Rally Live: Grand Prix of South America, Day 13

Huancayo to Huanuco and yes they are different places, we didn’t just go around the block several times! Today started a little flat….. largely flat, as although we are still at altitude, we travelled mainly along the valley floor. For much of the journey we followed a very fast flowing, brown river….good luck to anyone falling in. The road did not know this however, as it had fallen directly into the river at one point. Ingenious Peruvians, they just cut another road out of the hillside above, and put a set of Stop/Go people to control the traffic.

Fast Flowing Brown River

Obviously the winter rainfall and snow melt has continued to cause some alterations to our route, with a section being cancelled today, as the 24 hour car reported that it was just too rough and cut up for many of our cars. The 24 hour car also reported some quite serious snowfall yesterday. With this in mind, many participants togged up, putting on jumpers and warm footwear. By the time we reached Huanuco it was blazing sunshine and 25c….amazing! Time for a quick change before lunch.

 

We see many odd and interesting happenings on our route. One question that has to be asked is….Is there a minimum age limit to be a moped passenger? How old do you think this child is? We hope mum has a tight grip.

Hold On Tight Mum.

Another question is…who should you vote for as election fever hits this part of Peru? Candidates and their supporters employ the technique of painting their houses to show allegiance to one candidate or another. Well, at least you may get your house painted for free. We think Alberto Rivera has a good chance…is he with the spade party?

Go Candidates…. Will You Paint My Wall?

We arrived in a timely fashion – that is, in time for lunch, at the Grand Hotal Huanuco situated on the main square. Initially we were impressed by the Spanish/colonial style of architecture, then the lunch, then the pool.

Dip Anyone?

But nothing quite prepared us for the road being closed off by the very helpful local police, so we had no parking issues, but the… and this is completely true, we had a police motorbike escort to the local gas station so we could fill up ready for tomorrow. Does giving the officers involved some chocolate count as a police bribe?

Close That Road.

Clear The Way, Petrol Needed.