© Wilson the other press e Wilson February 18, 2004 one for my companion who sits as peace- fully as me smoking a cigarette. Its hard to imagine that we are here, more than two kilometres down in the worlds largest and deepest canyon. The sun is already setting and casts a eerie red hue on the cliff faces that surround the town. After ten hours, four different rides, and a mild bought of motion sickness, my four companions and I arrived to the town of Batopilas, with a population 900, in the deepest reaches of the Barancas del Cobre or Copper Canyon of Northern Mexico...But let me back up a ways. The morning sun shines powerfully through the windows of the Casa Margarita Guest house in the mountain town of Creel 105 km northeast from Los Mochis through at least 50 different tunnels and 15 bridges and the most stunning scenery and climbs to the town of Creel at 2800 m above sea level. After participating in the beer and traveler scene for a couple of nights, enjoying some of the incredible lunar-like rock formations, and a suffocating amount of indigenous handicrafts, my companions and I decide to thumb a ride the 105 km journey to the legendary town of Batopilas. 105 kms—we figured a few hours. Locals suggest we leave ourselves six but it turns out everyone was wrong. Now, hitch-hiking with one or two people poses no real problems, especially in this area of Mexico. However, the five the desert lowlands outside the town of rettes and plinking away on a banjo. The first truck by stops and we all climb into the rusted bed and then we are off in a cloud of blue smoke. Eight kilometers later the truck stops and lets us off, the driver insisting that he is not going any farther (although we see him continue in our direction) and that another ride will be no problem. Our next ride, lying on our stomachs on the back of a flatbed truck traveling at 80 km/hour is a terrifying episode as our lower bodies slide back and forth with each tight corner. At an abandoned ranch, now 25 kms from Creel we are let off again. Its already been an hour and a half. Two hours worth of cards in the late morning sun pass the time until...A small white pickup, with two men inside and one in the back, stop for us. Between the Horoscopes Miss Tarantula Time OP Contributor Attention: The following horo- scopes should act as a guide for you to live your week by. Please note that these are completely fictional- ized, and should be taken as serious- ly as any other horoscopes. Aquarius January 20-February 18 A wise person once said, “Singing is the best medicine,” or something along those lines. Anyway, this is true for you, especially on February 20. Try the song that’s named after your sign (Age of Aquarius) and attempt to incorporate even more wailing than the original one has. Ir'll be difficult, but stretch out the notes and you'll free your mind. Pisces February 19-March 20 You know that feeling of paranoia when youre walking down the hall and you're sure someone is watching you, but when you turn around there’s nobody there? Well this week someone is watching you. It might be your true love, but it could also be an enemy. Made any lately? If so, watch your back. Aries March 21-April 19 Creative energy is an aura around you this week, Aries. The only prob- lem you will have is finding an out- let for your thoughts to come to life. Try writing for the Other Press, I hear they're loads of fun! Taurus April 20-May 20 Can you remember any of the dreams you've had in the last week? If you answered no, you must take a serious look at your sleeping pat- terns. Sleep in total and complete darkness for the next seven days, and you will get your dreams, oh yes. If you did remember your dreams then I can’t help you—and only God knows who can be of help if not I. Gemini May 21-June 21 The whirlwinds of life are beginning to whip you into a frenzied state, dear friend—so calm down already! What? You think I’m going to help you? Who do you think I am? As if I have time for this—like I have nothing better to do, right? Jeez, what's your problem? Cancer June 22-July 22 When school starts to bore you, and the people in your life (the ones for- merly referred to as friends) begin to agitate you to the point of murder- ous thoughts, go down to the base- ment and pout. Better yet, have a good flail-on-the-floor cry, and when you come upstairs, and your roommate asks why you didn't bring the recycling down with you, just storm away and spend the rest of your day waiting for an apology. This always cheers me up. ea Page 12 © http://www.otherpress.ca Leo July 23-August 22 Your health is high on your list of priorities this week, Leo. Use it to your advantage by getting started on a new fitness regime. A diet would do you some good too—but not any of that low-carb Atkins crap. Try the new high-carb, pasta diet. I hear it’s all the rage in California these days. Virgo August 23-September 22 I’m getting a signal from the stars that Valentine’s Day didn’t go quite as planned for you, Virgo. But it’s OK, you can find love elsewhere. For instance—in the movies! Watch Rebel Without A Cause, and just try and tell me you that don’t feel the love for James Dean! Libra September 23-October 22 Fashion is to you what marriage is to’ Britney Spears—an idea quickly fleeting. This is your week to change that (it’s too late for Britney, but you might still have a chance). Spice up your wardrobe with some fashion forward pieces that say, “This may be hideous but at least nobody else is wearing it.” Scorpio October 23-November 21 This week’s all sunshine and butter- cups for you, Scorpio. You've been through so much, but here’s the pay- back. Don’t bother worrying about deadlines, exams, or the party you're trying to plan—it all gets done sometime, so why do it now? Sagittarius November 22 -December 21 Make last minute travel plans, Sag, and get the hell out of Canada. You're body craves warm water and mangoes, not icy winds and seafood. Be sure to leave behind no loose ends though, this is a time for relaxation, and it will not be so if you dont clear up past mistakes. road snakes it way up and down and th endlessness of this desolate landscape laid out before us. I am already convinc¢ that this is the most spectacular rod journey in Mexico and I haven't evq reached the halfway point. After two hours of curving our w: through this surreal world the road fork Our ride is going the opposite directio We also realize that our smooth z peaceful ride along this road will abruptly altered as the road changes i matter of seconds to dirt and potholq Our allies in the white truck wish us lu and chug away with a much lighter loa The sun has now passed directly ove head and I estimate the time to around one. Almost four hours and still have 63 kms to go. A lone kiosk se| ' Capricorn December 22 -January 19 If adventure comes knocking on your door this week, tell it to go away and leave you alone—you have more important things to attend to. Namely, studying up on your vocab- ulary! Funk & Wagnalls Canadian College Dictionary is a splendid read for a Friday evening study party, and if anyone calls you a bor- ing loser then I’m sure you'll have a wordy little come-back all ready for them.