J100 – 3/27/2006

It was a rather tough day.  After a morning that went very well, the sky darkened and a sultry heat descended upon the desert.  At kilometer 42 the group split in two.  Jean-Marc, Madgid and Laure went to look for a place to camp, while Claire took the wheel of the 4 wheel drive, accompanied by Benjamin and Mathieu.  While some of us struggled to find a good quiet place to stop, away from the road, the others went though the anxiety of an attack of hypoglycemia, which made Serge lie down on the ground: his legs gave out.  There was no question as to the nature of the problem but Benjamin got a bit emotional.  Serge started again and said to Benjamin “don’t worry, it can happen to me and it’s normal.”

It has to be said that it’s only the second time that Serge has had the problem on this race, even if the two times are a bit close together.  We’re always on our guard  (stomach ache and acidity so I eat less and then I have an attack of hypo).  After eating his sugar and his mint cordial Serge took off.  Tonight at the camp he will probably be joking.

We improvised our camp about 1.5 kilometers from the road (you have to go that far not to be bothered by the constant traffic and in order to experience the calm of the desert).  Everything would have been fine if rain hadn’t come into the picture.  I have to admit that I’m in a rather bad mood because I discovered I don’t have my passport with me.  I think I forgot it this morning when we left Bastam.  I have a feeling that the night will be short.