Day 12: Alaska to Mexico Marathon Rally Adventure

Day 12: Alaska to Mexico Rally 2023 - Chasing Dreams and Diverted Paths

The Alaska to Mexico Rally never fails to serve up its daily dose of surprises and challenges. While some of our fellow participants embark on their first rally day with anticipation, we can't help but admire the determination of Neil and Thomas Smith, who are racing to catch up after an engine rebuild in Anchorage. They made impressive progress to Dawson Creek before they had to seek further attention for their 'sickly Tiger'. As they say in the rally world, it's all part of the adventure.

For the rest of us, it was back to business as usual. The day promised a Test and three Regularities, taking us through more of the magnificent landscapes that have become our daily companions. As an unexpected bonus, we had the privilege of crossing the famous Lewis and Clark "Go West" pioneer route. It's truly remarkable to think that this historic trail guided early settlers from Pennsylvania to the West Coast.

Our journey kicked off with a special Regularity named "Danny's Day Begins" in honor of the driver of the Pontiac Trans-Am, Danny, who played a pivotal role in getting this show on the road. True to form, we headed into the hills above Leavenworth, tackling yet another narrow dirt road. From there, we traced the majestic Columbia River through miles of orchards, leading us to a refreshing Time Control at the Sagecliffe Resort. As we enjoyed a few cool drinks, we gazed through the well-tended vines down to the canyon below.

Keith Ashworth's Bentley, facing issues with a temperamental alternator, also received attention from the skilled hands of Russ Smith and Jamie Turner in this oenophilic oasis before it was ready to continue to the day's Test.

"A Planned Diversion" had us driving along the side of a wide dry valley, surrounded by tinder-dry, low-lying scrub. Near the end, an unexpected oblique left turn into a rough downhill stretch took some crews by surprise, resulting in frantic braking, gear-grinding, and a flurry of steering wheel maneuvers to reach the finish line.

Next, we tackled another Regularity over a "Primitive Road" through Smith Canyon, which brought us to the Country Mercantile Time Control, a roadside chocolate factory offering all manner of truffles, candy apples, sweets, and ice creams. Given the rising mercury, the ice creams were especially appreciated.

The day wrapped up with the "Nine Mitre Canyon" Regularity, a short but sweet route at just under 13 kilometers. What it lacked in distance, it more than compensated for in diversity, guiding us through open farmland with each crest of a hill bringing our night halt into view.

Our final destination for the day was Walla Walla, a town with a name so nice they had to say it twice. Situated amid the rolling Palouse hills and the Blue Mountains to the east, and benefiting from the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains to the west, Walla Walla welcomed us with its unique charm.

With a well-deserved rest day on the horizon, we look forward to the crew changes and new adventures that await when we hit the road once again.