Post Script

 28 Jan 2009, UK

The Trooper was auctioned of in the last few days. It raised an amazing:

£1277

All this money will go to worthwhile local causes in Mali. Details can be found at the 'charity' link on the Plymouth-Dakar Rally site:

http://www.plymouth-dakar.co.uk/

A huge thanks to everybody who made all this possible, for the support you have given and the money donated. Every little will help make a big difference to the lives of those less fortunate.

Thank you.

Reader Contributed Comments

28 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

Mark and Shaun, A huge 'Well done'! Really enjoyed seeing the photos and vids. Some possible youtube moments I think! And look at all the good you've done. Congratulations! Geri xxxxx

14 Apr 2009 | Carly (carly_heaver att hotmail dott com)

Wow! Shaun - I came across this by accident but I'm not at all surprised by your huge heart and your inspiring spiritual narrative. Well done my lovely x

All over...

Mark

17 Jan 2009, Bamako

The last few days as we drove across Africa to get to Bamako (where our cars are to be auctioned) we have been overwhelmed by the kindness, happiness and joy in the hearts of the African people with whom we have met. The problems with the car have proved a double edge sword. On the one hand our stops to tweak and repair in remote places have seen us surrounded by children and adults alike who have sung with us, laughed with us and gone out of their way to help us. It is not a one off. Neither is there any other motive than to enjoy the company of strangers and make them feel welcome. For all their material poverty they are rich in goodwill and human kindness and we have so much to learn from them. The flip side of these problems is that, having made it to Bamako we have made the difficult decision not to do the extra 2000km to Timbuktu and back lest we do not make it back to sell the Trooper. But we are both agreed that the memories we now carry and our experiences with these people that have resulted are far more meaningful than a trouble free trip to Timbuktu.

Reader Contributed Comments

1    7 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

Well Done and congratulations. A friend once told me that once you had been to the heart of Africa, your heart would always remain there. Just think of all the good the money you and Shaun have raised will do. You both should be very proud of your achievement. Enjoy your remaining time there and looking forward to seeing you later this week. Geri xxxxx

17 Jan 2009 | Shirley Mclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk)

Can echo Geri's sentiments and just 2 say that their are 2 little people at home who can't wait to " squash Daddy"

17 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

2000 Euros for Super Trooper? Fantastic result! What a success you both have achieved, Who would have thought that a wreck found in a small field in Bath could bring such rich reward for Africa. Well done!!! Geri xxxxx

18 Jan 2009 | alex (alexchapel att btinternet dott co dott uk)

Fabulous - well done! The whole adventure has been so exciting to follow and we are SO proud of you. Can't wait to see you again - do we get a slide show of snaps to watch - we could provide some crisps and lager as refreshments! When are you back? Alex and Ian.

19 Jan 2009 | Jim McKee (james dott McKee att mod dott uk)

Congratulations. Brilliant to hear you have arrived safely. We are looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing the photos when you get back.

19 Jan 2009 | Jim McKee (james dott McKee att mod dott uk)

Congratulations. Brilliant to hear you have arrived safely. We are looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing the photos when you get back.

19 Jan 2009 | Chipster (crowder dott sarah att hotmail dott co dott uk)

Amazing, what clever fellas you are, I look forward to hearing all about it when/if you ever stop having so much fun and get back to the UK!

20 Jan 2009 | jane, sian and aonghas (janefelicity1973 att hotmail dott co dott uk)

Well Done, to be fair I didn't think the 'jeep' would do it, She served you both well! Sian and Aonghas both cheered loudly when they knew you had done it, though Sian was disappointed that you didn't go to Timbuktu! A truly worth while cause, hopefully your adventure will have highlighted this particular charity to many....

05 Feb 2009 | Harriet Hebblethwaite (troublethwaite att hotmail dott com)

Fantastic, well done mate!! I have to say there were times (before you set off) that I thought this couldn't be done, but I've gladly be proven wrong!! I've really enjoyed reading your blog and following your fantastic adventure into the desert, and now look forward to seeing some more pictures. Additional sarcasm and inter-service banter to follow in a personal email to Shaun!!

The Heart of the Desert...

