Awards

Awards at the Governor's Palace

I think Sunday evening was the first time in a few days that I was able to breath a deep sigh of relief. What a crazy week! Sunday night we all had to get down to the Governor's Palace for the final awards.

The Palace was beautiful and the awards ceremony was in the center courtyard that was open to the sky above.

Dad and Shields came in 2nd in their class - Original PanAm.

And they ended up 3rd overall in their class. Pretty good for only getting times for half of the entire race!

In the Unlimited Class, Kevin and Mark from L.A. led everyday of the race and took home the top honors -

Here are the fabulous Vancouver and Seattle racers at dinner after the awards. They were all so much fun. Thanks for the great memories and lots of laughs!

To sum things up...What an adventure! I see how this racing business can get you hooked, I already can't wait for the La Carrera Panamericana in October! Everyone was so nice and helpful that it made all the craziness enjoyable. However, it was a long time on the road and I was very glad to get home and have a good nights sleep! Dad and I pushed it home to get back to the ranch in 2 days. It was a wild adventure.

What a ride!

Racing Day 3

Day 3

The last day of racing. Plan of attack: keep the car on the road and in one piece!

Riding with me today are racers John and Chrislana Gregory from Vancouver. Unfortunately their Studebaker decided to really hurt itself on Saturday and instead of putting a whole new engine in for just one more day of racing, John and Chrislana played it safe and drove Servicio with me! And what a blessing they were to have along.

Shields, Chrislana, John, Dad, Dyana

The course for today's race was to the east of Chihuahua, with some breathtaking vistas of dramatic rock formations and jagged mountains amidst the brittle landscape. The only car that needed our assistance on the way to the servicio stop was Jorge and Dyana in the white LT Special...they, like Dad, had a "fuel issue." Fortunately, I had gas in the cans in the back of the truck (learning from not having any before!).

Dyana and Shields:

We were able to see a few of the starts of the speed sections. It gave me goosebumps to see and hear the countdowns and then the impressive roars or the engines as they laid rubber and drove off into the horizon.

Then, on the 2nd half of the day, some troubles started to hit the tired cars. Lars and Felipe were prey to knarly turns. Their beautiful car ended up sideways in a ditch on the right side of the road (which was the lesser of the two evils because the left side was about a 100 foot drop off).

They were able to retrieve the Studebaker and load it on a trailer. Hopefully they'll get her all fixed up for La Carrera in October!

So on John, Chrislana and I ventured to keep up with the race. And who else do we stumble upon, but Stewart and Linda, the other couple from Vancouver, and they fried ANOTHER alternator! I think this was their 3rd, and John helped them switch to the 4th. Ay yay yay! The good news was that it was fixable and that it happened on the last speed section of the race. By this time of helping so many people we were having a good ol' time:

On the road again after getting they up and running and we came across Alan from Seattle and their Volvo. They had completed the speed sections, but then blew a piston while hauling ass back to town. Way to go guys! :) Fortunately there was one more Servicio with a trailer so we pushed the Volvo onto the trailer to get it back to Chihuahua.

And yet again, I arrived DFL back to the hotel. I think I am going to start my new racing team: DFL Racing!

At least we can count our blessing that no one was injured today.

Day 2 of Racing

Day 2

Today was the day to race to Copper Canyon, which is Mexico's version of the Grand Canyon, only deeper and narrower. Left the hotel earlier because it was to be a long day of racing.

The drive took us into some beautifully wooded country in high elevation - over 7,000 feet. Needless to say it was a windy drive.


We caught up with the race cars at the first servicio stop in a little town called San Juanito where the racers had to fill up with gas because there wouldn't be any stations up the hill nor at the Copper Canyon stop.


Dad and Shields were racing well, all except for having no power stearing because for some unknown reason couldn't get the power stearing belts to stay on. So they wanted to try some different sizes. Off I went in search of a car parts store in this little town! I did find one, and they had belts, but the sizing system is different in Mexico so I had to hold the old belts up to the new ones to get some a little smaller and a little bigger. The clerk must have thought I was nuts, what in the world would a girl need so many belts for?!?! But they were cheap and I bought bunch.



The next speed section was the start of the very windy road. As I was following in the back of the pack with the other servicios, this is what we came up on:

HOLY SHIT IS RIGHT!!!!!

It was two guys in this Studebaker (that appropiately had flames painted on). They had skidded off the road, FLIPPED and then land right side up then burst into flames. Fortunately they both made it out safely and unhurt.

It really goes to show how serious the racers take the safety precautions - 5 point seatbelts, helmets, Haans devices, fire proof racing suits and fire systems in the cars, fuel pump shut-offs and very technical roll cages. And because of these safety measures, when accidents like this one do happen, the drivers are able to walk away safely.

The race then made its way up to Copper Canyon to the lunch stop without any more problems. And the view from the top was worth the effort to get up there!

