The plan today was to go into the desert and end the day back at the coast to camp at Nouamghar. We didn't manage an early start as when we woke up How Hard Can It Be's car and Team Jamu Wachu's car had been buried up to their axles in the sand. Some people just have too much energy!
We also spent the morning fixing the radiator and oil cooler on Stan and Dimitri's car, so didn't get away until 12.30pm, somewhat later than anticipated. Unfortunately we only managed 12km before the vibration split the radiator repairs which had been made. After much discussion it was decided to abandon the car, much to Stanislav's disappointment. The Pajero went back to the village and returned with a truck to tow it away. The problem was that the car was on Stan and Dimitri's passport, and, having come into the country, it had to leave. This was overcome by signing the car over to our guide, Sidi, who would acquire the car, then come to the border, and grease a few palms with €100 to get the necessary stamp in their passport, as if the car had left with them. A nice little earner for the guide, as the radiator would easily be repaired with a proper work shop and he would have a decent car to sell.We then had to set about getting rid of surplus kit, which went into Stan and Dimitri's car, so we could take them on as extra passengers, or their luggage. We made room for more luggage and off we went again, racing for the coast. Unfortunately it got dark long before we made it, so we pitched camp behind a large dune. Only 71km today and 5,835 in total.
