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2006's Red Rock Rallye was rather eventful. We did a different route this year from other years, in that we went down to the Grand Canyon. This necessitated us going a different way which proved providential.
On the first travel day, September 14, we took a scenic route to our destination, Cedar City, Utah.
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Over mountainous terrain the leaves on the trees were just starting to change to their fall colors.
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On our approach to Manti, Utah which is where we had lunch, the Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints looms out at you. What a beautiful edifice.
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Close to our destination we stopped, rain and all at Cedar Breaks National Monument. Gorgeous by any standards. It's a little bit of Bryce Canyon National Park!
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On the way Chris Jaques was feeling quite wretched and retired to his bed at his lodgings as soon as we arrived. Luckily, one of the owners of the Inn was a nurse and after looking in on Chris insisted that he go to the Hospital. He was then transferred from Cedar City Hospital, fifty miles to the hospital in St. George, Utah which had a new heart center. He then had immediate bypass surgery. If we had gone our normal way we would have been far from medical care and the outcome may have not been as good as it was. We are happy to report that Chris came through with flying colors and is doing very well.
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It also turned out well that Nick and Oona McBrien from Ireland were driving our Sebring convertible. As Chris was driving his C-Type, we made a few swaps. Debbie and I drove Chris' C-Type, Nick drove our XK 140 DHC (which seemed to please him immensely)and that left the modern Sebring for Michele to drive while Chris was in the hospital. The C-Type was a little difficult for my 6'2” body to fit and we ended up taking out the seat, with me sitting on a cushion on the floor to give me enough leg room to drive it.
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It started with one person with a silly hat (thanks Duncan) to Wayne and Dick purchasing several of them for the group at the birthday party for Linda and Matilde!
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In addition to the Grand Canyon, we traveled to Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, as well as Grand Staircase of the Escalante National Monument and Monument Valley.
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There are so many WOW's in the scenery that you can not find enough superlatives to describe it!
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While a car broke down and didn't make it home, I am happy to report it was not a Jaguar, but an Austin Healey belonging to Jim and Marcia Pease of Alabama. It was a heart breaker to them as they were so let down to be driving a modern car for the rest of the Rallye (and seeing their baby taken on a tow truck back to Salt Lake). So as you can see, we had a number of unusual events this year!
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In the thirteen years we have been doing the Red Rock Rallye we have never had anyone get a ticket, or a car not make it home under it's own power. Well, those both fell by the wayside this year. I won't mention Keith, Dick or Dennis' names, but 3 people got tickets this year breaking that record.
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Our annual Hawaiian shirt night was very rowdy! All the men really got into it and the women were whooping and hollering as the guys paraded around the room in hopes of winning the “Best Shirt” award. Duncan Tilly of Canada won the honor. His shirt had a beautiful Hula dancer on it and if he moved just right it actually danced for us!!!
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We had many stretches of open road and were able to open the cars up a bit. Many of us hiked to Calf Creek Falls and a few hiked through the Narrows in Zion.
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Boulder Mountain Lodge and Hells Backbone Grill were a great time. We had wonderful (!) food, wonderful conversation and lots of fun.
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Aliens from an unknown planet....(oh, yeah, that would be England) have descended upon the scenic view of Boulder Mountain!
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Formations in Monument Valley are astounding.
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Another unusual event this year was an auction for Muscular Dystrophy. Nick McBrien who HAD rather long locks, volunteered to have his hair cut for this particular charity as it has a very sentimental meaning in his life. All the men could not wait for their $100 chance to cut his hair. Some of the women got in on it also with Jane Abadjian doing some finishing touches and Wanda Smith doing a Swan-like dance over his head to finish him up looking very dapper! We ended up sending a check to the Muscular Dystrophy for $1,950.00.
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We had twenty cars, 16 of those being Jaguars. Twenty cars is the limit for this Rallye, not only because of limited accommodations, but also because it is a great opportunity for everyone to get to really know each participant.
We had five couples from England, one from Ireland, one from Canada and the rest from various states around the US. The scenery was magnificent as always and other than a few minor glitches, which were easily taken care of, all the Jaguars performed very well. A very special thanks to Keith Fell and Karen Moore who came over early and helped us prepare for the Rallye and even though he was a participant in an XK 120, which had no windscreen and no heat (which was necessary on many day) was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone with mechanical problems.
All seemed to have a good time and we are now looking forward to many returning either next year or subsequent years. We have a number who come every year, who provide a nice base and we greatly appreciate them all.
Next years Red Rock Rallye will be held September 26th to October 3rd, 2007. We are also going to have another rally specifically for those live overseas but do not want to ship cars over, called the Red Rock Rallye Tour. Participants will rent a modern convertible and do the same route as the regular Red Rock Rallye. This event will be held June 4 to June 12, 2007.
Hope many of you can participate in a drive with us through this beautiful scenery next year.
Happy touring!
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