THE INCA TRAIL
the big South American adventure rally
Day 2: In Ouro Preto
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Arriving in convoy at Ouro Preto
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Today was a relaxed day, with just two Time Controls and an opportunity to explore the World Heritage site of Ouro Preto a perfectly preserved eighteenth century mining town: the name means Black Gold. Much of the wealth went into building superb churches in the Baroque style, and the town square is another gem. We arrived in a police-escorted convoy: quite a sight as our hundred vehicles snaked their way down the hill to the centre to check in at our ceremonial control. Being a Sunday the entire town could turn out to view our cars which filled the cobbled area in front of the Town Hall. Some had arrived in their own classics, adding to the throng.
The relaxed day with an overnight halt at the same hotel for a second night meant that those who had had car problems on Day 1 had the chance to sort things without accumulating too many penalties, or falling behind the rally. David Inns was one of those: by 11.00am he nearly had it sorted: new fuel line, electrics, everything. "We've had the engine going: now all I've got to do is to sort out is the seized clutch." He did.
The day was a chance to relax, and retell a few of the adventures of the previous day. Here are a couple to entertain.
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On display in Praca Tiradentes
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Tough on Chris Denham, who is competing in the Alvis Grey Lady. He arrived at our Ouro Preto overnight halt to find his luggage missing from the car boot. He was mystified until others mentioned seeing a number of items of clothing strewn along the road on the now-notorious Medal Section. Someone else claimed to have seen a local holding a suitcase. Chris can only assume that the car hit a big bump, and the case flew in the air, forcing the boot lid open. Exit suitcase, the boot lid reclosing on the downward trip. Cunning, eh? Just like in the cartoons. On Monday, Chris will be urgently in search of a gentleman's outfitters: all he had to wear for supper on Saturday evening was a borrowed T-shirt and some eminently presentable underpants. And yes he will also be seeking a reliable method of securing that bootlid.
Peter's not Potty
Soon after they'd settled down to await the first car at their hastily repositioned Time Control, still feeling a bit of a-twitter, Peter Rushforth and Stuart Wood were approached by a local. Maybe he'd witnessed the drama with the shorted-out battery. His first words were: 'Would you like some marijuana?' Peter looked surprised, and he repeated the question. Peter, sensible to the last of his responsibilities as a marshal, politely declined. No matter. Quick as a trice, the chap went back to his car, produced a cool bag and out of it came two ice-cold beers. Now, that was more like it!
Adopt-a-marshal
Pat and Don Griffiths, Trail Leaders for the 4x4 Adventure Drive met with plenty of local hospitality too. They looked after the control at the end of the Day 1 Explorer Section, in the middle of a small village. An interested crowd gathered. They quickly introduced someone who could speak English ... then another ... and another. They all wanted to chat. Some even wanted to take them back home, to meet grandparents, fathers, uncles.
The time came for them to close the control and move on, but it was difficult to get away ... But they made it at last, feeling well and truly part of the local community.