More on trekking

The trekking stage kicked off yesterday morning from a desert camp. We only arrived there after 7pm, in the dark. Bus ride from Abu Dhabi took just over 4hrs.

We actually slept pretty well and were ready to hike. We ran quite a bit in the morning and decided to do the first two compulsory CPs and then decide on a strategy before the first optional.

Our first decision was made with dark in mind. The moon would only be up just after 10pm - the desert is a dark place with huge dunes. We decided to slip the first optional and head directly for the next compulsory. On the Google image the route to the optional and on to the CP looked to be very sandy and hard going. We didnt have coordinates for the optionals so we figured that if we could get to the second optional before dark, them at least we would also have GPS to aid us into the CP if needed.

At the compulsory before the second optional we saw the top teams, who were sitting out part of their compulsory rest time to avoid the worst heat of the day. They looked smashed! It turns out that the section from the optional to the CP was really difficult, especially in the heat.

Off we went, behind a French team. We were the first two of the teams to leave this third compulsory having missed the first optional. Alex took up on a great route be the optional. We overtook the French and it felt like we were leading the race because we were on virgin desert sand. A lot of the time out here we are on other team's tracks or we can see them. Here we were setting the course. We drew some arrows and wrote a few 'Hi' messages in anticipation of them coming through shortly behind us. Almost like a thank you for their tracks.

At the CP we cleared our shoes of sand (gaiters did work but not totally impervious) and got ready to leave again. The French whizzed through and left promptly.

As we were heading out, in a similar exit to our entry - to benefit from better terrain in a nearby pan, we saw the German triathletes thundering down, along our good route. They had a big lead on the chasing teams, who we could see on the far side and end of the pan.

These pans are big enough that you can make out people shapes but see nothing other than black blobs. We wondered why they didnt take our nice - and faster - route. It seems that the front teams worked out coordinates for the optionals and that they were straight lining, not navigating as such. They missed our messages...

We hit the next CP well after dark and decided to finish our rest. We slept for just over 6hrs getting up at 3.30. The moon was up and light was good. I suggested that we skip the 3rd optional and aim for the 4th, which seemed better on paper. There was a slim chance that we would make the last two optionals but it would mean no margin for error, slowing of pace or injury.

Alex gave us a great route to the optional and from these we followed a highway - and lots of teams - into the finish. When you are so close to the end it takes ages to get there. And the run was cooking hot.

Although it is winter the midday temps, until about 4pm are warm. Like Pretoria on a hot summer noon. The Europeans, coming from winter, must have really felt it.

We were in by 2pm and spent the rest of the day chilling. The toilet trucks were parked a distance from the camp - luckily we had our bikes nearby so we just grabbed them and rode back and forth to the loos and showers.

We are all in good condition. I had a bad foot stage, which is unusual and frustrating. Not so much to hamper my trekking, just sore. Blister on each foot on little toe and neighbouring toe. Triangle toes. Nasty. Alex has 'another little toe' on his little toe. Big one. I took a photo. Francois battled during this stage from the start. He just didn't settle into it but he kept going. His feet are sore and a couple of blisters. Christo's feet are in excellent condition, just tired now.

The biking tomorrow is a no brainer but will be fast. Francois has been looking forward to it all week. He will more than likely get his chance to tow me. Yippee!

It is almost 9pm and we are in bed. Pooped. Night. L