Zak - Fortuner (Lead)
Pierre - LR4 (2nd Lead)
Jen - Xterra
Stephan - FJ
Janine - LX470 (Sweep)
Shaju - FJ (floating expert support)
Bright and early in the morning we met up for a detailed ANIT briefing. It was Jen's first trip so we have gone through many of the details for newbies and safety in the desert. Unfortunately I forgot some important points like securing all the items in the vehicle and complete instructions for the 2nd lead.
We set off into the small technical dunes and warmed up there with some easy cruising through and practicing some small straight crests. Once we got into the wide open valleys I took the opportunity to tour around the area, we saw some Gazelles and stopped for a few breaks in between.
Around 10am however the weather turned foul with very strong wind and a big sandstorm, and just in time for us to have our first recovery, as the weather was so bad, I made a direct route for the sabkha however visibility was very bad and it was difficult to find a way without GPS. On the last straight crest we had our last recovery before getting into the sabkha and heading for the tarmac.
Everyone did very well considering the level of the group. I will ask Pierre, please keep in mind to hold the convoy, especially when its time for a technical break
. Thank you all for joining and hopefully the weather will be much better on the next trip.
All the best
Zak