And then...the curvy race back down proved even more perilous and several more racers fell victim. A Left 3 wrecked havock on several cars. One of the fastest cars, Doug Mockett's Oldsmobile, creamed off the guardrail, but was able to keep going down the road. Several other cars also had incidents with the same corner, further weakening the precarious guardrail. Then came Joe Harding, an Englishman from San Diego. He skidded off the road where the guardrail was damaged, his really neat Ford Falcon Sprint rolled upside down, creamed through the forest, trees didn't even slow it down, hit a pile of rocks, flipped back over, and burst into flames. They both got out alright, but Joe (the driver) had a broken leg and foot. This is what the scene looked like:

WOWZER.
We continued on after making sure the drivers were out and safe. But talk about being shook up and I wasn't even in the race!

Then I see skid marks going straight into a rock wall and a guardrail and said to Denise (who was in the truck with me), "Oh wow, someone hit the guardrail there!" Continuing around the tight right turn we look up and see Dad and Shields! The skid marks were theirs! And here's why: They had gone through a series of 3 and 4 turns (the turns are ranked 1-5, 5 being the most severe and VERY rare) and Dad was muscling the car through without power stearing. Then they went from a 1 to a 5 - very sharp turn to the right. Dad just couldn't get the car turned and just barely kissed the guardrail with the front left bumper and fender. But, at least the car still runs and both Dad and Shields were ok! Ay yay yay! Because they took time to check the car and get going again, they missed the rest of the speed sections for the day, but all things considering, we were all happy that the car was still in driving condition at the end of the day.

I tell you what, the whole day was one of the wildest, nerve-wracking, extreme experiences that I have ever had! Driving behind the race and seeing all of the carnage that was left was unbelievable. It really made me grateful for all of the safety precautions that the drivers and co-pilotos and race officials take very seriously.

That night when we finally arrived back to the hotel (DFL again!) I was wondering what else could possibly happen...

Day 1 of Racing

I guess I didn't really know what to expect from this racing trip when I first signed up, but I sure have been pleasantly surprised with what a most excellent adventure it turned out to be!

So here we go with action packed Day 1 of racing from Chihuahua to Madera and back to Chihuahua:

Since we had the truck filled with supplies and spare parts, I thought it a good idea to meet the race at the servicio stop at midday, taking a different route that was direct and less curvy than the race route. That was Plan A.

However, the night before, the power steering belt blew when Dad drove the car to dinner. They had an extra in the car and fixed it, but that meant that I had to go find an autoparts store to get more spares. So Friday morning we were off to the closest AutoZone. (There were 3 of us in the truck - me, John and Denise who is another racer's girlfriend). We got the extra belts but then realized that we were now headed the opposite direction from Plan A and that there was bumper to bumper traffic on the highway that we needed to take. Thus we devised our new plan - to go the race route, we were ahead of the racers at this point anyway, and park on the side of the road to watch them race by and then file in the end of the pack with the other service vehicles.

We found a good place to watch the race go by and even made friends with a burro who brayed at the cars as they flew by. It was a blast to see the cars in action and to hear the roars (and some sputters) of these magnificent machines.

After the last car and the control cars and ambulances went by, we filled in behind. We weren't but 2 turns down the road and we came across a beautiful Mustang GT 350 that had crashed into the guard rail, but fortunately the piloto and co-piloto were ok. THEN, we came around the next turn and THERE WAS DAD! They were pulled over with the hood up. OH NO!

They had been having some troubles and thought there were problems with the carburetor. We got it all apart and made sure the injectors were clean, but still couldn't get it started. So the only other option was to tow the car with a tow strap behind the truck into the nearest town, 20 miles away.

We rolled into this little pueblo and asked if there was a mechanic around and we were pointed toward a tractor mechanic. I went and asked him if he knew anything about carburetors and he said he only knew about tractor parts, but that there was a gas station a mile farther. So we went to see if there was a mechanic there.

As we pulled up, out came a Mennonite man (huge Mennonite colonies around) dressed in bib overalls and a big straw hat with several silver teeth. I asked him if he knew anything about carburetors, he took a deep breath and said, "we'll see."

In the mean time, Shields filled up a gas can and put gas into the fuel cell and immediately the fuel pumps started making a healthier noise and then the car started right up!!!

I know, we couldn't believe it either!

Dad and Shields were able to speed off and catch up with the rest of the race, while I thanked the mechanic very much for his help

We went through beautiful country and into the wooded region of Madera and then back to Chihuahua.

Thus went day 1!

Race Website

http://www.chihuahuaexpress.com/

Arrival in Chihuahua

After 3 long days of road-tripping, we finally arrived in Chihuahua yesterday afternoon! The race starts tomorrow (Friday) morning. Today are tech and health inspections for the cars and racers.



