THE INCA TRAIL

the big South American adventure rally

Day 56: Awards, feathers and farewells

Crews had the opportunity to relax a little, though there were still jobs to be done. Cars had to be taken to Rio docks for the return shipment home - and baggage rearranged in anticipation of that. Many found it strange to know that from now on their daily existence was not going to be ruled by the roadbook and timecard.

But there was one more schedule to stick to. Just before dusk, participants headed for the Sugarloaf Mountain. From the very top, reached by cable car, they marvelled at a series of breathtaking views over the city as lights came on way below.

Then to a champagne reception courtesy of the Buick Division of General Motors, followed by the awards ceremony dinner and cabaret. In his welcoming address to competitors event director John Brown commented: 'You have just completed one of the most demanding motoring challenges of all time: a remarkable achievement.'

Remarkable indeed. And the event was not just the opportunity for individual achievement. Among special awards given out, let's mention the one presented to Pauline Harris and Ann Locks for raising the highest amount of money for charity. By completing this demanding course, they will be able to contribute pledges totalling GBP 550,467 to the Prostate Cancer Charity in Britain, one of the least well funded cancer charities. A big thank-you to everyone who has supported this all-female crew's brilliant effort.

Celebrating is something that Rio knows all about. After the awards, a Rio Carnival - style floorshow took everyone by storm. Spectacular feathered costumes, carnival music and dancing put the final seal on the evening's glittering celebrations and the real end of the Inca Trail.

The show must go on! Battery powered laptop beats Lima power cut

And finally ... a word from correspondent Inky Trailer

Daily reports from the Inca Trail have usually been typed in the back of a moving course car, often travelling the roughest of terrain. Hotel bedrooms have been another favourite venue, once in the middle of a power cut in Lima. Photos have come from several sources: mostly from official event photographer Mike Johnson of Clicksport Photography, with occasional contributions from results man John Bayliss and Len Wright, driver of one of the Camel Trophy Land Rover Discoveries.

Words, pictures and results have been beamed to you courtesy of the Satamatics Ottercom satellite system: from hotel room balconies, from the middle of the Atacama Desert, from rally car parks at 2.00am, from isolated Regularity Time Controls, from jostling cathedral square arrival controls. It's amazing what you can do from a 4x4 roof with a cigar lighter socket for power.

Thank you, Ottercom.