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Normally my trip reports are delayed, but such was the kind of drive today that even though it's almost 5 hours since the drive ended the emotions are running pretty high. So here it goes: The day started with everyone making it on time. After a couple of laughs and briefing we got on our way. It took me a while to get a feel of the sand and the wierd dune formation didn't help much as well. Just as the dunes started getting spaced out and the drive flow improving we had the first unfortunate incident. Such incidents does bring the morale of the entire convoy down especially so early in the drive, but such was the maturity of all the drive participants that everyone chipped in to help sort the issue. By the time we were able to return to the desert it was close to 1 pm, so we decided to head to the famous Pajero bowl by taking the dirt track. Such kind of bowls are always nested deep within the desert surrounded by technical patch. As we glided through the narrow corridors available we had our first good run of the day. Pajero bowl was a shadow of what it was 5 years ago, when the name was invented. The difficulty level has all but gone, but still one needs to be fully focussed and committed to get in and get out. Everyone took their turns with some setting a record pace within the bowl. 😂 After having a couple of attempts and with just 2.5 hours of time available we decided to head to the other bowls of the area. What we instead found was a jungle full of bushes and hard bumps that didn't allow for a smooth ride. As we dodged our way out of the big dune area we arrived at a stretch of medium size dunes. Medium is a relative word, as these dunes were probably taller than the ones in Sweihan. And this is where we had one of the best nonstop runs that I have had the privilege of being a part of. To say that the convoy maintained a brisk pace would be a gross understatement. I wish to thank all the drive participants for putting their faith and following the route being chartered. We drove for close to 40 mins before finally I had to stop to catch my breath and so did the rest of the convoy. A break always causes a couple of refusals and so we had it as well. But once the convoy again started moving we were flying through the dunes criss crossing at the highest points and at will. That's when we heard that @ASAD. car started over heating. On closer inspection we found that the radiator fan was completely shredded and was not there. After letting the car cool off, we had the huge challenge of getting his car from the huge patch of dunes into the sabkha. As the sun was about to set in 30 minutes we had a narrow window to get the convoy out. With some excellent coordination by @Waqas Parvez @Rob S and tugging by @Tom B we were able to get the car out to the sabkha. Also a big appreciation to everyone for chipping in and helping get Asad's car ready to handle atleast some sections where he needed to drive out by himself. The excellent teamwork ensured that we recovered the car and safely reached the tarmac by 6 PM. Thank you everyone for joining the drive and for your excellent participation to help overcome each obstacle that we faced today. And thanks once again for the one hour run that we had, that was truly special.

My word , what a drive! Thank you @Srikumar for planning and leading us through this treacherous terrain , the amazing support team and to all I drove with today. That everyone kept their heads and their sense of humour in the face of such adversity is a credit to the entire convoy. It was an absolute pleasure to drive with you all. Nothing says Team Carnity like a Prado towing a Prado through the dunes under the watchful eye of the Crew and support team 👏 (More pics posted in the gallery. Ps if anyone has a video of me completing the legend (although somewhat diminished) that is the Pajero bowl I’d greatly appreciate it . )

Videos courtesy of @Imran Kashif @Tom B @Haitham Khattab @Foxtrot Oscar Srikumar

Wow!! I had high hopes for this drive, but it exceeded all expectations. Despite the unfortunate incident in the morning, the afternoon stretch was the best stint of fast pace driving I have ever had in the desert. The pace and terrain required razor sharp focus and everyone rose to the occasion and drove out of their skins. The terrain was absolutely incredible and well worth the long drive there and back. @Srikumaryour drives never disappoint, but this goes down as best Carnity drive i have been apart of. You also demonstrated great leadership when dealing with the two difficult incidents we encountered. @ZedI hope you got back home safely and haven't been left too shaken. @ASAD. likewise, hope you got back ok and the car is repaired quickly. Absolutely superb effort as 2L. It was pleasure driving with you all and hope to see you all soon. I'll post some pics in the gallery shortly.

Thanks @Srikumar for a wonderful day at Waqan. It was only around 1pm that we actually started the drive before which we weren't sure if we would be even getting a drive at all. So hats off to your leadership for still making it a memorable drive like you said the run was special is an understatement .That i managed to shred the radiator fan of a toyota is probably a testament 😂. Thankfully, the engine looks fine as i was still able to drive for short bursts. Also thanks for trusting me as your 2nd lead, i can assure you its not easy 😅. @Tom B @Waqas Parvez & @Rob S. cant thank you guys enough for helping me out with the tug, great teamwork as usual. To the rest of the gang, great driving. @Zed so glad to see you in high spirits as always. Look forward to seeing the LC2000 back in the sands soon. PS: Have some wonderful videos of the pajero bowl, will be sharing once i catch my breath 😄.

