General Chat

It is your lonely journey home that sits in my mind Diana. It must have been the worst journey of your life. Glad you are managing. Deanna X

nudging for the Aussies. Vonny

what can i add about day 4 - it was a strange kind of day but it made us determined to finish the trek for whatever reasons. My memories are of the morning being quite pleasantly spent getting to the lunch camp and then the wind getting up and sitting in a swealtering hot tent waiting for the jeep to come back after taking the others to our camp. We sat and played (miniature) cards for a while and then couldnt stand the heat so we went outside and sheltered in some trees away from the sandstorm. Finally the jeep arrived back and we got in for a bumpy ride back (think the guy driving was purposely trying to scare us ). Back at camp was the same as usual, mint tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cake. We all settled down and then Ken came into the tent asking for Diana, i thought the same as Anna that it had something to do with the robbery but i wont forget the look on Dianas face as she came towards us after taking a phone call. We were all a bit subdued at the evening meal that night and to be honest id totally forgotten that it was Gemmas birthday until the cake appeared. I do think this lifted us a bit and made us all the more determined to finish the trek, especially for Diana. I cant remember much more of that night , i went to bed and tried to settle down without too many trips to the loo!

With no shower facilities tonight, I did the best I could at removing sand, by using Wet Wipe after Wet Wipe but frankly it was having little effect. I also noticed that I had caught the sun quite badly on my left arm. I had chosen today to wear a t-shirt and shorts after being conservative and wearing a long sleeved top and trousers on the previous day, however thought I had been pretty liberal and frequent with the suncream. It was bearable though so just kept applying the aftersun to it. I crashed out in the tent, along with Julie and Cliff, some time later a couple of the others came into the tent, looking distressed and upset. We hadn't been with everyone else when news broke of Diana's dad dying and Diana had left with Lahcen by the time we were informed. There isn't really much else to say here, we were also at a loss for words on that Tuesday evening in question, such was the shock of it all. Despite the terrible news and everyone being understandably down, we tried to make the best of the evening by celebrating Gemma's birthday. Having had our three course dinner, the Berbers had prepared a birthday treat in the form of an assortment of different kinds of biscuits and sweet baked products on a big plate. We chatted in the eating tent for a while, as the girlies tittered over the amusing astrological readings of 'Sinful Stars' in a female magazine. At some point, I headed back to the sleeping tent and turned in for the night, today had been anything but a normal day.

Day 4 - Tuesday Tuesday turned into quite an eventful day for one reason or another. The morning arrived and it was Gemma's 23rd birthday and I doubt she will forget this one in a hurry. We had breakfast and left camp at the usual time and set out for what turned out to be a pleasant morning's walk. It was pleasing to be able to walk without feeling too many after effects from yesterday's first full day of walking. The route was virtually flat throughout and there was very little to note in the way of points of interest, however we did notice these patches of light green vegetation of some description - perhaps the mint green fruit salad sauce from the previous evening's meal had orignated from there? Whatever, it certainly seemed like an unusual sight to us anyway. We stopped under a tree for a break, Clare managed to get the best spot, lying in the tree and I believe some of the group were shown some ancient fossils by Lahcen. We got to camp for lunch and sat in the shade of a tree once more. Our lunches tend to be quite long - about 2 hours spent just chilling and doing nothing. Some time later the wind had picked up again like yesterday and started blowing the sand across where we were sat. Having dozed off for a nap, I woke to find my arm and left hand side coated with sand. We decided to seek sanctuary inside the tent where the food had been prepared; some of the group weren't happy about walking in the afternoon whilst the wind was vicious and blowing the sand around. Ken came to the conclusion that the conditions were unpleasant enough to offer us a choice - either we could walk it or the Land Rover could come and pick us up. He seemed to be indicating that he favoured the latter option for us. The group favoured hopping in the Land Rover as some people had blisters already, so Land Rover it was. After a while though, Cliff decided that he would like to have a go at walking through the conditions. For me, Cliff had the most useful bit of kit that no one else had, something that would help him greatly in the conditions and that was a pair of sand goggles, reminscent of the sort lab technicians wear. I wished I had the foresight of bringing something with me like that! After much thought, Paul decided he would like to try it as well. Ken informed them that they would be walking with him, Lahcen and the Berbers with the camels. Also what would have been an allocated 4 hour walk would be shortened down to 90 minutes, hence an incredibly fast walking pace. I deliberated long and hard about deciding whether to do it but after much consideration, I decided to go with the Land Rover. With hindsight, I think the timing had a lot to do with my decision as I was thinking of the challenges to come later in the week and didn't want to jeopardise myself for that. At the time I felt disappointed that I decided not to walk, as my attitude had been to take on every challenge that I faced but feel satisfied now that I took the sensible option. Also, having done this now, I feel even more confident now about what I can take on in the future. The Land Rover firstly picked up those with blisters or those most vulnerable at this stage, whilst the rest of us waited in the tent and just relaxed or played cards. The temperature inside the tent was absolutely stifling though so we decided to brave the wind and return to where we had been sat under the tree. The Land Rover eventually returned and picked the rest of us up who weren't walking and we said cheerio to Cliff and Paul and wished them well in their grim afternoon pursuit over sandswept terrain. The ride in the Land Rover was a bone shaker across stony ground but we pulled into camp 15 mins later. Some time later, the camels arrived back into camp and we noticed Paul and Cliff aboard them instead of on foot! Apparently they had gone 45-50 mins walking but Ken felt they were going to take longer than the 90 mins that he wanted at the pace they were going, which was when they decided to switch to the camels. Both Cliff and Paul reported that riding camelback is anything but comfortable on the old backside for any length of time!

