The Mauritania leg of the trip is now complete. Overall the least friendly area so far, and to start with the most extreme environment wise. It started with Sahara sand dunes and heat at least 35c each day. The whole group have felt the strain the past few days. There has been more getting stuck, flu, bust tires and mechanical failure than any other time. This has included bent chassis’s from bouncing off sand humps at high speed, bent front suspension arms from being blown off the road and severely dented wheels from unavoidable tarmac holes. To such a point that the last off road track of Mauritania was changed to tarmac due to everyone being so tired. Despite the hard days we are all still enjoying the trip without exception.
Car is behaving extremely well so far, with only standard tires and small exhaust repairs. Suspension is showing signs of strain, but will hopefully hold out till the end. Dust is absolutely everywhere and is probably my least favourite aspect. Scarves and goggles have been a life saver but still leave you coughing up dirt. Yuck.
We are now currently in Mali and are now enjoying a relaxing nights in a hotel before continuing. It is nice to be out of the Muslim counties where the women are covered from head to toe in fabrics. Although this in itself is ok the general attitude towards women and life in general is not great.
Apparently the next few days will be quite taxing on the car so myself and DJ are now off to make a good check on the car. e. x
Mali has been very beautiful, still loads of sand to get stuck in due to dry weather. Visited a dogon village today which is built on the side of a mountain. Community still living very traditionally in their rock houses, mainly with only ropes made from bark leading to their entrances.
Our car is still being good to us, with no majour problems other than flat tire every day without fail. Over the border to Burkina tomorrow shortly followed by Benin, nearly there!
Climate becoming increasingly hot and humid. temp now up to 45c most days.
1 comment:
Hi eleanor. Glad to hear you are still having such fun. Yes I remember that the dust is not so good but not much you can do about it I guess. Its a bit chilly here but at least not dusty. Sorry to hear about the flat tyres... I see the picture of you checking the pressures so it must really be rough....looking forward to hearing the next instalment. will pass on your progress to the B Ducks when I see them next week. Keep it on the island.... cheers
chris and sue and mavis.
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