Day 2: Alaska to Mexico Marathon Rally Adventure
After the exhilarating start of our rally, Day 2 was all about finding our rhythm. We were greeted with a border crossing and not one but two Regularities. I was eager to settle into the rally groove.
However, as it often goes in adventures like these, not everything goes according to plan. John and Daisy Pyle's Chevy coupe reported a loss of oil pressure after just 40 kilometers. Thankfully, the expert mechanics Andy Inskip and Jack Amies quickly diagnosed it as a faulty sensor. With that sorted, we headed to the Tanana River Passage Control to make sure we were on track for the Big Delta Regularity.
The Big Delta Regularity was a gravel section that took us through dense woodland. It featured sharp turns and plenty of loose shale to keep us drivers on our toes. A quick coffee break at the Alaskan Steak House, where the sweep crew Russ Smith and Jamie Turner had set up their Time Control, provided a welcome respite. Between watching the clocks and signing timecards, they savored hearty fare and handled any mechanical mishaps that came their way.
The cool weather and an early breakfast had left us all hungry, and Fast Eddy's Passage Control pointed us in the direction of lunch at the Chicken Gold Camp & Outpost.
Our route took us on a panoramic journey along the Top of the World Highway before we boarded the George Black ferry to cross the mighty Yukon River. This immense waterway played a significant role in the Klondike Gold Rush, a historical reminder of the area's rich past.
As we approached Dawson City, it felt like stepping back in time. The city is a living museum, preserving its old-world charm. We wandered along boardwalks and soaked up the unique architecture and ambiance of this one-time capital of the Yukon.
While our passage was easier than that of the gold rush pioneers, we encountered a storm of epic proportions during the final stretch. Rain, hail, and lightning filled our windscreens. Yet, it was all part of the adventure.
Our day ended at the Downtown Hotel, famous for hosting the Sourtoe ceremony. In this quirky tradition, guests take a stiff drink containing the amputated toe of a long-dead bootlegger, all in good spirits. Dinner at the Palace Theatre was a more conventional affair, allowing us to relish a well-deserved meal.