Sitting in that tree Jack we were chatting about a spooky message that daisy had got saying she wouldn't do the trek cos of her daddy and how pleased we were it wasn't true!! It had crossed my mind on the Thursday before we left that the message had been mis-directed but as all that was wrong with him was water retention in his feet I dismissed it..... If only I had hindsight at that time!! When we got back to camp for some reason I was feeling very emotional and went to lie down and then Ken comes to find me.... i too didn't think for one minute it was bad news!! I had to call home and at that point I knew he had died..... I call and speak to bro from a satelite phone, not an easy task as the delay is massive but my first words were..... 'He's dead isn't he?' Somehow I knew that they wouldn't call me unless it was the worst possible news!! The journey out of the desert is a bit of a blur.... and I think Lahcen was an absolute star!! the rest of the journey home was horrendous as people kept looking at this white woman crying but the thought that kept getting me was I've ruined Gemma's birthday with my tears.... So i am really pleased to hear that you all made sure she got the birthday she deserved!! I remember insisting as I left that they all 'ENJOYED IT AND HAD FUN' thanks guys for proving that you did!! xx

DAY 4 TUESDAY Up early again, breakfast was porridge, made with Water. Bread and Jam for me today, washed down by a glass of milky coffee and a couple more tracker bars in my bag for later! I can’t really remember much about this mornings walk, except that my feet are killing me! We stop at a small tree and I have to sort my feet out lol.They have swollen so much that I have to take my insoles out of my boots! I think we walked across some small sand dunes today. We finally reach the tree for lunch and get comfy on the mat as we wait for lunch to be served. Its getting really windy now too, so as well as flies in our food, we also have to contend with eating a bit of sand too. I’m used to this now though, the amount of times I’ve dropped my platypus tube in the sand lol. As we are finishing our lunch, I overheard Ken talking to Victoria saying “we’ll give it half an hour” At the time I didn’t know what they were talking about but as it got windier and windier, we had to move into the kitchen tent for some protection against the sand. It really caught in your throat as you tried to breathe and stung your legs as it hit them. I needed the toilet but didn’t really fancy braving the sand storm, so we waited in the tent. It was getting hotter and hotter. Finally a decision is made as to whether we need help to get to tonights camp, and it is decided that we should be driven out in the jeep. It’s not big enough for us all to go so we take 2 trips. Firstly we are loaded in to the jeep. I think that 8 of us went in the 1st trip, along with some of the bags from the camels. Its pretty scary driving around the desert in the middle of a sandstorm in a jeep lol.Every so often we heard a banging noise, coming from the top of the Jeep. It was one of the Berbers who were sat on the top guiding our driver away from the storm! We finally got to the camp and it was set in an absolutely beautiful position, on a bluff, surrounded by lots of dunes. If only it wasn’t so windy!! Suzy Camay and I head off to attempt to ask the guys for some water. Suzy asks in her best foreign language, and off we go with our water bottles. Then we realised that she had actually spoken to the guy in Spanish instead of French lol.They still understood what we wanted though. Not long after, the second group arrive in the Jeep, minus Paul, Cliff, Ken and Lahcen. They had decided to try and walk!! Later they turn up on