Western Desert Trip 2009

Yesterday I returned from my 3rd trip to the White Desert (west of Cairo near the Bahiraya Oasis) with the 8th grade students from CAC. The students are divided into six groups, each with six pack camels, three chaperones, two 4WDs, and a guide with several supporting staff that manage the cooking, driving and setting up camp. This year I was the nurse again and spent my time traveling to visit each group every day and respond to any ailing students.

The students stayed pretty safe and healthy so we all had a good time.

Students getting off the bus to begin the walk to their first camp-site on Monday night.

We had a full moon which made for very brights nights. The first night I found some students up at 3am and when I asked them what they were doing they told me they were too cold and were getting up. I mentioned that it was 3am and they were SO suprised because it was so light!

The scattered clouds made for some beautiful skies.

We had some beautiful campsites with great views from our beds...

...good campfires with grilled chicken, tea, and marshmellows...

Lots of stunning limestone formations:

...and the wide open expanse of the desert.

- Melanie, November 2009