The Final Chapter

You can sponsor the trekkers here:

www.justgiving.com/Owen-P

www.justgiving.com/Jennifer-Huson

www.justgiving.com/Jacqui-Whitelaw

www.justgiving.com/Charity-Helen

www.justgiving.com/CharityWarnes

www.justgiving.com/helenjdodd

www.justgiving.com/Graham-Carter2

 

 

 

We are now back at our starting point in Marrakesh (a hairy return journey to say the least!), and it's hard to believe that we only left here a few days ago. So much has happened in that time and we have shared so many amazing experiences. We have all enjoyed our first showers in days and can't believe that we haven't blocked the hotel drains with all the sand!

In the last few days there have been some things that have really stood out for all of us:

Funniest moment: this morning when the Berbers were just about to dismantle the toilet tent without realising that Helen was in there mid squat!

Best meal: our last dinner in the desert of chicken and chips - delicious!

Most hated: flies, poisonous spiders and sand

Song of the trek: Snow Patrol's 'Chasing Cars'; great to stargaze to

Best team moment: lying in total darkness watching the African night sky and seeing shooting stars

Trek wedding: marrying our trek escort Vicky off to the 'happy' waiter in Ouarzazate. Sadly we failed to negotiate any camels in return!

Best educational moment: teaching our guide Khalid the word 'loo' as an alternative to 'toilet' (toilets have featured heavily in conversation).

Huge thanks to all those people who have supported us and read our blog; it has meant a lot to know you were following our progress. Thanks also to Emma back at the Isabel Hospice and to Different Travel for the great organisation, and to Gill for running the blog. Big thanks to our Berber team of camel handlers, Said and Yusef, our wonderful cook Oualeid, and top trek guide Khalid for all their hard work. Not forgetting of course our great tour escort, Vicky, who has smiled throughout.

Finally we thought we would each like to share our personal thoughts on the last few days with all of you:

Graham

Starry starry night

Paint the sand yellow or white

Look out on a summer's day

For those swirling clouds of violet haze.

With eyes that watch and can't forget

Starry starry nights here in the Sahara to reflect On what we have; what we have given; and what we have yet to give.

Jacqui

A year ago this was not even a destination on any of my wish lists. I hope Alex would be proud of me doing the challenge although he would have suggested a spa instead.

Owen

A humbling experience on the Project and a fantastic trek in great company. I never want to see another grain of sand - until the next time.

Khalid (our Berber guide)

Such big opportunity to have the chance to be involved in making a difference in one of the best things to do in life,is helping the other to live better.

Thanks to this amazing people whom given all what they got.

Vicky (Different Travel)

You couldn't ask more as a trip escort - a great bunch of people and fantastic on the ground organisation. Everyone got stuck in, worked and walked hard, without a whinge or wimper despite intense heat, sandstorms, spiders, dehydration, illness and injury. Well done everyone! Hope your supporters are very proud of you, they should be. Vx

Charity

This has been the most amazing experience, and life-changing for me; I know Jane would be very proud of what I have achieved. It has made me re-evaluate my life and I realise I would love to do some volunteering overseas in the future.

Julia

Trekking in the Sahara, not one for the fainthearted, an experience not to be missed. Supported by the Berbers and amazing fresh cooking at the end of the day at the campsites. Tough at times but very enjoyable, great time had by all.

Helen - Inspiring group Simon, trekking in my nephew's memory Awake at night Big blisters Ella, trekking in my niece's memory Lots of laughter

Hot sun

Overtaking into oncoming traffic

Sandstorms in the Sahara

Project preparing ground, planting grass seed and installing showers Imodium Chicken, chips and camels Experience not one of us will ever forget

Diana Spiders Almonds Hand sanitiser Adventure Riddles Alex

Camping and compeeds

Hiking and hysterics

Aching

Limbs

Lizards

Eggshells

Nappy sacks

Grime

Exceptional experience

Thank you x

Jennifer

My first thought is let me have a shower and I'll do it all over again!

This experience has not just enabled me to give back to a charity to which I am so grateful for giving me so much at such a difficult time in my life and for their amazing care of my father in whose memory I have completed this challenge. I have also managed to learn my own capabilities.

I am only taking back wonderful memories of this challenge; I can truly say there has not been a dull moment, I loved every bit... Memories of great team work at the homeless refuge, amazing sights, meeting interesting and inspiring people who I hope I will call friends in the future, beautiful sunsets and eventful toilet moments! An experience I would recommend.

This is the Isabel Hospice Sahara Trek Team b-logging off for the last time.

Cheers!x