Day 17: Alaska to Mexico Marathon Rally Adventure

Day 17: Alaska to Mexico Rally 2023 - A Chilly Start in Jackson Hole"

This morning, as we gathered in Jackson Hole, we were greeted with a reminder that it's indeed a renowned ski resort. The crisp chill in the air reminded us of its wintery reputation, prompting us to pull on an extra layer. We knew today would be a more extended and busier day compared to the previous one. Our itinerary included two consecutive Regularities in the morning, followed by a couple of Passage Controls in the afternoon.

Leaving the car park, we turned our backs on the majestic Tetons and set our course southward, heading through Wyoming toward the challenges of two Regularities at Murphy Creek and McDougal Gap. In total, it added up to 100 kilometers of high mountain dirt roads. While they might have been geographically close, they felt worlds apart. The first Regularity resembled a drive through the foothills of the Alps, with pleasant woodlands adorned with autumnal colors and a meandering stream at the valley's base. In contrast, the second led us through a high mountain pass, its edges lined with steep cliff faces, eventually opening into wide, expansive plains.

After this intense morning of rallying, the pace gradually eased in the afternoon. With the pressure of the clock lifting, we had the opportunity to truly appreciate the vast and awe-inspiring western landscape surrounding us.

The afternoon journey included two Passage Controls along the Green River. The first brought us to Kemmerer, where the famous department store JC Penney Company had its beginnings in 1902. The owner of the Kettle Café informed us that this region had experienced an astounding 12 feet of snow last year. Incidentally, it's also known as the world's fossil capital, with the Fossil Butte National Monument nearby.

The Piedmont Kilns Passage Control appeared on the horizon, with its unusual appearance raising quizzical looks among the approaching crews. What seemed like the work of extraterrestrials turned out to be charcoal kilns built in 1869. These furnaces were once fed by the vast stands of timber from the nearby Uinta Mountains. Today, there are scarcely any trees in sight for miles around. We still had 130 kilometers of this stark yet captivating landscape ahead of us before reaching our night halt in the Black Mountain Resort, Heber City, a western satellite of the Utah State Capital, Salt Lake City.

Here, we welcomed Owen Turner, who had arrived to take over sweep duties from Jack Amies. Without much delay, Owen was right into action in the car park, as many cars felt the toll of the thousands of kilometers we've driven since Anchorage. As usual, the crews were seen tending to their cooling systems, suspension, and brakes, ensuring their vehicles remain in prime condition for the journey ahead.