Morning Fewbie Desert Drive - The Desert Books' Series: "Arabian Sands". To Tilal Resort - Abu Dhabi - 15 Jun 2025

[Carl Stanley]

Sadly I need to pull out.

My Pajero is in garage due to the engine stalling and having big fuel/air mixture problems 30-60L/100km lol.

Even if it gets fixed, I'd want to drive it for a week to make sure it's safe for the desert.

Have fun guys 

[fred_]

Hi Ale!

no chances the people on the waiting list could join the drive tomorrow?

[Ale Vallecchi]

1 hour ago, fred_ said:

Hi Ale!

no chances the people on the waiting list could join the drive tomorrow?

Hi @fred_, hello @Humi. You are both welcome to join. Please confirm that I may add you to the convoy. Thanks 

[fred_]

24 minutes ago, Ale Vallecchi said:

Hi @fred_, hello @Humi. You are both welcome to join. Please confirm that I may add you to the convoy. Thanks 

@Ale Vallecchi just spoke to @Humi and, answering on his behalf as well, we are both 100% confirmed. Thank you! See you tomorrow!

[Ale Vallecchi]

Dear Desertnauts

Last instructions for tomorrow's drive. As planned, we'll cross the sands between Sweihan and Tilal Resort, hoping to cross, at some point, the path taken by the author of "Arabian Sands" on his way from Yemen to Abu Dhabi. Long range cordons, skirting farms, in the hope of encountering the camels so beloved by the Bedu tribe described in the book. 

“Many Englishmen have written about camels. When I open a book and see the familiar disparagement, the well-worn humour, I realize that the author's knowledge of them is slight, that he has never lived among the Bedu, who know the camel's worth: 'Ata Allah', or 'God's gift', they call her, and it is her patience that wins the Arab's heart. I have never seen a Bedu strike or ill-treat a camel. Always the camel's needs come first. It is not only that the Bedu's existence depends upon the welfare of his animals, but that he has a real affection for them.”

The exit will be in the proximity of a camel track, and close to Tilal Resort, where it will be possible to stop for lunch, for those who choose to do so.

The convoy order is the following:

@Sam Selim in Second Lead

@Wayne Momsen at #3

@fred_ at #4

@Chrismayer at #5

@Diego at #6

@Aser at Center

@Myrko at #8

@Steve Farmer at #9

@Humi at #10

@Kirill K at #11

@vinayak n at #12

@Krinesh at #13 and 

@Giacomo in Sweep

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Have a nice Saturday evening.

[Humi]

@Ale Vallecchi thank you for the cool drive and beautiful concept, amazing creativity linking literature and offroading. 

@Aser thank you for the support and thanks to everyone. Weekend well spent

[Diego]

It was one of my worst drives ever… not because of the drive itself but terrible headache. It reminds me of how harsh the dessert is, and how horrible it would be for people sick back in the days where no ac, water, shade, medicine… 
 

it was 50/50 drive , almos 50% of time stopped, ive learned new things and recovery methods, the use of a winch and valuable lessons while ridge riding/ criss crossing. Commitment to gravity is king! 

undoubtfully always learning something new. 
grazie @Ale Vallecchi and @Aser! For guiding us through and supporting the convoy!

[Aser]

Who said it was going to be easy? 😅

Two popouts with a temperature of 45 was a challenge but with teamwork and a winch we saved the day! 

[vinayak n]

Thanks a lot @Ale Vallecchi@Aser@Giacomo for the drive &the tips shared .this is very valuable ..no other club does this kind of detailed  explanations .with safety as first priority ...thanks a .see you all soon in sand ..

[Diego]

Does anyone knows if the Land Rover uploads the videos he records somewhere ??