Day 11: Alaska to Mexico Marathon Rally Adventure
Day 11: Alaska to Mexico Rally 2023 - A Border Crossing Adventure
Getting ready for the USA border crossing was a straightforward affair. As long as your paperwork is in order, and the numbers align with the officials' records, it's a smooth process. The rally convoy swiftly passed through the gates and hit the road within an hour. But our adventures for the day were just beginning.
After about twenty kilometers, we were off to tackle the first Regularity, which took us up and through the enchanting Okanogan Forest. For most of the crews, this part went off without a hitch, with one notable exception. Stephen Hardwick and Ashley Bennett's Datsun found itself in a tricky situation, requiring a rescue operation led by our trusty team members, Andy Inskip and Charlie Neale. The Datsun might have needed a helping hand, but the only thing truly bruised was its owners' pride. After a bit of dusting off, they rejoined the rally at the Time Control hosted at Detro’s Western Store in the charming Town of Riverside.
We refueled with light snacks and cold beverages before venturing into another challenging segment, the second Regularity along Corkscrew Road. This was no ordinary road – it was a long gravel section that ascended into an open, mountainous landscape. We were greeted by vast dry grasslands and breathtaking vistas. Along the 30-kilometer stretch, dust devils danced around us, creating a surreal atmosphere as we drove through fields scattered with geological erratics. The highlight, however, was reaching the final Timing Point, where we had the pleasure of seeing Fred Gallagher, resplendent in a stars and stripes shirt.
Our culinary journey continued with lunch at the Lone Point Cellars Time Control. This vineyard not only offered an impressive view over the valley but also laid out an equally impressive buffet for us to savor.
The Ardenvoir Passage Control marked the gateway to the next challenge, the Regularity called Chumstick. It led us into the mountains along a narrow gravel track with some truly thought-provoking drops alongside.
Our day concluded in Leavenworth, a picturesque town nestled in the Cascade Mountains. This place had a unique twist – it was perhaps the most German of all American towns. German-themed paraphernalia adorned the village, and to add to the atmosphere, the Enzian Inn treated us to a daily Alpenhorn serenade. It provided a delightful backdrop for those of us tinkering with our cars, as we hummed along to the melodious tunes.
Car maintenance was in full swing, with Nick Sleep focusing on his radiator fan repairs, and Andrew McAlpine on the lookout for an errant tappet. The usual post-gravel adjustments were underway, from headlamp tweaks to trimming. Bill Shields and Alex Schoenauer's Chevrolet had an appointment with a new clutch, and the crew quickly whisked the big white beast away to a local garage. Dust had worked its way into every nook and cranny, and we suspected that local car valeting services would soon be in high demand on our next rest day.
Despite being a shorter day, it was immensely satisfying. Dinner was served in the nearby Viscontis restaurant, an Italian establishment with a touch of the Tirol.
