Day 10: Alaska to Mexico Marathon Rally Adventure
Day 10: Alaska to Mexico Rally 2023 - A Meandering Adventure
As we embarked on the tenth day of the Alaska to Mexico Rally, it felt like a delightful change of pace. After a week of seemingly linear north-south driving, today's route promised a meandering journey from the bustling center of Kamloops to the idyllic holiday resort of Osoyoos. Although it was a relatively short day, there was no shortage of excitement, with a hilly Regularity, two circuit-based Tests, and a very civilized lunch halt on the agenda.
The morning greeted us with a flawless canvas of blue sky and breathtaking scenery as we set off towards the first challenge of the day, the Regularity around Pinaus Lake. Just before we reached Russ Smith and Jamie Turner's timing point, we encountered an unexpected roadblock in the form of a herd of cows, a disgruntled farmer, and a trailer filled with livestock. A swift U-turn steered the rally back onto the 97 Highway, providing a more direct route to the Todd's Motorplex Test.
The Todd's Motorplex Test was a gritty urban section set in and around a banked oval. Here, sheer horsepower, acceleration away from the line, and reliable brakes took precedence over precision cornering or seamless gear-shifting. The pit lane transformed into a captivating scene, with many of the crews reluctant to leave after their runs, savoring the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere.
However, the call for lunch was irresistible, and we were in for a treat. We had a reservation at the 50th Parallel Winery, perched high above Okanagan Lake, offering panoramic views of the mountains. In a lofty packing shed, we were treated to a cold buffet featuring some of the estate's finest tasting produce. The Pinot Peoples Place served as the perfect location for our Time Control, allowing us to refresh and reluctantly continue our journey.
The afternoon took us through roads flanked by countless vineyards and fruit orchards, leading to the Thunder Mountain Raceway. This old-fashioned drag strip was ingeniously adapted to create a complete circuit, encompassing the quarter-mile drag, a sharp left turn, and a final sprint via the service road. Rubber adorned the start line, and the Test turned into an exhilarating spectacle. Jim Smith and Dr. John Llewellyn oversaw the launches, while Chris Mills and Iain Tullie kept a vigilant eye on the cones and the stopwatch.
After another scenic drive through the hills to the east of the Okanagan Valley, we arrived at our night halt on Osoyoos Lake, which straddles the USA-Canadian border. Tomorrow, we bid farewell to Canada and welcome the return to good old Uncle Sam.
