A silty, dusty drive takes us to the other side of the big sabca (saltpan) due north of Tabuk. A look on Google Earth 28°42'58N 36°35'02E will show you our target. The Prophet's Seat towers mightily over the surrounding shale, sand and salt of this barren stretch of desert.
It's sheer walls call us steadily in; each rise and dip alternately revealing and removing our beacon from view.
So cool to start at 25°C this jaunt seems deceptively simple as we head off. Why not throw in a few climbs along to way to spice things up?
Our planned 38km (5.5 hour) route and temps into the high 30's require support today. 4WD's loaded with extra water and "treats" are flanked by dirt bikes and due to meet us soon. Will we make the Seat before this convoy of friends make the catch?
A plume of dust. A drone. Headlights on the horizon say not.
A standing fly-by, a hoot of joyful encouragement and the boys on bikes are here. An uplifting diversion as we are now just 5km short of the target.
Trucks follow. Photo ops. Cheery waves. The desert now teams with life. The Seat is ours for the taking.
With temperatures creeping high and joints feeling "worked" we plough ahead for the return leg. Another few high speed passes from the bikers and a last water station courtesy of our support crew is gratefully received.
Saltpans stretch ahead to home; surely much much wider than just 4 hours before??
No walking finishers here as our "gang" await us .. "Kodak courage" ensures a powerful finish.
Great day. Phew! All done.
Thank you team - bikers, drivers, photographers. Thank you all!
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