It was a nice and safe drive down. We pulled in to El Paso on Tuesday night and met with the American group of drivers who were also driving their cars down. Gerry Bledsoe, the North American Coodinator organized a dinner for us all to schmooze with Mexican and American border officials, who made our crossing run very smoothly. Then Wednesday morning we were up early to all caravan to the border.



It has been really neat to see all of the other race cars, there sure is a variety! I have been taking pictures, but since I didn't bring my laptop down, I won´t be ablt to upload them until I get home. But all of the other racers are sooo nice and fun to be around.



We crossed at Santa Teresa, a much smaller crossing than Juarez. It is mainly an industrial crossing and when we got their around 9, we were the only ones there (all 40ish of us). It was a confusing process, because everyone was transporting at least 2 vehicles across - tow trucks and trailers and then the race cars. And where it gets tricky is that one person can only cross one vehicle in his name. So guess what! I am now the proud owner of a '54 Ford racecar!!! haha! We had to put it in my name because the truck is in Dad's name. I'm sure Dad will change that as soon as we get home (or he'll give me all the bills and then I'll gladly hand it back over!).



It took 2 hours for us to get through customs, but it was very pleasant because we had so many Mexican officials helping us.



The drive south into the city of Chihuahua was only 200 miles, but took all day because their were some major wind storms that were swirling around dust clouds that were so thick that at times we could only see 50 yards ahead of us. But we forged ahead cautiously on our great adventure.

The host hotel for the Chihuahua Express is the Westin and rest assured, it is very safe and beautiful!

We went last night to one of the best restaurants in Chihuahua (so they told us) and it definetely lived up to it's reputation. Of course we had to sample some tequila! It was a night full of lots of laughs from the stories from Dad and Shields (Dad's co-piloto) from the last race in Mexico.

Fortunately, the winds have died down today and it is beautiful and warm. We´re about to head to downtown to get some lunch and see some sights. ¡Hasta luego!

Leaving for Mexico!

Now for the next adventure! I get to practice my Spanish again!

I made it home safe and sound from a most excellent time in Argentina. However, I'm hitting the road again!

Tomorrow morning Dad and I are leaving little Los Alamos and heading for Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico! Dad and his co-pilot are driving in the Chihuahua Express - a 3 day road race around the city of Chihuahua. They are driving the same car - a '54 Ford - that they drove last October in the La Carrera PanAmericana race through Mexico. And they loved it so much that they decided to do another one!

So Dad and I are leaving Monday morning, picking up an old friend of Dad's - John Aspra - and we're road tripping to Mexico. It'll take us three days to get there. Monday night in Tuscon, Tuesday night in El Paso area and meeting up with a bunch of other people and their cars, and then crossing the border on Wednesday and down to Chihuahua.

The race is Friday, Saturday, Sunday and then we head home Monday the 14th.

So that's the news! I'll try to do daily posts, depending if we have access to a computer at the hotels at night (I'm not taking my own computer this time) and then I'll post pictures when I get back to Los Alamos next week. But not to worry, of course I'll take tons of photos!

Here are some pics of the car from the last Mexican race:

Quila Quina

One of the last days that I was in Argentina, I spent an afternoon at a beach and park called Quila Quina. It was only a 20 minute boat ride from the pier in San Martin, across Lago Lacar.

When I got off the boat, I was walking around the little beach area to get my bearings and met 2 other kids my age. They were looking for the waterfall and asked me where it was (like I know anything)...so I decided to venture off with them to find it too. They were very nice and realy fun. Pablo was from Buenos Aires and Denise was from Germany. They both spoke perfect English and regularly practiced all of the swear words.

So we went on the walk through the Mapuche village to go on the waterfall hike to see the cascada. It was a short 20 minute walk and very serene. Because it is summer and all water levels are very low, the waterfall was not very impressive. But the big boulders and fallen trees that were stuck in the river were really fun to climb on, so we entertained ourselves for a while by exploring.

Going across Lago Lacar


out the window of the boat


Coming into the dock at Quila Quina


the waterfall (or lack thereof)




Denise, Pablo and me

the beach at Quila Quina

Trail ride, minus the trails

Riding with Ulloa

I had a very special opportunity to go on a ride with a man named Ulloa, a well-known and well-liked gaucho from just outside San Martin. He is a good friend of Maria Luisa and Michael’s. I first met him at the Rural back in January – he was showing his stallion and won many awards.

So when he invited me to go ride with him on one of his horses, I jumped at the chance.

I met him early one morning at the stable were he trains horses and he had a mare ready for me. She was a beautiful 12 year old llegua tostada (chestnut mare), with a long roman nose and was thicker and wider than my Warmbloods at home! Standing a little over 15 hands, she was the biggest animal that I had seen in Argentina. Ulloa said she was for sale and if I lived down there, I would’ve bought her.