 Shaun

12 Jan 2009, Nouakchott Mauritania

{A personal entry}

As I sit here relaxing in a quiet Auberge in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, I ponder the last few magical days amidst the desert and wonder what I should tell, and what I should share.

I could tell tall tales of madness! Of climbing out of a moving Trooper to surf atop its bright red roof, of leaping headlong from it into the sand and gliding almost effortlessly along the dunes.

I might extol the virtues of our bullet proof car, who despite fuel pump failure, an exploded exhaust silencer, and the uncanny ability to only pull-away in 1st gear at 5000 rpm (!!) made the 3 day trip 500km across the desert. Or perhaps you would like to read about the shared laughter and fire-side camaraderie beneath the stars, of sunsets and sunrises and breathtaking evening skies?

But all of that aside I just want to tell you that as I sit here, I now know two very good reasons why I came and they both relate to loss.

The night before we left for Mauritania I was reminded so very clearly why it is we are raising money for this sound, sound cause. So if you have not done so already, please read the blog comment from a very close friend of mine now serving in Afghanistan (it can be found by clicking on the comments link embedded within the blog dated 3 Jan 09 below). I commend it to you. There is no stronger reminder that, in the face of loss, the money we raise will still make a difference where it can and I sense the courage and the pain it took to write those words.

I also now know that I came here to mourn my father who died three and a half years ago. He and I would have loved to have shared this trip together and as our wheels touched sand and the horizon opened up before me I was touched so very rawly by both his absence and his presence. At both moments tears graced my cheeks and as I sit here I think that somehow the Desert has touched my soul....

En Route Texts

Text: 13 Jan 2009 - 12.35

 Have been out of contact while in Mauritania – no coverage – but we are now approaching Senegal and getting reception.  We expect another slow border crossing.  Running repairs continue – fuel injector air hoses leaking and re-jigged, fuel pump rewired and rewired again, new exhaust assembled from bits in scrap heap and now have half a brake system…..

Text: 13 Jan 2009 - 20.16

Just inside Senegal and will try and get to Mali border tomorrow (Timbuktu in Mali).  Just had bloke sing to us in bar – they are sooo friendly…Then to Bamako (check map).  Last bit of road to Timbuktu v rough it seems. Keep bumping into travellers and checking the route.  Spending lot of time under car….

Text: 14 Jan 2009 - 14.53

Just completed pit stop.  Exhaust fell off car, fortunately right by garage who kindly let us use their pit to put it back on.  So took opportunity to sort brakes in nearby village.  Also found suspicious leak in fuel pipe (suspect tampering).  All locals so friendly and helpful.  Puts us to shame.

Text: 14 Jan 2009 - 15.07

Heading East again towards Mali only 10 Euros lighter for our pit stop. Savannah all around.  Dodging goats and occasional horse drawn carts.  Nursing our little baby on…..

Text: 14 Jan 2009 - 18.04

Stopped for coffee by roadside in local shack.  Unfortunately car refused to start – more fuel pump issues!  Now driving along with rat’s nest of wiring hanging over our heads but it’s sorted – with full support of local children (who also learned Crystal Palace supporters song in the process).  We luurve this country.

Reader Contributed Comments

12 Jan 2009 | shirley mclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk)

dad's favourite poem "I am not dead " now has real meaning for you . So very proud of what you've achieved and so grateful that their are people like you and Mark that still want to make a difference in this turbulent world we live in. Mum

12 Jan 2009 | John Walton (johnmail att supanet dott com)

Hi Shaun, Proud to know you mate. Please expand on the blog you referred to on 12th Jan regarding a friend serving in Afghanistan. I'd like to read it but don't know where to look. See you anon... John W

12 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

Shaun, A heartfelt blog that said it all. Well done to you both for raising money for such a worthwhile cause. And well done for surfing the Trooper!! Hope you have the photos! And wishing you luck in getting the trooper roadworthy again for the rest of the journey. Safe driving. G xxxxx

13 Jan 2009 | shirley mclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk)

Sian and Aonghas has a lovely time at school today telling their class all about their Daddy and Mark helping people. their headmistress told me they were very proud of their daddy and what he was doing

14 Jan 2009 | Alex (alexchapel att btinternet dott co dott uk)

Wonderful heartfelt entry Shaun. Thank you for letting us see how much this adventure means to you. Marvellous too that you can have such fun, and still have much deeper meanings and reasons to be there. The desert sounds wonderful. I suppose I have only ever thought about deserts as big sandy places, and not realised how very beautiful they are, so thank you too for that revelation. Keep on enjoying it, and the heat and sun. The UK is grey and cold and lots of us have flu! You're in the best place! Love to Bondie.

