There is a little bit of sand in places on the piste, most of which you can drive around if you wish. I got stuck above as I took a couple of seconds to think if I should go left or right and lost momentum.

A high-lift jack raised me up, and using some waffles (sand ladders) it was easy enough to drive out.

After completing the piste there was another quick stop at the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, and then on up the Ziz valley to Er Rachidia. I asked if I could stay with some friends I had meet much earlier in the trip, and of course was offered a warm Moroccan welcome by the whole family.

Bouchra was one of the daughters (pictured in maroon in the middle) who spoke excellent english which helped a lot! We all got on well, and even Riki the dog seemed happy for me to stay.