Everything was going great this morning. We were 200km down the road (including a Regularity). The morning drive was beautiful among the pine trees outside Flagstaff, which is about 7000 feet above sea level.
We were pulling on a long uphill pass when we heard what sounded like a backfire. When we got to the top of the hill, the car performed well and we continued to drive on. 50km down the road we had another long uphill drive on the Gonzales Pass. Again that backfire sound appeared. We pulled into a gas station in Globe, Arizona and Brant figured out the problem. The left side tailpipe was full of oil. There was something really wrong with the engine. In the end, we had a burnt piston. Exactly what caused it would only be speculation. We’ll only know when Brant can open the engine and survey the situation.
In short, we’re out of the Rally. We had 24 days of great adventure. The Organizers and the other Competitors were terrific; a great group of people with whom we have become very close.
We will miss the next six days exploring the Baja Peninsula, but that’s racing luck.
The good news is that Ilene was planning to meet me in Cabo at the finish line. I’ll go back to LA tomorrow and the two of us will fly to Cabo on the 26th and attend the Rally’s Closing Party and Awards Dinner….and then spend 6 days on the beach. Not quite the finish I had envisioned, but still a pretty good resolution.
I want to personally thank Brant Parsons, my partner in this racing/rally activity. Without his help and expertise I would not have been able to participate in these great adventures. We’ve rallied in places, the world-over, that gave me joy, understanding, experiences that have really given my life texture.
Having just turned 81, I will now have to focus on other activities that will give my life meaning and knowledge. No matter how old you are you need to learn every day.
As we are in the middle of the Jewish New Year, let me wish all of you (no matter your religion) a healthy, happy and a meaningful New Year…Shana Tovah!!
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| Great picture |
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| Humming Birds in the middle of the desert. |
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| Mormon Lake, Arizona |
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| Navaho local transport |
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| ...and do it ends! |
Shana Tova, dear Stan, and G'mar Chatima Tova. So sorry to read "and so it ends", and wonder if that's really the end of these exciting rallies. But whatever it is, all your friends trust that beyond the six days on the beach there will be plenty more to do, shake, learn and everything that you do so well. Fondest regards and best wishes from Jerusalem.
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