I wore all the gaucha uniform that I had – bombachas (pants), boina (barret-type hat) with my cowboy boots. I’m sure he must have rolled his eyes at this crazy gringa who showed up to go ride with him wondering what he had gotten himself into.

We headed into the mountains on the northwest side of San Martin. Even though Ulloa doesn’t speak English, we were able to communicate just fine, especially about horses.

He is quite a character, and after slyly watching me ride on the first easy trails, all of a sudden we dove off the trail and into the lush, thick shrubs and trees. I guess he thought I passed the “can this girl ride and how much guts does she have” test. And then before I knew it we were following jabilí tracks. Jabilis are the wild hogs that are in Argentina. They are even uglier than the wild hogs that we have at home in California and are prehistoric looking. He hunts them with his dogs. They track the hogs and then when the dogs have it pinned, the gaucho goes in and stabs it in the gut with his knife. The sport probably dates back to prehistoric times, I guess. I was glad that we didn’t find any of the live animals that morning, only saw lots of tracks. I had visions going through my mind about what would happen if the dogs did find some big, old, hairy thing with 6 inch tusks…what happens after they kill it, I had a feeling that he would want to put it in my lap and I would have to ride back with it…I guess my mind was jumping ahead a bit!

It was a blast going through the lush vegetation, ducking and diving out of the way of branches and thorny bushes. We finally made our way to the top of the ridge, where we could see a magnificent view of San Martin and of the next valley over.

It was a wonderful experience to ride with Ulloa on one of his very nice horses. We shared many laughs at the horses and at the dogs. I had a great time!

Thanks to Michael's photography skills:

This is me on the mare:

This is Ulloa:

Family Pictures

Just some fun pics of the family...


This is Maeva in her uniform for her first day of Pre-School. She loves it and everyday can't wait to go back!

Maeva and Maria Luisa





Before going to dinner, Maeva and Michael, having a great time

Maria Luisa and Maeva, I bet I know where Maeva got those beautiful big eyes!

Maria Luisa and Micheal






Me with the little one

Dave and I shared the best dessert ever - fresh blueberries, boysenberries and raspberries and vanilla ice cream! It was Dave's last night in Argentina.

I caught one!

...a fish, that is!

A friend of our family, Dave Brandt, has been down here in Argentina for 2 months, since the beginning of January. He lives and has cattle in Montana and has been coming down for the past 6 years to fly fish. He invited me to join him and some friends on a float and I jumped at the chance!

Our river to float for the day was the Rio Chimehuin, just a 30 minute drive north of San Martin to Junin de los Andes. We got an early start, inflated the boats, tied our flies and were off!



In true Argentine style, attach a trailer to any vehicle, these are the serious fishermen and fisherwomen getting the boats ready. To list everyone: Dave in the blue, Jack in the straw hat and his wife Merle on the other side of the car, Harry Wilson at the back of the car. All from Montaaana.

I had never fly fished before, so this is me practicing my casts. Jack, a professional fishing guide in Montana, was very patient with me all day and generously gave me lots of fishing pointers. Boy, there sure is some strange fly fishing terminology! Mom and Dad, I hope I made you proud, I learned how to be a good hooker and an even better stripper!

I especially learned that it is a 'rod' not a 'pole' and was corrected all day long...

This is Jack, pushing our boat out into the water. I felt like the princess in the front seat of the boat!

One of the bends in the river with the beautiful Patagonian landscape and sky.

Jack's collection of flies. This is serious business!

Me being not-so-serious, taking a break from fishing. Waiting for Dave and Harry to come in their boat with the food!

Dave and Harry coming down the river. If you look closely, you can see the loop in Dave's line (I think that's what it's called...)

Dave wading, with the biggest smile in Argentina. He sure is a neat man! It was wonderful to be able to spend time with him, he is so full of life. And he has cool glasses!

Dave and me, taking a break from fishing.

A really fun river! I had a blast!

AND I EVEN CAUGHT A FISH!!! I hooked several and brought them to the boat, but they got away (I think I'm fitting right in, I'm even getting the typical fisherman's story right. It was THIS big!) The fishing is all catch and release and you have to take the side barbs off the fly so the fish get away easily. Or at least that's the excuse I'm using! But anyway, this is the one that I finally got in the boat, it was a whopping 15 inch rainbow! Haha. It made my day!

The last stretch of the river, it was 6:00 in the afternoon and starting to rain. It was a beautiful end to a fabulous day.


I am SO glad that I got to fish one of the best Rainbow Trout rivers in the world (that's what they say). It was such an awesome experience and a fun group of people to fish with.

AND, Dad told me that I couldn't come home until I had a picture of me with a fish (preferably one that I caught) and picture with Dave. DAD - I got both, and I even caught the fish! Now I can come home! WOOHOO!