• Low on fuel

September 13, 2004

Refueling from drums	The fine Libyan desert sand

We arrived in Tazerbu at night (12 September). It’s a small town at the edge of the desert dunes with a few shops and one tiny petrol station. We planned to refuel here but unfortunately the station has run out of diesel. We went straight to the campsite and after quick consultations with Roberto and Sandro, Halim, our Expedition Leader, made the decision to go out and look for fuel. At about midnight, Roberto returned with some good and bad news. He has found some diesel but it might not be enough for the convoy to reach our next planned refueling stop.

Early the next morning, the team refueled from drums and headed for Waw en Namous and our designated campsite just outside Waw el Kebir, about 500 kilometers away. All cars were advised to conserve their fuel by not using their air-conditioning and switching off their engines every time they stop.

The drive was fantastic. Up and down dunes, the scenery was breathtaking. The team had a few problems along the way but nothing they couldn't handle. A puncture, overheating, a faulty turbo unit and a few cars got bogged down in the sand.

But the real problem began when cars started to report their fuel status. The day was getting late and we had another 200 kilometers to go. The Expedition Leader decided to set up camp and take stock of their fuel situation. It is grim but not desperate. Halim will send three cars early tomorrow morning to Waw el Kebir with all the jerry cans to get fuel for the rest of the convoy. Welcome to Trans-Sahara 2004! Is the team going to get out of this situation?