Day 15: Alaska to Mexico Marathon Rally Adventure

Day 15: Alaska to Mexico Rally 2023 - Roaring Through Idaho's Scenic Backroads

Today, we embarked on a thrilling adventure that led us through the scenic byways and highways of rural Idaho. With two Regularities and a Test, our journey was packed with excitement, and we experienced the charm of the Gem State's landscapes.

Our day commenced alongside the Boise River, as we smoothly left town on our way to the Elk Creek Passage Control, where Iain Tullie and Chris Mills greeted us warmly. From there, our path turned towards the hills, leading us on a narrow and rocky ascent to the Immigrant Mountain Passage Control. The view from this vantage point was nothing short of awe-inspiring, allowing us to gaze back over the plains we'd left behind.

With the timecards diligently checked by Russ Smith and Jamie Turner, ensuring every participant was accounted for, we delved into the first Regularity, named Castle Rocks. Along this route, our cars squeezed through a narrow gap between two colossal rocks, emerging on the other side to the warm welcome of Fred Gallagher and Sarah Ormerod.

A much-needed respite awaited us at the Camas Creek Country Store Time Control. Here, we had the chance to recharge and savor some refreshments before setting out on the Camp Creek Regularity. This section of our journey featured another characteristically rugged track, guiding us up a narrow and, as the stories went, snake-infested gorge alongside a creek. While most crews had a relatively trouble-free morning, Stephen Partridge and Corgi La Grouw's Ford Galaxie faced some electrical problems, requiring the help of the sweep crews. On the other hand, Stephen and Ruth Lambert's Ford Fordor 48 seemed to relish the challenge, with the crew declaring, "the gravel roads are great, and this car loves the dirt."

The Craters of the Moon Passage Control was nestled amidst remarkable lava formations. The schedule allowed for an optional detour around the park, offering us the chance to explore the striking rock formations and reflect on our morning's drive. Steve Krippaehne, in his second day as the navigator in the 1931 Ford Model A Victoria, noted, "so far, so good, this car will go up any hill... just not as fast as a Bentley."

Our midday break and Time Control at the Golden West Café provided individually wrapped packed lunches to enjoy beneath cliffs adorned with graffiti commemorating class graduations dating back to 1920. It was a moment to refuel before tackling the challenges of the afternoon.

The past few days had been rugged, and it took a toll on some of our vehicles. Even before opening their sandwiches, Andy Inskip and Charlie Neale found themselves on the floor, repairing the exhaust of Roy and Rachel Stephenson's Mustang.

The afternoon was all about driving to the Test while savoring the iconic Buttes' views. We drove through Butte City, a town with a population of just 74, to Atomic City, inhabited by only 49 people and historically known as the site of the first electricity-generating nuclear reactor. Today, the decaying buildings served as stark reminders of a once-thriving metropolis.

The Test, set on a dirt oval at Atomic Motor Raceway, drew a crowd that almost matched the entire city's population. It was a great time for those both behind the wheel and the enthusiastic spectators. Yet, the Hilton Garden Inn in Idaho Falls, our night halt, was calling, and its allure was irresistible.

Before our crews could finally rest in their beds, there was work to be done. Most notably, Brian and Catherine Scowcroft's Chevy Fangio had experienced issues, burning through its wiring loom. The sweep teams had a long night ahead, meticulously crafting a new one to keep the adventure alive.