Trek update

That was a long and sandy trek. Although we led from behind we had a really excellent hike with a consistent pace and many stops to get sand out of our shoes. No matter what you do the powder fine sand gets in. It is beautiful on the sanddunes but it doesnt stay there!

Yesterday we had a decent hike and decided to got for the first optional point. We were likely to only go for one so we thought it best to do the first. We did a slight detour that probably cost us 30min. We had stopped at a pan to clear our shoes and when we got up we followed some car tracks and not the foot "highway" that had led the way from the start. I actually think we lost the highway (how I dont know) before we stopped. Anyway, it just meant a climb up the dunes and over to the other side. That was our one bloopse and at least it wasn't too serious.

So we hit the optional checkpoint and made our way to the compulsory. Lobby and I ran out of water with about 2hrs to go. We got sips from the guys but with still almost and hour to go in the afternoon heat we were all out. When we got in the checkpoint we all downed a litre of water without blinking.

We set off just as it was getting dark for a really amazing hike at night. When it is cooler the sand gets more firm.we set our sights on a star aligned in the next checkpoint direction and just headed for it.

We stayed at the checkpoint for about 40mins, adding to the compulsory rest time that we had to log. We completed the 6hrs rest at the last compulsory checkpoint, which we reached before 3am

We slept for about 3.5hrs and were off, in the thick mist before 8am.

Navigation has been minimal this race and during the day yesterday as there was this footprint highway for most of it. Last night and today we mostly took our own routes and I felt better for it.

We have all got tender feet and a small blister or three. Overall I am very proud of our team. Chris says he is a good runner but a bad hiker. Not at all. This was his first big hike and the conditions were tough. The sand was soft in most places, especially during the heat of the day and we were constantly up and down dunes and having to clean out our shoes. His feet are in good condition and he did brilliantly.

This desert is a sight worth seeing. The colours of the sand are spectacular. We also loved running down the steep slippy slopes as we dropped down into the flat dry pans. When you run down the sand makes a loud noise. Sounds like a plane engine overhead and you can feel the vibration. We call it making the sand monsters howl.

We are now on a 4hr bus trip to Al Ain. As you can imagine, a bus filled with racers who have just finished more than 24hrs smells like hell. We are looking forward to showers and clean clothes. We had quick showers at the finish but are wearing our stinky race clothes. Nasty.

Need a snooze. And again. We cant express our appreciation enough for Mark and the other South Africans who came to find us and see us through to the finish. That was really special for us. Thank you guys.

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