camels. Even the cameleers are riding their camels, the wind was so bad. The boy camels had been naughty lol, trying to chase a group of girly camels. Ken came into our tent and spoke to Diana; we thought it could be to do with the robbery, but its bad news. Dianas dad had passed away suddenly and she had to go home to England. We were all stunned at this news and everyone sat in silence for a while. I remember thinking how much i was missing my sons at this point. I can’t remember what we ate tonight, think it was veggie bolognaise, and the usual soup and bread. Afterwards we had biscuits and cakes as it was Gemmas birthday today. The Berbers had baked them for her, and presented them to her on a tray. They were singing happy birthday (I think!!)And playing the drums. It was brilliant. We had a bottle of wine between 5 or 6 of us again lol. After dinner, a few of us sat outside on a mat, looking at the stars. They were amazing, so clear. Susie B told us that the twinkling star was a planet, I can’t remember which one though lol. Daisy showed us the 7 sisters?, which were really hard to see. I think I slept pretty soundly tonight. Didn’t wake up for the loo at all. Still haven’t managed a number 2 yet pmsl Anna :-)

Ooops I've done it again! - believe it or not it was all there after I pasted but must have disappeared as I posted (or maybe i'm just useless lol) It is going to take over 6 hours to get to the airport. I offer to go with her as I know how I felt when I first heard that Mum had died – so glad that Dean was there for me. Diana insists she really is better on her own and we have a hug. A few minutes later and she’s off across the desert – Lahcen goes with her – bless him. I step forward and stand on Diana’s tab end – still hot. Bugger. Trust me to be the only one to get a blister on my big toe that hasn’t been caused by walking! We are all quiet for a while, many of us have rather damp eyes. I would love to be with my family now. All this has made me think about the day my mum died and reminds me just how much I miss her. I know what Diana must be going through and I wish I was with her. Not that I’d know what to say but, well – you know. Daisy gives me a hug and I feel a bit better. Clare’s eyes are all soggy and I offer her a hug but she says she’s ok. Ken asks for a word. He knows I have a birthday cake and a candle for Gemma and wonders if we should celebrate her birthday. I am sure Diana would want us to so I go and get the cake. On talking to a few of the others we all agree that Diana would want us to make Gemma’s birthday a good one and we start to perk up a bit as dinner time approaches. We light the candle and sing happy birthday to Gemma and crack open a bottle of red wine (than goodness for my penknife – the cork screw is a real survival aid!). Dinner is spaghetti (after soup of course) and peaches for dessert. Yet another smashing meal. The chef has made birthday biscuits and another candle is required so I dig out the one intended for Tracey’s birthday and it is put in a hollowed out orange in the middle of a plate of yummy biscuits. The crew sing their version of happy birthday while playing drums. Everyone seems to have brightened up a bit now. We sit outside and chat as it is hot in the tent. The chatter goes on for a while and I head into bed really late (about 9.45!!) after 2 wee’s (hoping that I won’t wake up in the night). It takes me a while to drop off but then I have a good few hours sleep before I have to get up for a wee. Aaarrrrggghhhh. I manage to get back to sleep pretty quickly but wake up after a little while with back ache – I’m missing my own comfy bed (and Dean to snuggle up with). I sleep for what seems like no time at all and morning arrives.

