranquil island 3 hours from Cancun) are in a quaint eco-friendly hotel.

 

 

4)      Copper Canyon Hiking Trip – Lower Rio Urique Wilderness

The Copper Canyon hiking trip is an expedition style adventure where hikers follow the Urique River as it winds through the Mexican canyon. This tour offers stunning views, trails through narrow slot canyons and a crossing of the magnificent suspension bridge at Vado de la Cueva. You will also visit the native communities and the historic settlements of El Fuerte, Cerocahui, Creel, Chihuahua, and Batopilas.

A train journey on the world famous Chihuahua al Pacifico Mexican railroad offers a panoramic view of the amazing transition between the Sea of Cortez and the canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara.

 

5)      Mainland Mexico Surf Trip

This surfing adventure trip is 10 days of non-stop surfing combined with luxury accommodations to relax and recharge in the evening. On this trip you will stay in 2 magnificent villas right on the water. You will also go on exciting road trips on private SUVs and take a private fight to some of the region’s best kept secret surfing spots.

An expert guide will be with you providing insider access and a professional photographer will shoot video and photos of the adventure.

 

6)      Oaxaca Cycling Excursion

This exciting tour lets you experience a bike tour like you never have before. During this cycling excursion you will not only see great bike routes but you will also discover Oaxaca’s amazing culture, food, and natural beauty.

You will visit Teotitlan del Valle, where the world-famous, traditional, woven, wool blankets and rugs come from, as well as other remote villages with XVI century churches, old plazas and vibrant markets and galleries.  On this tour, you will also see Monte Alban – an archeological site from around 500BC.

 

7)      The Volcano Mountain Climbing Expedition

This adventure tour is 10 days of amazing mountain climbing. Explore two Mexican volcanoes: The Malinche volcano, named after the Indian lover and interpreter for Cortez , and the Iztaccihuatl, the 3rd largest in Mexico famous for its shape of a sleeping woman.

In addition to exploring the mountaintops, caves, and glaciers of central Mexico, you will also visit the charming towns of Puebla and Cholula outside of Mexico City.

This trip also includes a visit to Teotihucan, a world-famous archeological site, and the Basilica de Guadalupe. This Basilica is the 3rd most important religious center worldwide.

8)      Yucatan  Adventure

This adventure trip on the Riviera Maya takes you through the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and brings you to incredible archeological sites designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Celestun, Ex-balam and Sian Ka’an.

This ecotourism tour includes a visit to a local Maya family where age old traditions are still maintained. It also takes you to Tixkokob where locals still practice the age old tradition of Hammock weaving.

The Riviera Maya, with its turquoise waters and soft powder sand beaches awaits you.

 

We hope you embark soon on your adventure travel tour and discover the wonders that Mexico has to offer.

 

The True Meaning of Ecotourism – Helping the Tarahumaras Combat Food Shortages in the Copper Canyon

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Ecotourism is more than just a popular travel trend that involves roughing it in rudimentary accommodations with only the most basic amenities. The true beauty behind this travel option is that it provides you with the opportunity to help the local people improve their everyday lives. At Journey Mexico, one of our favorite causes is in beautiful Copper Canyon.

During our visits to this area, the local people have welcomed our staff and our guests with open arms. Now, these friendly communities are in need of our help. If you’d like to know more about the cause, here’s a little more information about this worthy project in which we participated in:

The Incredible Strength of the Tarahumara People

This region of Mexico is inhabited by native Indians called the Raramuris. This tribe is famous for being able to run for up to 60 miles through this mountainous region without rest and with little to protect their feet but a pair of sandals. In many cases, they make this arduous journey barefoot. Needless to say, this strong group of native Mexicans has become an inspiration to runners around the world and a symbol of strength and endurance to many others.

 

The Great Drought in the Sierra Tarahumara

Since just before the end of 2011, this area has been caught in the most severe drought of the past 70 years. This extreme dryness has caused their lakes to dry up and their crops to whither on the vine. In many case, these brave natives are suffering because they don’t have access to what most of us take for granted: adequate food and clean water.

The Mexican government declared a state of emergency across 37 different regions in Tarahumara on January 3, 2012. These officials believe that the current situation will get much worse before it improves. As a result, these communities will endure another year without enough food, water or fertile soil.

 

The Journey Mexico Initiative

To help these friendly people who have always welcomed our staff and our guests, Journey Mexico created an initiative to raise money to purchase supplies for seven remote villages affected by the drought. Many past guests of Journey Mexico that had hiked the area also donated funds for the cause. The funds were used to purchase and deliver food supplies and other necessities including potatoes, flour, beans, salt, sugar, coffee, powdered milk and water.

 

The American School Run-a-Thon

Once the news of the plight of the Sierra Tarahumara Villages reached the American School located in Puerto Vallarta, the Student Council decided to hold a Run-a-thon to raise additional money to help this worthy cause. On March 2, students from the pre-Kindergarten level through sixth grade ran in this race to raise money for the drought-stricken villages in Copper Canyon. This is a perfect example of how anyone can make a difference in the world through commitment and determination.

