Start time was 7.15 am. We were again allocated a leave time in position 41, at 7.56am.
The first run was out a regularity at Sheep Bridge some 24kms and had to arrive and start the regularity at 8.31am.
This regularity, as is normal, is run on gravel and extends 6.86 kms back onto tarmac.
119 kms later at Warm Springs Canyon another regularity of 12.46kms on gravel of course. The surface was too rough for Betty. So many corrugations, and hard rough surfaces, we took it easy rather than beat the clock and end up with a broken car. As at the end of the day there were many broken cars for various reasons.
We drive on to Cliff Dwellers Lodge for lunch
It was getting very warm and this was a welcome break in the day.
After lunch a 67 km a Time Check run, 67kms to be covered in 70 minutes. Long straight tarmac roads and a wish to get to the end of this one led us to the destination very quickly, some 30 minutes early. All the other competitors were there early also waiting processing by the marshals. That went ok, we just sat and waited for our official time to be up and then get the sign off in time.
This stop however was at the entrance to Navajo nation lands. Permission had been gained but there was some disagreement that cars should be racing through their property. Much discussion was had but we were requested to be respectful and Stephen, in his usual manner calmed the locals and the president of the local people. Made them laugh, got them to sit in the car and take photos. They were happy that we could traverse their lands with respect. He cunningly also procured a Navajo people’s flag for his collection!
Due to the time to settle matters the last Time Checks were combined into one. Ending at 1.54 for us, but again we elected to take it easy so as not to damage the car.
There was more rough travel to com over the next 29 odd kms. So, other than to aim to arrive at the passage control on time we just took it easy. The tarmac roads are long and hot.
After another 120 kms we arrived at he hotel via a loop road to Flagstaff. Interesting at the Sunset Crater volcano
It was a long day 500kms. Stephen is cleaning out the air filters and replacing the spark plugs.
It’s now one hour earlier in the time zone in Arizona.
gravel travel 
DID THE SHERIFF PULL YOU OVER…FOR WHAT? WHEN I WAS IN COLLEGE I SPENT A SUMMER ON THE HOPI RESERVATION SURROUNDED BY THE NAVAJO REZ EXPLORING FOR OIL. I FOUND MANY SHARDS OF POTTERY IN THE SANDS. ENJOY YOUR NEXT AMAZMENT….THE GRAND CANYON!!!!!
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No. It was a setup. As is normal, Steve asked the sheriff if he would pull in behind and turn the sparklers on.
It worked. Everyone thought that he got ticketed. The cop was a decent chap and went along with it. Before long Steve and he began talking about cars and motors.
Shows how easily a situation can be manipulated, like what the news media do all the time!
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hi corgi
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