The anticipation

A day of waiting and the last day to prepare for the arrival of Carla and Fabio, tomorrow we will see them emerge from the dunes. There is much anticipation and emotion and the light of melancholy lumes as this moving experience comes to an end. In the afternoon we will meet them with a group of journalists that have arrived from Italy to share in person in this great emotion, also the head of the press office for No Limits and that of Focus Himalaya Travel. Unfortunately for Oscar two of the journalists are Milan supporters (soccer team), and during the dinner took arm against Oscar, who unfortunately could not tolerate the excellent meal…After the meal, in front of the fire, there was an offering to everyone and shishaand a belly dance…A way of socializing and ignoring the anticipation that builds with every hour.

We reached the last camp!

Today was the transfer to the point of arrival where we will make our last base camp. During the drive the path continued to change, from rocky land to sand. Sand signifies sinking and today the team had to face a couple of times where the off-road vehicles sunk into the sand, even though we have a great driver. The desert though is always insidious and where it appears the dunes are passable we suddenly find ourselves in soft sand where the wheels get blocked and sink. The plates for the wheels of the vehicles from our experience are precious and always solve the problem for the team. During the ride Oscar, Daniele and Renato placed the last water resupply for the expedition, it will the very last.
At the end of the day the support team created the point where Carla and Fabio will complete their extreme and tiring journey and the landscape that surrounds will provide a fantastic view with the color of the sun and the sunset burning bright red.

Soccer in the desert

We returned to the base camp in the dark, the journey was difficult because of the rocky ground, but the lead driver demonstrated, again this time, his extreme driving ability and his knowledge for the land. Because of the rocky forms in the terrain in this zone which we are crossing, to travel only a few kilometers, the caravan has to make many zigzags, taking us a long time to find a safe path between the rocks, making us want to hit ourselves in the head!
In the morning the local companions prepared bread and it was spectacular to see their ability to prepare it with so little ingredients in their process, but in the end it was exceptional and everyone ate the bread toasted on the fire with marmalade. At the end there was also a little game of soccer with a ball made of adhesive tape. For the record the game ended in a tie.

Worries resolved

Today at camp we breathe the air of tension, all of the staff were worried about Carla’s feet, during the evening call she said that they were doing better, and it gave us all a big sigh of relief. In the morning however, after we got up, we still saw footprints of the scorpions and we all searched for it, again this time without success. Tomorrow will be the last day in this base camp and we will begin preparing for the last site where we will arrive early on Wednesday. The next stage will take us to the final destination at the oasis of Dahkla. There we will see the arrival of Carla and Fabio: it will be very emotional for everyone!

Tollerance and respect

It is Sunday morning and also here in Egypt it is relaxing: Daniele reads, Renato draws pictures of the desert and Oscar writes, like always about his trip. This morning our staff has reunited and held at the center of conversation is the Koran…Sayed told us a true and actual lesson of catechism. To share in or except the doctrine of a religion is a process in which brings knowledge. At the base of it all there must be tolerance and receptivity. And in these terms, a note that we like to underline: this expedition unites persons of three different faiths: Christian, Muslim and Coptic. And we don’t have any problems to get along. For two days we have seen traces of scorpions in our camp and obviously want to see it in person…large but not harmful!!!!Last note, Oscar, the doctor of the expedition, has cured the accute dysentery in our lead driver Nasar had.

A marvelous environment

Last night the team put up camp in the dark and only this morning, woke up at a good hour, to realize what a place we had set up camp. The position was splendid with an amphitheater created by 5 feet of sand, that protected us from the wind.The dunes mainly surrounded us, but the view was fantastic and from sunrise and sunset it continually changed color. The composition of the land in this part of the desert is not only sand, but a mix of wind-carved stone and sand. All of our thoughts run to Carla and Fabio, who in a few days will cross this area, and we will meet them if they do not have any great problems in the trek. The morning was spent making repair attempts of the transformer of the pc, everyone is used to making a way to reuse things, but not without luck and many attempts, they are not coming out completely. The team is looking to get a new transformer from Cairo and is anxiously awaiting for a positive response. Although all of the climate and hopeful and everyone hopes it gets better.In the afternoon the other appointment was a little poker, where George and Renato continued to win, the team dedicated to taking video and photos to immortalize the trip continues.

