Shadows in the wind

14^th and 15^th March

We've been here a week now and will probably move on in the morning. Yesterday was sandstorm day!Very exciting but very sandy! We tried walking but it didn't work out, we stayed in the van mostly and made some desert paintings while the wind howled. With cabin fever setting in by late afternoon, we drove the bike! to Merzouga to get out and get supplies. Driving through a sandstorm is a bit like driving in a blizzard but substitute sand for snow and you get the idea. The Moroccans certainly go out in it, they have to. Town was quiet! The shops were closed and it seemed like the Moroccans don't go out in it. So we had a coffee in a cafe and waited until a shop opened, which it did, locals telling us that it is normal in the desert for the wind to blow. We're from wales Hamed, we know all about wind. And slowly town got busier as the elongated siesta came to an end. Back to the van safely and batten down the hatches for a night in. Like every other night!

We woke this morning to less wind and blue skies, so walked north to an oasis and another village. Here tourism’s ugly side was more visible, quad bikes and campsites, auberges and hustlers clogging an otherwise ordinary village. The oasis was beautifully quiet, crops growing, water running and life as it's always been. But the village? Well, a bit sad but we're sure it must be bringing in work for the locals which must be a good thing.

After lunch we drove the bike out onto the lake which are now mud flats, where there would be flamingo's if there was water. We let the space soak into our veins as our time here in the desert is coming to a close. We've never been anywhere like this before, dust devils swirl on the horizon as the sun sets, a dead camel lies in the mud grinning at us, cos he knows it's only a matter of time for us all!

We set off for the van, leaving the smirking bones to their lonesome night, for tomorrow is another day and when it arrives, we'll make the most of it. It's all one long day anyway with many sleeps to break it up, so we'll take a break now and wish you goodnight and may everyday be a good one.

Lots of love

Ted and Krysia (who took the two photos on this blog)