THE INCA TRAIL

the big South American adventure rally

Day 31: Llao Llao Esquel (370km)

Medal and Explorer Section at start of day

'Mister ... hey, mister!'

The Classic Reliability Trial results at the end of today make interesting reading: David Garrett's rookie navigator, Sarah Born, brought their Mercedes in clean at all three timing points in succession on today's Regularity section. Meanwhile, newcomers to rallying David Aspinall and Philip Jenkins in their Mustang have been developing consistent form, and have taken over first place in their class on Leg 3.

Today's regularity route took crews past more lakes in cool weather and mist looking just like England's Lake District. Then off towards the Old Patagonian Express, made famous by Paul Theroux now running as a tourist attraction rather than a regular means of long distance transport. A train steamed up especially for the Inca Trail visitors, and the contents of the engine sheds were a train enthusiast's paradise.

Sad to report that yet again Jan van Geen and Julienne Straatman's Mustang hit more ignition problems before lunch, and they were forced to turn back to Bariloche to seek help in tracing the fault.

But no major shocks today, and all five Gold medallists came home with their aspirations still intact. At Esquel town square we were in for yet another rousing reception from local people particularly the children, who pursued crew members and organisers alike for autographs well into the evening whenever they emerged from the shelter of their hotels.

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