The Village Elder (the Mayor)

Frank and Anton tea at small village.

Stage 16 – Dead Camel Camp to Desert Camp

145km, 4:56 hrs riding time

Last night after dinner about ten of us went to a small village. We were invited into a home for tea and the village elder (the Mayor) came by. All was very traditional. We asked if he needed any thing and he said he had neck pain. I said I could meet him the next morning with some Ibuprofen and Tiger balm. He was very grateful.

At 4:30 the moon had set and there were a million stars all around. The [constellation] southern cross is visible.

The wind picked up after our 6:30 departure. Adobe structures dotted the road on the left as we sped south. Snakes of sand crawled across the black road as the wind picked up. Desert was all around and the sun was intense.

At camp the wind was blowing at about 25mph making putting up our tents a team effort.

Highlights:

  • knocking out another 95 miles.
  • Tea stop in a very small village.
  • Reaching speeds of 50kmh on level road.