Rally Live: Grand Prix of South America, Day 18

No one was in any mood to argue with a 208km road section day, after several hard days driving. The thought of a comparatively short blast…followed by a rest day in the comfort of the Four Points Sheraton Hotel was….seductive to say the least. It was however, with a little tinge of sadness that we left the peaceful town of Loja, but with a song in our hearts and a tummy full of quiche (unexpectedly yummy for breakfast), off we departed.

A Really Short Roadbook.

With no set out time, participants were free to leave at any time they preferred and start the journey. It was our last day (so I am told), that we make any really high hill climbs, with today rising up to 3,400 meters. It really was into the clouds we travelled, with Equador providing some exceptional scenery. With herds of black and white cows and lush green hills, it was often like a scene out of Heidi or The Sound Of Music. It was also the gorgeous smell of woodsmoke and cooking fires that lay heavy in the air, redolent of stews cooking and chickens roasting.

Misty Mountains and Switchbacks.

It was also a relatively easy day for our support crews, however this did not prevent Ian rushing to the aid of Car 2 of Andrew and Paul, not that they needed it, just to clean a few spark plugs. However, Doc was also at hand to give an emergency massage to Andrew, and he appears to be enjoying it!

Support Car Rushing

 Go Doc With The Massage

At last The Sheraton hoved into view. What a total delight. Our hotel may not have the best views, but we all agree it has the best beds! Off to the land of nod we go.

External View

Internal View.