Boiiiiiing... said Zebrabar

Quick and dirty update: The decision was made for the whole convoy to leave for Zebrabar campsite early Sunday (14 Jan) morning. The smart money, from the outset, was on the Mauritania exit/Senegal entry border crossing to be the worst of them all. Add the complication that half of the travellers were no longer piloting the vehicles they were supposed to be removing from Mauritania and the book was firmly closed: this would be a nightmare. Next comms were at around 1930h: after a difficult journey, serious border problems were confirmed. At least 1 vehicle was still waiting for an exit stamp at 2145h and final comms were at 2300h confirming that all the vehicles were finally through and leaving the border area. It's about 55km from the checkpoint to the campsite so one assumes that our Fab Four reached Zebrabar sometime around midnight.

I'm a little sketchy as to what happens next. The PBC website suggests that they now get a customs escort across Senegal to border with The Gambia, as the Senegalese apparatchiks are apparently none too chuffed at having these convoys in the country; something to do with import prohibitions for vehicles over 4 years old. I'm not sure if there is a rest day first or if that's happening today. The auction of the remaining vehicles is on the 17th (I think), so that's really the only remaining deadline.

For those of you who've arrived late: there's also a website that goes with this blog that has maps, routes etc on it. If you haven't already, click on it: would be nice to get the counter over the 1000 mark before the team get back. Cheers - Phil.

PS: The team have had a nice e-mail from Ringwood School (see the website for an explanation):

Hi to the Ice Cold Team from Ringwood School!!!! We are following your progress with interest, best wishes to Chris!! it seems a long time since the meeting at school and in the Tesco car park ! Keep up the good work, we are all supporting you every step of the way. Regards, Chris Edwards, Headteacher.
Thanks Chris and hi to everyone at Ringwood. Now get on with your GCSE coursework and stop mucking around on the interweb ;)