Never say never

One of the highlights and low lights of our backpacking adventure in 1997 was the overnight trip to the dessert. Back then, we spent two nights sleeping under the stars after riding camels over the sand dunes. It was a highlight because it was very memorable and a low light because the first night of that trip was one of the most uncomfortable I can recall...a freezing sand storm came through and we were covered in sand, sleeping right on thin mattresses on the dunes. I had sworn off desert "camping" forever after that.  

Well, like child birth, sometimes you go at it again. When we were planning the India portion of our trip I told Craig that I would refuse to sleep directly on the sand, but would go if there were little cots. After all, it would be fantastic for the kids and a good family bonding experience yet again. Once we checked into our hotel and talked to the owner about the "Safari", I realized pretty quickly that we would be repeating the 1997 sleeping conditions. To my own surprise (and Craig's), I didn't balk and we signed up in the spot. But for one night only. 

Craig will outline the details, but overall it was a fun, cool experience. Riding a camel is a bit painful on the legs, but fun. At dinner time we were told that the desert doesn't have snakes (good to know!) but does have scorpions (also good to know). We were advised to keep lights to a minimum and stay away from the bushes as that's where they hide out. Well, you only need to tell me once! Headlights were put away and I immediately found some private (not) sand area for midnight pees. I'd risk some stranger seeing my bare butt before I was going near a bush with a headlamp! 

The moonlight was incredible. So bright until about 3:30am when I watched a moon-set. Don't know if that is a thing, but it moved out of sight and then the unbelievable stars lit up the sky in its place. Robin (who had just joined me on our second middle-of-the-night pee adventure) quickly pointed out the two brightest stars as the Uncle Neil star and the Jeff star. She always remembers the brightest stars in the sky. Made me smile and ignore the howling wind and corresponding sand that was whipping over us! (Post mortem: Abby just commented that the "howling wind" was no worse than a slight breeze and that this sounds like some over-exaggerated fantasy book and that Daddy's will be the straight facts. LOL)

We are back in Jaisalmer and head to Agra, via Delhi (18 hour train plus 5 hour car journey) tomorrow night. Helluva long way to go to see the Taj Mahal but how can you bring your kids to India and not see it! Craig's account on Day 133 was much kinder than mine would have been. Long travel days are not our thing, or anybody's thing I suppose. Day 133 was a bit of a shit show with every man/woman/child for him/herself. Moody, grumpy, hungry and a sore back. There have been a few days where I've been ready to call it quits. Not actually do it, but sure thought about it. I realized that we have been a foursome 24-7, no breaks since we said goodbye to the Versluis family on August 6th. I'm not sure I can spend that much time with myself without a break, let alone 3 others! So, in the grand scheme of things, we are doing great. Despite the odd day where we live in dysfunction, we know we are lucky to have these experiences and are making memories every day.