Unforeseen events

It was a long and fatiguing day also for the support team. Today we moved the camp. We woke up at sunrise and got ready. After having packed up camp we left to place the fifth water resupply. The last they find in places in which the land is truly difficult. We thus decided to deflate the tires of the off-road vehicles a little to get better traction for the route. But there is nothing to do: the vehicles which keep sinking into the sand more and more. During the break for lunch, if you can call it that, we were visited by a little bird which Renato photographed. The moving of camp took longer than we thought and we had to set up the tents in the dark. More serious setbacks: during the telephone contact with Carla we blew the transformer for the PC….fortunately we had another in which we could use to make contact with you all.

Intrusion in the desert

The day pased easily for the support team and in the afternoon we decided to go for another exploration on the further into the outskirts than yesterday in this ocean of sand dunes. The progression of the cars was very difficult because it is not easy decipher where the sand is more compact or looser also for the expert eye of our driver Nasr: we began to sink six times. In the evening we returned just in time to savor a spectaculor pasta amatriciana (particular style pasta dish) made by Daniele. To conclude the evening there was the poker tournament whre Oscar and Daniele are always in the red and Reneto and Gorge are always more….fourtunate.

Poker in the desert

At base camp in the morning we are doing the “house work.” Renato and Oscar look like two perfect housewives, they have done the washing, as we say… who knows what would happen if they were seen by their respective wives! In the afternoon we resume the poker tournament, Daniele and Oscar are pulling away from Renato and George, our Egyptian companion, who in are really loosing and we do not envy Renato!In the afternoon we go for a tour of the desert to take photos and video the sunset.

Pass times

The days at base camp are kind of long and we always need to invent some pass time… we look to find the daily rules that are hidden with precision in the rhythms of the day: morning pee, breakfast, lunch and coffee (strictly Italian), dinner. This cycle helps us not to have the sensation of annoyance. In the dead time however, we always look to find something to do and Renato, our photographer, creates ideas…first he has written a television drama and is directing the show in which the staff stars, then there is the tournament of poker and who knows what other crazy ideas rest in his mind for the next few days. Today is cloudy and we could not talk with Carla and Fabio. Only a sms to communicate the point for the water resupply tomorrow. Our thoughts always drift to their trek. We don’t speak of it so we don’t worry about an event, but we know that it is hard and that the high temperature is the most fatiguing element of the expedition. However we know they are strong, very strong, that they have prepared for a long time and shortly we will hear their experience and that they have lived to the max. And we are with them.

Making the.... Camp

Today was tranquil, after we plan for the next days to be dedicated to organizing the materials: Oscar repairs the tripod, Renato organizes the computer with the photos and Daniele takes walks on the outskirts of camp in some other dry lands that Nasr and Said (our guides) say are the remains of an old point of rest for a caravan that around 150 years ago passed through this part. It is always exciting to find objects, also to use to record another period in time. In the heart of the desert it is rare to find the presence of man. The wind is calm giving us the opportunity to work better. The path is rough with dunes of very fine sand.

WE BREAK CAMP

For a good morning we wake up, break camp and await a surprise, the area is covered with a thick fog that gets all of the tents wet. It is not so easy to put them away. Putting together everything takes a lot of time and patience. Our off-road vehicles are tight and if we rediscover the goemetry to reload them is a bet.We head off to place the fourth water resupply. During the drive two vehicles get stuck in the sand, with the collaboration of everyone and the use of a metal sheet we get out after a short time. After some time of traveling we reach the point to position the resupply, about 70 km from the camp. Today is Sunday and the Egyptian staff has made a surprise… on of the drivers, with the help of a cook, has made us fritters, that are truly delicious!

WE CAN NEVER RELAX!

The wind and the sand keep pursing us, we must have a system to cover every piece of equipment.
We live barricaded.
Even though, our day at camp is normal between preparing the water resupplies for the next day, taking care of the materials for the video and photographs. The climate is relaxed due to the fact that Renato was organizing a small show in the desert, with the help of Oscar, Daniele and the Egyptian companions.
The try-outs were already done, we were ready to shoot the scene.
About 4:30 pm, the unforeseen: the telephone rang. It was Carla telling us they had arrived at the third water resupply. Until then everything was good, but not the news that followed, informing us that, unfortunately, because of the wind, Fabio’s tent had flown away. We are immediately activated and we left with the off-roaders to give them another tent. Nothing to do; after searching the desert many times, without luck, we finally found Carla and Fabio to give them the tent. This is also a Ferrino tent, but it was in our base camp and it is not very light like the others made for Fabio and Carla. This means that Fabio in the next days must carry more weight on his back. On the way back we looked around the area, but it is like trying a needle in a haystack...the tent can’t be found. Everything is good at the end. We returned to the camp just when night fell and we promised will try in the next days to shoot the scene of the show to watch once back in Milan.

