Steve Partridge's Daily MDS Report - Friday 8 April 2005

Friday 8 April

The team has now arrived at Khermou, 30km SW of erfoud where we will start the race on Sunday at 9am. Khermou is an area - a long windswept desolate place with a cliff running along the west side. We arrived at 4pm after 5 hour coach trip down the Draa valley where we were met with driving sands and winds. Each time we stopped in the middle of this empty expanse we were accosted by barefoot children who seemed to appear out of the ground and asked for food. The tents are set out to form a large 20 to mark the 20th anniversary of the race. Also we are getting acclimatised to the wind and the heat.

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One problem we have which is still not resolved is the fuel. The official fuel has arrived in an unsuitable state and we are awaiting a delivery of camping gas to avoid cold food throughout the week. However the French are feeding everyone and this won't be a problem until the race starts. We are now bedding down for our first night. Many of the team will be checking out their sleeping equipment for the first time so wish them luck!!!

The french look very professional and fit. We have got a lot better at queuing today, far more so than yesterday.

Finally - what we need are emails.
Please click on http://www.darbaroud.com find your runner's name and number and send them a mail - its very important. From all of us "Thanks".