After the briefing session and with second lead, sweepers, convoy and everything else all sorted we started out on our trip. I was nervous but felt incredibly well supported by everyone on the trip and although I started out slowly, I gradually increased both the speed, pace and difficulty. We found a couple of "play" areas which we all took advantage of and had fun. The route I chose was the Jeep Jamboree route which was nice, but not perhaps quite as challenging as I wanted.
I had the first stuck - purely for demonstration purposes - and then got a pop out too! Others (no names who, but <ahem> Jo and <ahem> 9ball reminded the group that even Marshals can and do get stuck as well.
For my first trip I was very happy - some good learning opportunities for me - and whilst challenging, it certainly hasnt put me off wanting to do my next lead......Sweihan anyone!
I had a huge group, so the thank you's could take a while. I suggest you get a coffee and relax!!
Firstly, a huge thank you to Tawalbeh and Imad for encouraging and supporting my first trip, and I hope Tawalbeh (who couldnt make it) feels better soon.
Then it's on to the lovely Marshal group who showed up to give me great support: Mac and Gillian; 9ball; Smiley who provided wonderful watermelon and then amazing cake; Jo and Tweety; Khaiwi and Gladiator. I felt very honoured to have you all along on my first trip.
To my fantastic second lead Jayne who did a brilliant job, and to Zeer who was my sweeper - thank you so much. Desert_Hawk provided some side sweep cover along with Moe and this too was very much welcomed.
And now to the group:
Eisa - as always, you are a great driver and thanks for your support
Qarouty - really nice to see you out in the sand, and am so glad that your daughter is getting better
Guevera - thanks for coming along - excellent driving
TurkishRider - cok tesekur ederim. Thank you so much for being part of my trip.
And my good friend Boogie - you certainly know how to handle your jeep and it was fun to have you on the trip.
We had along three passengers as well - Sean (as his H3 is not quite ready for the sand), and two friends of Jo's - Ian and John.
And a special mention has to go to Zeer, Eisa and Desert_Hawk for the wonderful BBQ.
At the BBQ area we met up with Carole and her group, and were lucky enough to welcome some extra faces at the BBQ which was really nice to see.
So all in all, a great day, for me anyway, and the support was completely amazing from everyone. From the helpful and encouraging texts, to the phone calls, to the emails to everything. This was definitely a day when I felt the true AD4x4 Family Spirit - long may it live.
I also really appreciated all the feedback - the good, the bad and the ugly
and will hopefully take the comments on board for my next trip. Thanks again to everyone for coming along and see you all in the sand soon.
