The Sahara

As we travelled towards our destination it got windier and with dust and sand in the air the view out the minivan window was limited.  We came across some roadworks and travelled on rough track beside the road, then we couldn't see where the road was so had to have faith in our driver. 

Camels in the haze

After a bit of cross country ( hard packed sand) we arrived at where we were leaving our luggage and catching camel trains.  The sand was still flying so we waited an hour or more for wind to drop.  Eventually we were saddled up and on our way, we wore scarves tried desert style and these proved to be ideal for keeping the sand or of our mouths.

We had wonderful views of never ending sand dunes.  After about an hour our camp came into view, a circle of tents in the lee of a dune. 

 Next to the camp was a big dune that had to be climbed and after some effort we got to the top. We didn't stop there long as it was windy up there.

We were served a lovely meal of chicken and vegetable tagine and after dinner our Berber cameleers lit a campfire and played African drums. There was no African sunset for us as it was cloudy.

The night was short as we were up around sunrise, it was still cloudy but the wind had eased.  Saddled up on our camels we began the trek back and after a short while the wind was back accompanied by rain.  Yes, rain in the Sahara.  Sand was flying and any exposed skin was treated with a free exfoliant.  Again our our scarves were put to good use.  Fortunately it was only a short rain shower and we soon dried out.  Somehow the cameleers knew the way back with few tracks to follow.

After we had eaten breakfast we were on the road again visibility was a kilometre or less but as the morning progressed it got better.