3. Parral and Durango
Day 16. The last two days were R&R in the Palace in Parral. We’ve got together with another traveller, Maarten. He already rode around South America and he is on his way home. I’ve got lots of invaluable intel from his route. What to do and what to avoid. Info like that is not in any guides. That’s why I was very keen to meet him. All worked out and we had a good time.
We went exploring Parral yesterday. We were trying to find the mining museum but failed. It was also 35˚C outside so we were not too motivated either. We ended up in the ice cream parlour again.
The next day Maarten was going north the way I just came and I will go south where Maarten just came from. Leisurely breakfast next morning then pack cup and go. I am getting better and better at packing and I can be ready to go within 45’ including shower.
Obligatory pics before departure and “an interview” for Maarten’s YT channel and we both were on our separate ways. It was nice to talk to somebody with the same mind set and same goals. At least that makes me feel I am not totally crazy.
The ride today was much better than previous days as it was not as hot despite the later departure. Rolling hills, few nice twisties, orchards, fields. It went by pretty quickly. 410 km all the way to Durango. I found the hotel Maarten recommended with no problem. I checked in and asked where can I park my bike. Right inside the lobby is fine, I’ve been told. Works for me! Rockstar parking, again. Check the pics, it is hilarious. But I am getting used to it. I have to remember not to do it in Canada 😂
Quick clean up in the hotel and off to explore Durango. The centre of the city was 15’ away. Very nice plaza with a big church. Pretty much standard in every Mexican town. Took some pics with my iPhone and walked up and down the main pedestrian street which was covered by 100s of umbrellas (check pics). Back to the hotel for some route planning for tomorrow. Then I took my Nikon and tripod for the spin through the evening city. Beautiful. It seemed that the whole city is out after the sunset, again. Lot if buskers and people mingling. A quick bite to eat, allegedly tacos but this time were totally different. I ate it anyway. Back to my hotel to do some editing and updating my blog. Internet is slow, so I am writing this to my notebook and post when able.
I’ got a text from Maarten, he made it to Texas. 46˚C. Crazy. It is “freezing” 20˚C in Durango …I’ll try to get off here early and I am going to Mazatlan. Pacific, here I come, I’ve been missing you.
Noches 🤙