Craig and I had surveyed the first five legs of the route the previous December, following our rider training in Tabuk. I remember vividly standing at the chosen location for Camp 5, staring at the ridgeline across a dried-up riverbed, and saying, “I hope to Christ we can find a way through that”.

On day six, I woke slightly before my alarm, which was set for 0600. Despite the cold of the night, I’d been cosy.

Simon packed up camp.

We navigated by rock pillars.

And yes - there’s a volcano we nicknamed Big-Boob Mountain.

What more do you need?

Craig’s camel bit Shagra.

Shagra (mine) bolted. The rest followed.

Day one of the trek and we were already 10km over our planned distance.

Ten camels. Five riders. One plan.

It took months of prep just to get out of Al Wajh - and within ten minutes, the chaos began.

Biting camels, unseated riders, and an unfortunately placed saddle injury…