The first two CPs should be no more than a formality as they lie along the route and will be checked off automatically on the way to the day’s first “playing field”.

Day among the cauliflowers (or “choux-fleurs” in French)… Nothing to do with the evening meal at the bivouac, this cauliflower is a “small” desert plant that resembles a giant grey-green cauliflower but, in addition to being inedible, is as hard as rock. The Gazelles will need to avoid them or suffer the consequences.

And if only the cauliflowers were the only problem…
The zone is also riddled with oueds of different depths and various levels of difficulty to cross. In some cases, following a oued may take them several hundred metres off course…

And if only the oueds were the only problem…
The area offers few clear features, and those are often so far away as to be easily lost in the heat haze. It’s not easy to navigate without a point of reference.

This is a day that will require all of their skills and attention to avoid the many pitfalls. A good night’s sleep at the bivouac will be more than welcome after a long grueling day, especially since tomorrow’s leg may require some intensive shovelling!