@Rob S here is your attempt at the Pajero bowl

Another great morning out with Carnity Family ! It was fantastic to meet you all again in the sand ! With @Melenany , @Hisham Masaadand @Abdelghani as my sidekicks i knew we could do anything. It was great meeting you again after a long time. @Sajan.S was our only Absolute Newbie but after a couple of dunes became more comfortable and you drove superb for your very first drive ! Hope to see you soon again. Most hitch receiver that are for sale are 2 inch, for the explorer this is less so it might be a little bit more difficult to find the right type. We had a driver with us last year @Asem Rashwan who had below setup: You do not need the towball, but more importantly with this setup we can put a soft shackle around that middle shaft. Please have one installed before your second drive. @babaski @Arsalan Ehsan@Ishak@Bravoecho@Theo09@Abdelghani@Frans M@Quresh. @Stumpy Paj you guys managed whatever i threw at you like champs. We kept it on a gentle pace to make sure everyone was comfortable and we could enjoy the fantastic weather and scenery. I hope you all enjoyed it. @GauravSoni and his superb convoy arrived just after us, and it was great to see such a large group (25+ cars) all together and Carnity was in full strength that morning. Thanks again buddy for taking on the second convoy so everyone had a great morning out. See you all in the sands soon again !

What a long endurance challenging drive @Ale Vallecchi incredible route amazing scenery 👌 thank you for the thrill! I am still recovering 😆 The team was great and drove very well, if anything, I had the highest number of refusals 😃 😊 especially towards the last 30 minutes of the drive, where the sand was super slippery, due to the wet sub surface. My old Landcruiser struggled a bit! Thank you @Chris Wingand @Mehmet Volgafor the great support. To the rest of the reat of the team, incredible 👏 drive welldone all. See you all soon

Love it !! Thanks so much and it is so getting sent to my former copilot who’s currently travelling the world !! She’ll be so jealous!! @Srikumar takes a 3.5t jack to the head, but still leads through Wagan, rescues multiple cars, videographer supreme AND posts drive reports on the same day! Superhuman. 👏🤣

Awe, you were missed! Glad you were unscathed and your unfortunate incident did bear fruit in the shape of Al Ain’s finest comedy police team. Those guys were hysterical 🤣

Climb, Ride, Cross, Exit and Start again… From left to right, from right to left… During day light and night… They are the infinity loops, made in @M.Seidam… Al Quadra is the right place to learn ridge riding and crest crossing… All convoy drove perfectly under the beautiful lead of @M.Seidam It was very nice to drive with all of you Have a nice week

Great videos! That’s a nasty noise coming from my front left. Need to get they looked into.

Ah that should have been my LC's job, with all 3 gears (transfer case + front + rear diffs) re-geared, it's a towing truck meant to handle these scenarios. I'm bummed I missed the fun, but I'm glad I didn't spoil and steal your day guys 😁👍🏻👍🏻

Congratulations @Nadeem Ansari for reaching the Fewbie Level with Carnity Offroad Club. Looking forward to seeing you growing further and helping others to learn the art of offroading in a safe environment. Please make sure your Carnity user profile is always updated with all the latest Emergency contact details. P.S. Trip lead might deny your participation if you don't have required off-road gear. FEWBIE Drives Attended (Indicative) Minimum 5 Newbie drives are required within last 3 months for Fewbie promotion. What you'll learn Basic dune and sand reading Self-recovery techniques Shoveling at right place Crawling out of difficult situations Blip Blip - Coordinate steering and gas control Basic side sloping and hill climb Basic ridge riding and criss crossing Basic control over technical dunes Slightly faster pace desert driving Ability to manage stuck/refusals with radio Learn to control and avoid fishtailing Never fight or challenge gravity Skills required Enthusiastic and positive attitude Willingness to learn and help others Presence of mind and attention to detail Car Worthiness Any 4x4 vehicle with low range gearing Suitable approach and departure angle Off-road gear required Safety flag, tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio (walkie-talkie), air compressor. Drive teamwork Manage second lead and sweep positions upon request Intuitive and proactive to support Trip Lead Observe recoveries and offer help, when needed Drive Joining Join Newbie and Fewbie drives Forum participation Active participation on the forum Share drive experience + feedback Share drive pictures in the gallery Post trip report after the drive

I don't think there is much more for me to add after @Srikumar 's drive report, and @Foxtrot Oscar, @Tom B and @ASAD. I didn't realize on the day, but this full day drive was my 60th drive with Carnity . . . . . who could imagine less than 14months ago I had never got behind the wheel of a 4x4! Testament to the skills taught and learnt during Carnity drives and the amazing Toyota Prado (with only minor modifications!). @Zed I hope you are doing well and see you again in the deserts soon. @ASAD. fantastic job as SL and hope the car is repaired swiftly! @Vaibhav shame you were unable to join us, its been a while since we had the whole gang on one drive. @Waqas Parvez great job supporting through the various challenges! Thanks again @Srikumar, look forward to joining your next adventure! PS. @Srikumar I have your initial pajero bowl escape but its to big to share on whatsapp!

I have , I’ll send now

Does anyone have my video @ Pajero bowl. If yes, please WhatsApp me on 050 4500597. Thanks

Congrats @Nadeem Ansari on the promotion

Congratulations @Nadeem Ansarion the promotion.

Congratulations @Nadeem Ansari well done to be promoted - enjoy your new level.

Congrats @Nadeem Ansari👏👍

Congratulations @Nadeem Ansari

wow what a drive @Ale Vallecchi physically, mentally and even mechanically challenging 🤘. Huge thanks to everyone.

Congratulations @Nadeem Ansari 👍