PROBLEMS ARE ALWAYS RESOLVED

New Generator, new lifeFinally the problem of the generator and power has been resolved. We have a new generator. It does not seem real. This way we can recharge the batteries of the camera, of the video camera, the computer, navigator, satellite telephone, etc. It is incredible how important electronics are in our life, but especially in the desert not joking, an error can cost a lot and technology is truly a great help. At dinner, to celebrate the event Daniele “popped” a container of carton wine to symbolize a “cheers.” Oscar with more days without his precious juice has decided to accept this red colored liquid. Fortunately after dinner, which they began at sunset about 6:30pm, Oscar saves the day with a good glass of grappa. In the tanning photos the team is trying out for the swimsuit issue....dreaming of a pool!

THE BASE CAMP DOES A LOT OF WORK

Like we always say, when you arrive in the desert the rules of the game change and nothing ever can be predicted. This time it is the generator that has gone crazy. In effect it is a vital organ that we use to recharge the batteries to power all of the electrical equipment and all the electronics we brought with us, which aren’t few. Even though the morale is high and tomorrow we will see the true state of things. In the meantime we have a converter, luckily, from Oscar who saves us in emergencies. We have seen Carla and Fabio from far off after the departure and this risen everyone’s emotions. In order to relax we have to immediately throw ourselves into another activity. And the opportunities are not lacking. First we must place the water reinforcements for Carla and Fabio and transmit the location. There is always apprehension when we know they have to find it. Their life depends on this. A friendly appointment and it will be a tribal evening. And instead everything is good: at dusk we had satellite contact with Carla and Fabio. They communicated that they had found the water resupply.

READY AT LAST

We are working hard. The equipment falls into place more and more each time: we must be sure that everything works. In the desert unforeseen obstacles can not be predicted. The experience that we are living is for all of us something special and we see it in the best way: the team is truly tied together, but above all is very friendly. Every minute is a surprise: the support team is a band of truly special people. Renato the photographer, particularly restless works without pause and is full of jokes and is so dedicated to photography that sometimes he forgets to eat. Daniele, the head of the expedition and the youngest of the team is calm and efficient, and teams up with Renato, with whom he jokingly quarrels, for sending pictures by e-mail. Oscar the doctor and filmer, also the husband of Carla is always funny and in a moment of great tension makes jokes for the team with his gag impression. There is a lot of kindness and enthusiasm, everyone surpasses many difficulties that continue to present themselves, and the tension of the last minute is mitigated into relaxation. Absolutely the Island of the Famous!

THE DESERT IS CLOSE

We are nine in all. For now the team is still one and everything is united. Two days from tomorrow presumably we will divide, because Carla and Fabio will depart from a zone a few kilometers from the oasis of Farafra. The last purchases for Carla and Fabio, but also the last purchases for us, the support team. Food supply and gas for the stove that they will use to make lunch and dinner, and why not, some mint tea for this final departure. For now we don't see unpredictable obstacles for them. Daniele has organized everything perfectly, in fact today we found out that there are four local authorities that will watch out for us during the expedition. Also three off road vehicles that we will take to get to the departure site more efficiently. Today we have crossed 350 km in a very dry climate where the predominate color is beige. Teresa and Max, staying at the office in Milan, waiting for news from us, but we haven't let them down. Also though we are far from them we make sure everything goes as planned. Bight point: we hope to have a good night sleep. And the last night in a true bed: from tomorrow we live in a tent. All most we envy Teresa and Max.....

