Hi all from Half Moon Camp.  A much better day.  Nausea has slowly subsided and I took a full meal down for the first time in a couple days.  Spaghetti Bolognese, for the fourth diner this week.  Along with Porridge and Raisins in the morning (a former favorite, now gag!) we were recommended to treat food like medicine, don’t focus on choices, just taking in fuel.  I have focused on water intake call day today and am getting strength back.  My goal was to be in shape to start tomo mooring and I am ready to go, baring anything that has been spreading around camp…and unfortunately it has started.  Lots of Purell in use today!

We hit some great dunes again this morning and camped under a rock with tons of fossils for the morning while camp was set up.  It’s amazing how the locals move quickly in the heat.  We were staying shaded in advance of the finish line being setup to welcome in the leaders.  Some amazing performances again with Mehmet continuing to stay in 3rd place, and some other very strong runners ahead of him.  Our Team Canada had a strong race today, 10 min behind the fast Italians, but have them in their sites as they go into the long day.  They have won one of these before and will definitely give them full run for their money.  As we speak five other team mates have come in after 7-9 grueling hours, with one on IV drip, and one still on course. I believe over 40 people have dropped from the race with more to happen I’m sure.  The effort I see out there, I still hear the Bedouin drums beating at 5:44pm as competitors are welcomed in.  The last stretch of the race was a tough final 10 km with winds kicking up 30-50kpm.  Apparently the wind (but not that much was welcomed) to cool off the soaring heat in the low valley.

We hit some great dunes again this morning and camped under a rock with tons of fossils for the morning while camp was set up.  It’s amazing how the locals move quickly in the heat.  We were staying shaded in advance of the finish line being setup to welcome in the leaders.  Some amazing performances again with Mehmet continuing to stay in 3rd place, and some other very strong runners ahead of him.  Our Team Canada had a strong race today, 10 min behind the fast Italians, but have them in their sites as they go into the long day.  They have won one of these before and will definitely give them full run for their money.  As we speak five other team mates have come in after 7-9 grueling hours, with one on IV drip, and one still on course. I believe over 40 people have dropped from the race with more to happen I’m sure.  The effort I see out there, I still hear the Bedouin drums beating at 5:44pm as competitors are welcomed in.  The last stretch of the race was a tough final 10 km with winds kicking up 30-50kpm.  Apparently the wind (but not that much was welcomed) to cool off the soaring heat in the low valley.

I am soo inspired by the commitment level of my team mates, other competitors who get in 11-12 hours later and go back out again.  Its epic!! Heading back to camp fire for more water, another spaghetti and prep my pack to be its lightest possible and go enjoy a great scenic day.  If I get no more than I have already got in 4 days, I have been blessed.

Talk to you at the end of this long day and when this race is finished one way or another from rest camp before heading back to Cairo.

Colin