Day 4 I wake up very early, it’s only just getting light so I guess it is around 5.30. I go to the loo – again!! I know we have to drink lots of water so we don’t dehydrate but I wish my body was a bit more efficient with it rather than it passing straight through. I also think that squatting over the hole isn’t helping. To retain my balance I am leaning forwards so I am not properly emptying my bladder. My new plan here is to wee, stand upright for a moment and then try again! A few others are awake so we chat quietly not wanting to wake the others. We talk about the security patrols and can’t believe how brilliant this crew is and that at least one of them is staying awake all night to protect us and our belongings. More trekkers emerge from the tents and soon it’s time for breakfast (7am). The choice is similar to yesterday so again I have a black coffee and bread with strawberry jam. After I have eaten I slope off to the toilet. I have the urge for a number 2 and think I might manage it if no one else is hovering around the toilet tents. Yes!! I feel so pleased with myself that I head back to the tents with a great big grin on my face. Of course I share my news with the others – some of whom haven’t managed it yet. I know I mention toilets quite a lot but it really is a big deal out here – in fact probably our main topic of conversation! We pack up our gear and sort out our day packs and we are ready to start walking around 8am. Today we are walking over firm and stoney ground with a few small dunes. The walking is pretty easy and we are all enjoying it. We are all feeling better having had some sleep. If only we didn’t wake several times during the night to go to the toilet. We chat with each other and our local guide. Our guide’s name is Lahcen and he is doing this trek for the 26th time – rather him than me! Today is Gemma’s birthday so we all sing happy birthday to her in the middle of the Sahara and talk about ‘normal’ birthdays. Cliff as brought a thermometer with him – well done cliff. At one point it is 41 degrees – so much for the 25 that was forecast. After around 3 and a half hours of walking (with a few 5 – 10 minute rests) we stop under the shade of a tree for lunch. Again it is delicious (and very healthy) – salad, bread, some beans (don’t know what they are but they are very tasty) and a fresh orange to finish. We are definitely getting our 5 a day here and I resolve to try and continue the healthy eating when I get home. As we relax and air off our feet the wind begins to pick up. It gets so bad that we have to sit inside the tent that had been used for cooking. We are advised that to continue walking today would not be the best idea and have the option of a land rover ride back to camp. As we would be walking into the wind we opt for the land rover ride. We have to do 2 runs as we can’t all fit in, so, we send Julie (as she is ill – I really don’t think I could have coped if it had been me, she carries on so bravely) and all of those whose feet are covered in blisters. 8 of us remain and wait for the land rover to come back. It is really hot in the tent so after a couple of games of cards we drift outside to the shade and shelter of the tree. We must look like a group of monkeys sat here in the tree. We have a good old natter and the time passes quite quickly. Paul and Cliff have decided to brave the wind with Ken and Lahcen – I am tempted to go too until Ken says that they will be walking at least twice the speed that we have been going. The land rover ride is rather bumpy but its fun. I do however wish that I had nipped behind a dune before we had set off so I undo the button on my shorts to ease the pressure a little. We arrive at camp just before 4. We get our stuff into the tents and try and wash some of the sand off ourselves with baby wipes. It takes a full wipe just to clean one ear! I dig out my prickly heat cream as I can feel it starting up on the backs of my legs and I hope I can catch it early. We have coffee and cake and plenty of time to chill out. The chill time gives me time to think. I am missing Dean and Ellie loads and Sam and Jake too – seems like ages since I last saw them. I wonder what they are up to. Ellie will be with John and Dean will probably still be at work. I worry about him and hope he’s ok – he’s going through a lot at the moment and I wish I was there to look after him. At the same time I am glad to be here in the Sahara. It’s a great thing that I am doing and so far I have actually enjoyed it. A land rover rolls up – bad news. Diana’s daddy has died. We all feel for her so much, she was only saying earlier that she felt guilty about leaving him. She cries and cries but doesn’t want hugs. I so want to hug her. She’s going home. It is going to take over 6 hours to get to the airport. I offer to go with her as I know how I felt when I first heard that Mum had died – so glad that Dean was there for me. Diana insists she really is better on her own and we have a hug. A few minutes later and she’s off across the desert – Lahcen goes with her – bless him. I step forward and stand on Diana’s tab end – still hot. Bugger. Trust me to be the only one to get a blister on my big toe that hasn’t been caused by walking! We are all quiet for a while, many of us have rather damp eyes. I would love to be with my family now. All this has made me think about the day my mum died and reminds me just how much I miss her. I know what Diana must be going through and I wish I was with her. Not that I’d know what to say but, well – you know. Daisy gives me a hug and I feel a bit better. Clare’s eyes are all soggy and I offer her a hug but she says she’s ok. Ken asks for a word. He knows I have a birthday cake and a candle for Gemma and wonders if we should celebrate her birthday. I am sure Diana would want us to so I go and get the cake. On talking to a few of the others we all agree that Diana would want us to make Gemma’s birthday a good one and we start to perk up a bit as dinner time approaches. We light the candle and sing happy birthday to Gemma and crack open a bottle of red wine (than goodness for my penknife – the cork screw is a real survival aid!). Dinner is spaghetti (after soup of course) and peaches for dessert. Yet another smashing meal. The chef has made birthday biscuits and another candle is required so I dig out the one intended for Tracey’s birthday and it is put in a hollowed out orange in the middle of a plate of yummy biscuits. The crew sing their version of happy birthday while playing drums. Everyone seems to have brightened up a bit now. We sit outside and chat as it is hot in the tent. The chatter goes on for a while and I head into bed really late (about 9.45!!) after 2 wee’s (hoping that I won’t wake up in the night). It takes me a while to drop off but then I have a good few hours sleep before I have to get up for a wee. Aaarrrrggghhhh. I manage to get back to sleep pretty quickly but wake up after a little while with back ache – I’m missing my own comfy bed (and Dean to snuggle up with). I sleep for what seems like no time at all and morning arrives.