14 Jan 2009 | Jane (janefelicity1973 att hotmail dott co dott uk)

Hi Shaun, both Sian and Aonghas are behind you all the way as are myself and Simon. Your father was justifiably proud of you and your achievements and his presence is with you in the night’s sky watching over you, even when you're burning your feet on hot ashes! some where in England a village is missing etc etc, Come back home safe, the kids miss you terribly! 15 Jan 2009 | Sian (janefelicity1973 att hotmail dott co dott uk) I miss you a lot and I love you and I would like you to come back soon. At school we were thinking of a letter to write to you and yesterday we looked on the world map to see where you were going, and noted that you were going to Mali in Timbuctu. Lots of Love from Sian xxxxxxxxxx 15 Jan 2009 | Aonghas (janefelicity1973 att hotmail dott co dott uk) Daddy I hope you have a good time and I Hope you come home safely. I miss you soo much, when I am a teenager I would like to do this trip with you and I would think you can help people everyday in Africa, Love from Aonghas xxxxxxxxxx 15 Jan 2009 | Gary Hatten (garyhatten att hotmail dott co dott uk) Shaun... well done - a touching and sincere update. You are an example to us all. Delighted that all is well and will continue to monitor your progress. Good luck and god's speed. 15 Jan 2009 | Mrs. Gilbert (iannicolett att aol dott com) A message composed by Year 3/4 We all think that it is very nice of you to do this challenge for charity. We hope you are safe and well. We have looked at your journey on a map of the world and we look forward to you visiting us and telling us about your adventures. We wish you both well for the rest of your journey and all of us here at Blaentillery send wishes of support. Sian and Aonghas send their love. 15 Jan 2009 | shirleyMclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk) Well done for getting this far , on the last leg now 16 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net) Congratulations to you both (and Super Trooper!) on reaching Bamako. Hope the auction goes well and you get a good price! Enjoy your well deserved rest. Geri xxxxx 16 Jan 2009 | shirleyMclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk) well done!! ,good trip . good memories and hopefully a good price for your metal friend tomorrow 16 Jan 2009 | Rob Palmer (palmerr att bscampus dott net) Get In, stunning effort lads, sound like you've had another adventure of a lifetime. Hope the car raises a fortune for a cracking cause. See you when you get back to blighty. I know your mum will be glad to have you home. Rob

Real desert - really deserted

Mark

07 Jan 2009, Dahkla

Two days ago we entered the Sahara proper. And what fantastic views. The road disappears into the distance miles ahead and you are surrounded by sand and rock as far as the eye can see. The heat plays tricks with the light and the horizon shimmers like water. We have had two days of departing at 7am and arriving at our destination 11 hours later, firstly from Agadir to Layounne on the West coast and from there along the coast to Dahkla, where we are now having a rest day before the early morning push into Mauritania. The long days have been more than compensated for by almost desert(ed) roads and the views, particularly along the Atlantic coast, home to the original Barbary pirates but now the 'skeleton coast' with rusting hulks of wrecked boats along an otherwise empty coastline of wide sandy beaches.

All cars and teams continue to hold up well with only a slight mishap with the 'Rusty Snail' - an old 2CV - when part of their suspension broke but all made good by those brave boys in the Red Trooper.

We leave tomorrow at 5am for Mauritania with our guide Dahid hired today to get the group across the minefields at the border, through the bureaucracy and 500km off road across the desert to Noucachout the capital.

En Route Texts

Text: 08 Jan 2009 - 15.51

 Through Mauritanian border in 5 hours thanks to Dahid our guide – some groups have taken longer!  All bureaucracy and backhanders but it gave us 5 hours to get car going! It failed at border!  Fuel pump issue.  Lots of sweat but now it’s off road fro 500 miles with two nights in the desert- and no doubt lots of digging cars out of sand.  Now where did we put the bucket and spade…?

