Morning Fewbie Desert Drive - The Desert Books' Series: "Desert Solitaire". Sweihan to Nahil - Abu Dhabi - 8 Jun 2025

Level:  Fewbie and above

Meeting time:  08:00 am (departure time)

Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eHfFcszn2f8UGJ7e6

Action Plan:  Many books have been written about the desert or have been telling stories where the desert has been a protagonist, rather than just a backdrop. There is definitely a top 10 of desert books that we'll try to count down as the theme of our drives. We start with "Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey. A former US Park Ranger, he explores his experiences in the Colorado Plateau's region, ranging from vivid descriptions of the fauna, flora, geology, and human inhabitants of the area to firsthand accounts of wilderness exploration, to a reflection against development and excessive tourism in the national parks. 

The track chosen for this drive, although the farthest from Colorado's deserts, will take us through an aera where the desert has been greatly modified by the presence of humans. While we can still consider the area to be wilderness, there will be occasions to meditate on how mankind and deserts (its geology, flora and fauna) interact, and how we should best approach our experiences with this vast landscape.

In an attempt to distil the best of the book, and to build up to the day of the drive, I'll try to post a book's quote each day. 

Let's try to find inspiration in this Desert Books' Series to truly appreciate our interaction with our favorite element of nature. 

What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face masks, rubber gloves, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.

Approximate finish time: 12:30 PM

P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive.