Tuesday 10th March, Bourganne to Erg Chagaga Camp

After we left this campsite our route followed a valley across stony ground and across a saltpan of a dried up lake on the edges of the dunes. In this type of terrian it is very difficult to judge distances and items that appeared close took much longer to reach than we had expected.

Problems with blisters on feet became a problem for many folks due to the effects of heat, soft sandy surfaces and getting sand in the boots. The temperature again today reached 35 C and lots of fluids were required to avoid being dehydrated. Lunch today was at the only tree for miles around and it provided some good shelter from the heat of midday and for a few tired legs.

After lunch Cindy and Sarah opted for a ride on the camels over towards camp which is on a large flood plain. Richard and I also took a short ride on the camels into the camp but decided we would walk in future. The camp was on the site of an old nomadic camp and in an area very green with Rocket plants. Here we found large herds of camels and their young being watched by Nomadic herdsmen. In the distance we got our first views of Chagaga the large sand dune we would be walking up tomorrow morning.

The local crew have been great always smiling, making some fantastic meals and having a hot brew and cakes available when we arrive tired in camp in the evenings