EVERYTHING IS READY

Here we are: all the materials have been sent, looked through, chosen and checked many times, it is ready to go. The meeting Saturday of the organizational staff that will work on the expedition defined the work for each member and clarified everything for the last minutes. Everyone is motivated and above all efficient: I know how imperative it is for the organisation to move in perfect synchronicity. Fabio is relaxed and has a really wants to depart and also Oriana, his wife, has definitely left her fear for the first time and is ready to see him go with serenity.
Teresa, Max and Stefano are will be responsible for public relations on the site and arranging the press of the expedition, writing the blog and responding to all the e-mail that arrives. Lauren will provide the English translations into English of the text. Oscar has gotten all of his material ready to serve as the doctor; also with Renato he has gotten ready the camera and video camera for the desert. Together with Daniele, who coordinated the expedition in Egypt, they have the responsibility to take all of the sending images and the diary. At Nello, the end site of the expedition, they will have the work of monitoring the filming and the video. Truly this is a great team that guarantee Fabio and I the relaxation necessary to try this great challenge.
From me, a great thanks from the heart to everyone, for the work with much passion to realize a New Frontier.

NEAR THE DEPARTURE

We are only missing a little. The necessary material for the expedition has arrived and finally we begin to relax. There are still a thousand things to prepare, but to know everything works is a great relief for the team. Tomorrow we will have the official staff meeting, to define for the last time the work to be done during the expedition.
Max, together with Teresa who is responsible for official press, and Stefano who runs the website, will be coordinating the operation in Italy. Oscar, Renato and Daniele, who will be in Egypt with us, must decide how to get us information and news, but above all how to prepare the water resupply for Fabio and I and how to intervene in case it is necessary. The satellite phones guarantee communication with us. We are relaxed and know that the dream is becoming a reality: they are fantastic moments for us that we will never forget.

PRESS CONFERENCE

The bad weather did not stop the journalist, friends and sponsors that wanted to come to Palazzo Marino to support Fabio and I as we leave for the desert. In the course of the press conference, the Councillor of Health, Dr. Landi, with the approval of the mayor, presented us with the flag of the Commune of Milan, for us to carry with us in our backpacks and to plant in the oasis of Dhakla at the arrival. It was a beautiful surprise that touched everyone and especially myself. To have a piece of my city to carry forward in the desert is truly a great satisfaction and a reminder of the importance of the great work I have carried out during many years.

FOUR DAYS LEFT

This morning at the Department of Motor Science at the University of Milan, Fabio and
I surpassed all the physical tests without problems that were coordinated by prof. Veicsteinas together with Dt. Merati. For three hours they had us undergo every type of exam, including electrocardiogram and tests on various inclined slopes, up to a 20% incline at a speed of 7. We left tired but satisfied: the doctors verified we had the ultimate health preparation as always under Franco Nava and we can leave relaxed from a physical point of view. Now we wait to try the more difficult thing, the psychological aspect that we will face directly in the field, it will be the desert that decides if we will be ready to cross it.

LESS THAN FIVE

There are only five more days till we leave and the climate is always more and more frantic. Telephones that continue to ring, e-mails that arrive for decisions, all of the staff are working to their max. Teresa, Max and the No Limits press office are working hard to organize the press conference for November 5th at Palazzo Marino because everything must work perfectly. Oscar and Renato are checking the new materials until exhaustion while Daniele is in contact with Egypt to organize the travel for everyone. Lauren has returned to America to renew her visa but also while in the States is working and providing the translations. Tomorrow Fabio and I will be at the University for more physical tests and to see if the training in these months has given successful results. The equipment of prof. Veicsteinas together with Dr. Merate and everyone of their colleagues are waiting for us. The enthusiasm is such that no one feels the exhaustion in these days, but we will remember it forever.

THE BIG FRENZY

The days pass quickley and the unrest increases for all those directly and indirectly involved in the challenge, including the sponsors that supply us all of the material. We have to organize everything: the camping equipment, the communication equipment and the transmission from the desert, the apparel, the food and the supplements, the gps, medicine, mateials for the photography, sun protection products, sun glasses and a thousand other things that now have transformed my house into a warehouse of goods. Every thing must be monitored, divided and weighed, then put in the box for each participent of the expedition. From Italy we leave in five: Other than Fabio and myself there will be Oscar the doctor and cameraman, Daniele, head of the expedition and Renato, photographer and second cameraman. Remaining in Italy to cordinate the arrival of news and images will be Teresa, responsible for my official press and Max, who runs the website and handles contact with the sponsors while Lauren will translate it all to English. I am awaiting a month of a lot of work, but enthusiastically and the team is fantastic and motivated. It will be a lot of energy for everything, the motor of this fantastic challenge.