nudge for those who want to still add something to Day 3.

We had email contact from Tracey yesterday so she must still be alive and well (apart from her feet of course!! Jack x

can't believe I cut it short again! Hardly worth adding the last bit but here goes: well. I was ready for bed not long after 9pm – after a coffee and a trip to the loo. I decided to sleep in my liner with my sleeping bag unzipped and I had ditched my thermarest in favour of a mattress supplied by the crew. I really needed a good nights sleep! I laid with my head to the door end of the tent and watched for a while as Susie B and some of the others did the Hokey Cokey with the crew. I wished I had the energy! I went off to sleep quite quickly but soon woke up needing a wee. I really didn’t want to go so I lay there for a while hoping that the urge will pass. Quite silly really seeing as though I have drunk around 6L of water! So fleece and trainers on and off I go to the tent. Once outside I see a figure stood on a dune. My heart skips a beat until I realize it is one of the Berber’s patrol. They feel so bad about the robbery on the first night that they are guarding camp. A few hours later I wake and need the loo again and the Berber is still patrolling. A crew member is sleeping outside – right in the middle of the camp and another sleeps on the top of a small dune on the edge of camp. I definitely feel safe now. I manage to sleep a little while longer.

And jess - maybe the next time!! :O)

Strangely no matter what time I go to bed it is ALWAYS 5am that i chat.... sometimes so much that i wake myself up!! :O)

I think all we got was just snoring in our tent, nothing like sleep-singing or sleep-talking.

I read your tales with interest - i so wish i had been able to come with you - I've just walked back from town -all of about 4 miles and take my hat off to the lot of you. We so rarely walk anywhere these days that we dont realise just what you did- the sheer enormity of it. By the way , is Tracy still alive and breathing?? Well done all jess x

apparently the donkeys were more tuneful! ;-))

Oh i dread to think!! :O)

LOL Diana.You didnt sound like you were asleep thats for sure.It was so clear. At least you didnt hear me doing opera singing with the Donkeys one night :-) Anna

I did not talk in my sleep!!!! I was apparently having a go at Paul for sticking up for someone and used the words 'she is not a normal human being' very loudly, but as predicted they told me to shut up and I apologised whilst still asleep, turned over and never made another sound that night!! LOL!!