Day 21: Alaska to Mexico Marathon Rally Adventure
Day 21: Alaska to Mexico Rally 2023 - Utah's Grandeur Unfolds
Utah's grandeur knows no bounds, and each day of our journey convinces us that we've witnessed the most breathtaking landscapes of the entire rally. But Utah continues to surprise, outdoing itself in both size and scope. Today, we had the privilege of immersing ourselves in yet another vast stretch of this remarkable state, often described as 'life elevated.'
Our day began with a journey to the Pair of Buttes Passage Control, situated just 32 kilometers from our hotel. The route led us along a rugged gravel track, weaving its way through a landscape adorned with towering stone pillars. Some of these pillars boasted giant boulders perched precariously on top, reminding us to keep at least one eye at ground level. We paused for coffee and scones at the Time Control in the San Juan Inn, Mexican Hat, aptly named after the sombrero-shaped stone delicately balanced on a narrow stone pillar. This provided a civilized mid-morning break before the real adventure commenced.
Our route guided us through the iconic Monument Valley, a destination that's been on the bucket list of many. As we crossed the state line into Arizona and the Navajo National Monument, the rally embarked on a challenging 17-kilometer Time Control section. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the most competitive crews intently studied their roadbooks, preparing for the competitive challenge ahead.
Between the five controls, the loose surface offered plenty of action, and for a couple of Bentleys, a dash of drama. Clint Smith and Martin Jones experienced an unexpected mishap when their roadbook went overboard. To make matters more intriguing, in the heat of battle, Graham and Marina Goodwin inadvertently ran it over. As if that wasn't enough, Clint and Martin's clutch began to grumble, further slowing their progress.
The rest of the rally proceeded through Navajo territory relatively smoothly. Afterward, it was a 100-kilometer journey along the highway to reach lunch and the midday Time Control at the Grand Canyon Brewing Company in Page, positioned right at the tail end of Lake Powell. Here, a delectable selection of pizzas and cold refreshments awaited the hungry crews.
We soon crossed back into Utah, embarking on the trip to the MTC at Parry Lodge in Kanab. This place, claiming that it never gets old, was adorned with walls lined with photographs of legendary actors who had stayed while shooting various movies in the vicinity. The roster included Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood.
As the shackles of timing were removed, the crews could enjoy a leisurely drive through the stunning landscapes of the incomparable Zion National Park, leading us to our night's rest in Springdale.
Utah continues to be the gift that keeps on giving, and we're all eager to see what further marvels lie ahead.