Reader Contributed Comments

07 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

Hope you've got your shovels ready for the sandpits ahead. What delicious recipe are you cooking under the bonnet this time? Maybe a casserole? Plenty of road kill to make use of! Anyway, make sure Dahid eats lots of carrots so his sharp eyesight spots those dastardly mines! Safe driving and Happy Adventures! G xxxxx

07 Jan 2009 | alex (alexchapel att btinternet dott co dott uk)

Hi guys! Lovely to get all the reports - so exciting. Much more fun basking in your reflected glory than having to actually drive the route ourselves! I guess we might smell nicer too! Marvellous comment from the guy in Helmand province - makes it all so worthwhile - admiration and much support to you both. Culinary thought for the day - why can't you starve in the desert? Because of the sand-which-is there!!! Boom boom! Love and stuff, and thanks for the great Christcard card/letter Bondie! Alex

07 Jan 2009 | Warren (kwik-fit) (warrenreed att hotmail dott com)

Hi guys, hope the heats not playing to many mind games!! How’s the old bus coping with the journey so far? Were all monitoring your progress, keep up the good work, keep looking at the horizon, It will (for you anyway) end at some point.. Regards Warren and the Kwik-fit team.

08 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

Well done for getting across the Mauritanian border in only 5 hours! And well done for fixing the fuel pump! Now it's sand, sand and more sand.... Safe driving. Geri xxxxx

08 Jan 2009 | libby & work (libltaylor att hotmail dott com)

We are all back at work and only today we noticed that you were not at your desk so once we remembered where you were we thought we ought to send you our best wishes and good luck. Sounds like you are having an ace time, keep up the good work!

09 Jan 2009 | shirley mclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk)

And where did you put the bucket and spade???

10 Jan 2009 | shirley mclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk)

We miss you Daddy but we are pleased that you and Mark are helping people .Come back soon we want to see you and get back safely Love Sian and Aonghas xxxxxx

11 Jan 2009 | Graham Kyte (graham dott kyte att iee dott org)

Mark, There is a lot less sand in Martinique than where you are! Currently anchored off St Pierre at the foot of Mt Pelee. Hope it doesn't go off this time! Hope your trip is going well - looks like another great adventure - just mind you don't get sand in the beer...

We're on the road to nowhere

 Mark

07 Jan 2009

The last few days have consisted of long days, and sometimes, some rather long nights.....Three days ago we spent a couple of hours enjoying the buzz and activity in the central square of Marrakech after a four hour drive through the mountains from Beni Mallal. After this it was a simple case of joining the new motorway from Marrakech to Agadir for two hours - or so we thought.....

After following the signs to the motorway, and only a couple of miles from it, we saw signs with red crosses across our route - not good. A passing local assured us the motorway was open though and so we pressed on only to find the entrance to the motorway barred. Two men explained that it was shut for maintenance. However, as we all parked up to discuss our next move the men relented and said we could go on. Past empty toll booths and a motorway to ourselves! Fantastic! We felt like royalty as we roared along a deserted motorway - half a mile to the next block. However, these chaps were not so forthcoming and despite sterling efforts by the more diplomatic members in the group we had to turn back and take the long and slow alternative route. Apparently the motorway would have been opened the following day so bad timing on our part. Or maybe bad planning on the part of the Moroccan Transport Authorities given the miles of unworked hard core, unfinished bridges and incomplete slip roads we occasionally passed in the four hours it took to get to Agadir....So Shaun and I feel we deserved our Agadir beers and 4am bed ......

(And yes, we know we would not have done the same in Britain but all this African driving is clearly playing with our minds .....)

Marrakech....well almost

 Shaun

03 Jan 2009, Near Marrakech

I am in a cyber cafe using a non qwerty keyboard with lots of squiggles on it, so will keep this short. We are in fine company and in supreme condition. The car has been sweet........fingers crossed and tomorrow we are heading to Agadir and the desert for real. The last few days have been centred on sorting out admin, visiting Fez and the Atlas mountains, the foothills at least. We now look forward to the desert over the next few days. I will write more when we have a little more time but check out the Plymouth Dakar website; click on FIELD REPORTS, then TEXT MESSAGES, then Group 5 or G5 to get our text updates which we send daily whilst on the move. By the way having fun and causing mischief, the 1300 mile 24 hr non stop drive to Gib to arrive in time for New Years Eve was legendary, and what we have seen of Morocco has been inspiring. Carpet salesmen are an enigma?

