Day: May 21, 2006

We didn’t cross a single village, there was nothing but desert and a bit of a climb: at the 55th kilometer we went over a 1260 meter pass.

Serge climbed gradually but surely: it was neither a real climb nor a real descent.  The uneven terrain was made all the more difficult because the wind was unfavorable until the beginning of the afternoon.  Serge couldn’t advance and it was bad for his morale because he knew that the day would be a long one.  There was a bit of humor though: Serge stopped at the edge of the road to encourage us as we passed with the vehicles “Go on, you can make it – Courage!”  He was having a good time making fun of us.

The rib pain is subsiding, the knee is still sore and slightly swollen.  In spite of everything, Serge hasn’t wanted a massage for the past three days and it’s no use insisting because he can be stubborn and tenacious:   a defect that can become a good point when you take on such a challenge.

Today, Thomas is a feature of the photos.  You don’t see him often because he hides behind his lens but he too often feeds Serge.  Through the photos you can see what happening during the four stages of feeding.

A follower’s comment by Daniel:

“Serge spends his day in the rear view mirror of the 4-wheel drive.  After each feeding we see him disappear and then after four and a half kilometers he reappears in the mirror. “

We found a camp site 100 meters from the highway, from where we see trucks passing on route 312 to the South and a superb panorama of mountains to the North.  The evening light is so beautiful that the multitude of colors is enhanced: yellow, green, red, ochre and brown.  Clouds have covered the sky.  What’s in store for us tonight?