Rhino Cam #10 – Aktau to Nukus (The Karakum Desert)
The last week has been the most challenging of the trip so far, seeing us cycle 1000km across the inhospitable Karakum desert from Aktau in Kazakhstan to Nukus in Uzbekistan.
We started off with a beast of a headwind with no respite for three days, then the tarmac disappeared and we were cycling on through corrugated sand/gravel ruts. On day five a huge thunderstorm had us floundering around in a desert quagmire with the bikes immobilised by mud/concrete. Rescued from the mud by some Russian truckers we eventually made it to the Uzbekistan border, where the temperature soared up to 40C, the watering holes dried up and we shrivelled up into desert prunes.
But after 8 days we’ve made it back to civilization and we’ve survived probably one of the toughest legs of the whole trip. This video shows what we’ve been through and reveals our new found respect for the elements. It’s quite long but it’s amazing how much can happen in a place where supposedly nothing happens…
Thank you to all those who have donated. We’ve now raised over £12,000 for Save the Rhino. Thank you also for the continued messages of support. They make a huge difference.
Tones and I watched every second of the video. Not at all envious but have so much admiration for you guys. Keep going, lots of love and keep safe. Xxxxx
I worry for your mental health with you singing to the camels and all.
Riaan wants to come and live there, he thinks he can live in a big mansion…
with his $200
Did you have a close look – do the camel toes look like they say they do – or the other way around?
I worry for your mental health singing to the camels and all
Can you send Riaan the real estate section in the paper-
He’s planning on buying a place there-
With his $200
Louis, I’ll do some scouting for you to try and get you the best deal – you might even get some change from your $200. Maybe I can find you a stray camel in the desert? In fact it might be easier for me just to ship a camel straight to New Zealand. How many humps? 1,2 or 3? I haven’t seen any 3 humped camels yet but sure I can find you one.
I’ve pumped up Riaans tires
And I’ll send him over to join you it will be sooooooo peaceful!!
Keep him as long as you like but don’t send him back to soon.
Wow! Glad you made it across the desert safely.
This is my favourite rhinocam so far …. Mainly for Will “singing” to a camel.
Kate x
Of all the things you could have hitched a lift with Johan – you found pressure vessels!
Loved the video and it reinforces what I already know – you have a strong will and a unwavering sense of purpose. Keep these legs pumping!
Gents, I think you need to man up. I’ve had some pretty tough commutes in the UK recently – 30 miles to a corporate away day. Climbed at least 50m, hot (+20degrees). Saw at least one dog off its lead and was hissed at by an angry cat. As I said – dessert crossing pfffff. In all seriousness keep up the good work and the entertaining blogging. Loving keeping up to date back here. Tom x