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Almost Sunrise
I was on a hill in the Sahara sands at Erg Chebb in Morocco to watch the sun rise over the horizon. (iPhone15Pro)
A new day is full of promise.
As is the New Year.
In theory, we can start again fresh. In practice of course, the dawn is just a continuation of time.
Still, climbing up a sand dune in Erg Chebb in Morocco, not far from the Algerian border, filled me with hope.
I had walked into the dunes the evening before to enjoy the sunset (see: A Night in the Sahara Desert), and set my alarm early to repeat the climb in the murky darkness of morning before the sun was up. I was travelling with a small group, and had spent the night at the Golden Camp, near the town of Merzouga at the very north-western edge of the Sahara Desert. We were surrounded by hills of rippling sand and blanketed by stars.
Join me for a very short walk in the sands of the Sahara.
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Predawn in the Dunes
Another desert camp, much like ours, comes into view in the early morning light.
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Waiting for Sunrise
It was quiet, and I only saw one other person against the undulating vastness of the Sahara.
Predawn Dunes
Colour creeps into the sky.
Dawn
The morning colours over the landscape change quickly.
Orange Sky
Sunrise (iPhone15Pro)
Camels on the Horizon
The camels that transport visitors in and out of the desert camps are ready for their first trip.
Three Camels
A Camel
In spite of the nasty reputation that camels have …
Camel Portrait
… I love their gentle-looking faces.
Bedouin Handler and his Camels
A cameleer in his colourful garb readies his team. (iPhone15Pro)
Nature’s Artworks: Waves in the Sand
(iPhone15Pro)
Rolling Sands
As I make my way back to my tent, I take one last look. (iPhone15Pro)
The new day was well underway: time to prepare to leave the Sahara behind, and look forward to new frontiers.
As this year unfolds, I wish you and yours all the best.
Photos: 21October2024