En Route Texts

Text: 03 Jan 2009 - 15.22 Morning in Fez.  Tannery amazing – take a nose peg!  En route to Marrakech over mountains.  Shaun escaped his first speeding fine – a case of charm overload!

Text: 05 Jan 2009 - 17.56 Crossed into Western Sahara from Morocco at 18.00…last 10 hours driving from Agadir through desert & along Atlantic coast.  Fantastic scenery.  Car and crew well.

Reader Contributed Comments

03 Jan 2009 | shirley mclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk)

gift of the gab !!! , you’ve a guardian angel sitting on your shoulder son!!!

03 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

Stopped for doing 80 in a 60? Can the Trooper REALLY do 80???? Wow! It really is a super trooper!! And well done Shaun for blagging your way out of a fine! Safe driving! G xxxxx

04 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

Actually I could do with a small carpet for my hallway..... Hope you've got your shovels ready for the desert...judging by some of the previous teams! And always use Shaun at the checkpoints...should make for a speedier journey when he turns on the charm! Safe driving. G xxxxx

04 Jan 2009 | Tom Morris (tommorris att btinternet dott com)

Out of the frying pan into the fire!. Good luck for adventure no2. What are you working on after this I wonder?

05 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

I can see a whole new career opening for the both of you with 'cooking under the bonnet with Mark and Shaun'!! Can't wait to hear about the bread! Safe driving. G xxxxx

05 Jan 2009 | shirley mclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk)

its not how its cooked it what it tastes like that counts whose in charge of the spice rack? Shaun can you get Jersey tomatoes in the desert? Next you'll be telling us that you've fried an egg on the bonnet along with the bacon and sausage of course take care and look after your bucket and spade.

05 Jan 2009 | Harriet and Tony (tony_pemberton att hotmail dott com)

Thanks for all the updates and to Mark for the Xmas info - we are very excited for you and glad to be living our lives through you ha ha. Best of luck for the rest of your adventures! Best wishes H and T xx

06 Jan 2009 | shirley mclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk)

You know Shaun and Mark, this could be a new slant on MEALS ON WHEELS when you get back!!!

07 Jan 2009 | Andrew Todd (gurkhatodd att gmail dott com)

I could not help but try and post a note from the far north of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. It is not my intent to give advice on driving through the desert but to say thank you. Since deploying to Musa Qaleh in October 2008, I have sadly lost two soldiers and seen a further 20 return to UK very seriously injured. As you drive through the desert, their recovery has already started at Headley Court and Selly Oak. For some it will be a long rocky road before they can come to terms with what has happened. Your endeavours together with the money raised will go some way in improving these soldiers lives; your work is greatly appreciated. I have huge admiration for your cause and will try and track your progress as and when the operational cycle allows me here in Afghanistan. Things will no doubt get difficult for you and I hope these words will offer you some motivation. I wish you Gods Speed and every success in getting to Timbuktu. Toddy P.S If things get really tough in Mauri

Magic Carpet?

Shaun - Raining
01 Jan 2009, Tarfia - Spain

New Years Day..............Temporary loss of Service.

Normal Service will be resumed after bacon and eggs.

Happy New Year.

Reader Contributed Comments

01 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

Congratulations on making Tarifa in such good time! Happy New Year and enjoy your bacon and eggs, could be a while before you're able to have those again! Safe trip to Morocco. Happy driving :) Geri xxxxx

01 Jan 2009 | shirley mclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk)

Sunny side up? Didn’t wake you then!!!! Happy New Year Take Care Mam

01 Jan 2009 | Rob Palmer (Palmerr att bscampus dott net)

Wheyyyy North Africa, hope you both had a good New Years eve, Happy New Year, i could smell you both from here....

02 Jan 2009 | Ben (ben att bensharp dott co dott uk)

Well done guys, glad to see that you're doing so brilliantly! Good luck for the last leg & happy new year.