Day 5: Alaska to Mexico Marathon Rally Adventure
Day 5: Alaska to Mexico Rally 2023 - Transitioning Seasons and Thrilling Tests"
Today was a day of transitions on the Alaska to Mexico Rally. As we bid farewell to Watson Lake, known as the "Gateway to the Yukon," we were in for a scenic ride into Beautiful British Columbia, a place proudly claiming to be "the best place on earth."
Our morning began with a delightful breakfast at Andrea's Hotel. Fresh fruit platters, grilled bacon, and the usual assortment of eggs graced the buffet table. The changing of the seasons was evident in the air. September was here, and along the Alaska Highway, we could sense the shift from late summer to early autumn. The sun rode a bit lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the vast forests. Some pockets of mist carried a smoky hint, remnants of recent wildfires that had swept through the region.
Our day included three thrilling tests, taking us off the modern highway and onto older tracks weaving through the vast interior and the Northern Rockies. "The Compromise," the first test, featured a few 90° turns and a dramatic uphill sprint. It was a breathless experience that brought smiles to our faces. Shortly after, we found ourselves at a windy Coal River service station, hosting the morning Time Control, where coffee and homemade cookies were a welcome treat.
Next up was the "Salt Lick" test, challenging us on a narrow track with a blind summit and an uphill hairpin finish. This brought us to the waiting clocks of John and Gill Cotton. An awesome highway section led us to the lunch Time Control at the Northern Rockies Lodge, where steaming bowls of goulash awaited, and the porch offered a chance to soak in the surroundings.
We continued along the banks of the Liard River, passing through the Provincial Park and past the folded Mountain, leading to the third and final test around McDonald Creek. It was undoubtedly the highlight of the day, featuring changes of direction, loose gravel, and chicanes that made us all feel like rally champions.
As we rejoined the main road, warning signs reminded us to watch for wildlife. Some lucky participants spotted a family of bears during the descent toward Fort Nelson alongside the Tetsa and the Muskwa Rivers.
After a relatively light day for the sweeps, we felt like we were emerging from the wilderness. The Woodlands Inn and Suites in Fort Nelson, our host for the evening, provided excellent hospitality with great food, a well-stocked bar, and a functioning laundromat.