The All-Important Deliveries

In addition to raising the money to buy these much-needed supplies, the staff at Journey Mexico volunteered to spend their time procuring these necessities and transporting them to the remote villages. In some cases, traditional transportation couldn’t be used to reach these communities, and items had to be hiked in.

 

So far, food has been distributed to the communities of Mohotavo, Bajichi, Oteviachi, San Alonso and to other areas near these villages. In total, about 460 people benefited from the supplies we were able to procure, transport and distribute.

 

If you were able to contribute to help the native people of Copper Canyon, the team at Journey Mexico wishes to convey their deepest gratitude! We only wish that we had the right words to describe the sincere appreciation that the Raramuris have shown over the last few days.

 

Thank you, The Journey Mexico Team!

To read more about ecotourism in Mexico, read our blog about our top choices for eco-friendly hotels on the Pacific Coast.

 

The Journey Mexico ATWS FAM Trip to the Copper Canyon

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man taking photo of the copper canyon

Now that we’re less than two months away from this year’s Adventure Travel World Summit in Chiapas, Journey Mexico is excited to offer attendees our Pre-Summit Copper Canyon FAM Trip.

The Copper Canyon FAM will run from October 12th-16th and is free of charge for ATWS attendees! Trip members will explore the Sierra Madre Mountains on one of the greatest train adventures in the world, the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico! In addition to the train trip, adventure enthusiasts will have the opportunity to go zip lining, rappelling, rock climbing, and to marvel at the world’s longest cable car high above the canyon floor.

Trip members will be introduced to local communities of the Sierra Madre and have the chance to visit craft cooperatives and markets. Site-inspections of several iconic hotels and dinner at the finest restaurants in the region will also be a part of the experience.

For more information about the Copper Canyon FAM Trip, visit our Pre-Summit Adventure page here >>

 

Copper Canyon Train Trip Tops Lonely Planet List

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train trip in mexico

The Lonely Planet recently published an article called Riding the Rails: Classic Train Journeys of the World and guess which trip was at the top of the list – Mexico’s very own Copper Canyon Railroad Adventure!

The trip aboard Mexico’s first-class Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico train can be found on bucket lists worldwide – and for good reason. The train journey whisks you over 36 bridges and through 87 tunnels as it travels 655km in length, offering unforgettable views of the Copper Canyon. During the trip, travelers stop to visit the local people of small, remote towns in the Sierra Tarahumara mountains to experience their unique culture.

The luxury of the train is matched in Posada Barrancas, where passengers unwind at the gorgeous hotel Mirrador, the only hotel that offers sweeping views of the canyon from each and every room!

Reaching the town of Creel, adventurous travelers leave the luxury of the train behind to descend the rugged switchbacks into the depths of the Batopilas Canyon. Passing through La Bufa Canyons, adventurers take in the local wildlife, beautiful rivers & streams, and have the chance to explore historic mining outposts. Another highlight of the trip is a visit to the “Lost Cathedral of Satevo,” whose grandeur and magnitude attest to the importance of its town and the riches that it produced at the turn of the 20th century.

Though perhaps lesser known, the Copper Canyon Railroad Adventure undoubtedly desserves its ranking amongst the legendary train trips of the world. It’s nice to know that Lonely Planet agrees.

 

Journey Mexico Awarded National Geographic Tours of a Lifetime 2011

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National Geographic Tours of a Lifetime

Journey Mexico is proud to announce that our Copper Canyon Semana Santa Hiking Trip has been selected as one of National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s 2011 “50 Tours of a Lifetime,” and will be featured in the May/June 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler. The Copper Canyon Semana Santa Hiking Trip is the seasonal version of our classic, award winning Copper Canyon Hiking Tour, which runs several times each year.

The National Geographic team spends countless hours researching the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours across the globe before choosing their 50 Tours of a Lifetime list. “The outfitters we selected continue to find new ways travelers can connect with places and people,” notes senior editor Norie Quintos, who headed up the project. “More and more, it’s about human interaction.

National Geographic Traveler magazine has been surfacing the best tours and outfitters for travelers for the last six years, as part of the magazine’s mission “to propel readers out of their armchairs and into the field.”

Here’s what some of our recent travelers had to say about the Copper Canyon Semana Santa Hiking Trip:

“Urique Canyon was awesome. We would love to explore other regions in canyon system. We loved the hiking, camping, and trips to the Semana Santa celebrations. The trip was very well planned to minimize long car rides, and the train was fun. Our guide Alejandra was excellent with great connections in local towns. She was very professional, patient, and knowledgeable. Everything was wonderful. Great food, great accommodations, great experience!” – Jeanne Bennett

“We had spectacular scenery, great weather, and friendly and informative guides. All of our hotels had unique characteristics and the tour accommodated our varied interests. Alejandra was excellent. Very informative, helpful, flexible, and fun to be with. Our Copper Canyon Semana Santa Trip was a great adventure!” – Anonymous

“Our guide was terrific! She was very knowledgeable about a wide range of topics. Her expertise and thoughtfulness made our trip very enjoyable and fun.” – Penny McLeod

“Holy Week activities were especially enjoyable. I loved learning and seeing the local Indian culture. Campsites offered breathtaking views and Alejandra was always pleasant, friendly, and receptive to our input. She made guiding look easy.” – Barbara Berger