Day 22: Alaska to Mexico Marathon Rally Adventure

Day 22: Alaska to Mexico Rally 2023 - Early Start, Arizona Border, and Rally Adventures

The day began with an early 7:15 am start, just as the sun's gentle rays crept over the hills that majestically loomed over the town of Springdale. Solar radiation bathed us in its warmth, setting the stage for another memorable leg of the Alaska to Mexico Rally.

Our journey kicked off with the first Regularity at Sheep Bridge. Here, the cars ventured onto a short gravel route, marked with a couple of intriguing navigational quirks. As we crossed the State Line again, leaving Utah behind and entering Arizona, we knew there was no turning back. Our next border crossing will lead us into Mexican territory, and the excitement was palpable.

However, this leg of our journey witnessed a minor hiccup when John and Daisy Pyle misjudged a corner. Their car slid gracefully into a ditch, where it awaited rescue by the expert team of Charlie Neale and Andy Inskip. Fortunately, the crew remained unharmed, albeit a bit sheepish amidst all the attention. Once the car is straightened out, they will rejoin the rally in Tucson.

Our second Regularity led us through Warm Springs Canyon, offering another gravel track experience that clung to the sides of the canyon. The path narrowed as it ascended into woods that had once been charred and blackened by wildfires. Yet, amidst the charred remnants, vibrant flowers emerged, a symbol of rebirth from the ashes of the forest floor.

The imposing Cliff Dwellers Lodge welcomed us with an early buffet lunch at a Time Control. We then crossed the mighty Colorado River, which had sculpted its way through the rocks and meandered far below us. The subsequent section was a real treat—a lengthy Regularity that took us deep into the ancestral lands of the Navajo people, an area rarely accessible.

Two more Passage Controls in the afternoon provided a brief respite from the day's heat. The first was at the Blue Canyon Grill, where the crews grabbed refreshments to refuel both themselves and their vehicles. Here, Steve and Jenny Verrall were seen standing by their Porsche, bonnet raised, wielding a set of spanners.

As we left the last Passage Control at the ancient Wupatki Pueblo, there were only 58 kilometers left to reach our night's rest at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff. This evening, we found ourselves sharing facilities with a priests' convention, adding a unique twist to our already captivating journey.

The rally continues to surprise and delight, promising new adventures around each bend in the road. Stay tuned for more tales of our Alaska to Mexico Rally.