7.38pm

Pete writes "Damascus: a shit hole of mammoth proportions."

5.55pm

Pete writes "We have just gone through Syria border. En route to Latakia 4.5 hours from now. I did swim properly in Dead Sea. I was the only one doing this. All systems green."

1.47pm

Pete writes "Just swam in the Dead Sea Jordan."

9.03am

Pete writes "Just got through Jordan border. Off to Dead Sea. Minus 2 degrees. Cake holding out."

8.18am

Pete writes "We are in Jordan. Minus 2 outside."

9pm

Pete writes "Just passed ARAR. Only 232 km left. Good night."

12:55pm

Pete writes, "Just driving past Kuwait. 993km to Turaye where we will spend the night."

Just In

Pete writes: "Having tea just past hufhuf. 6 degrees. All is well very smooth at border."

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1... blast off!

The final necessary paperwork came through at 10am today and now, laden with fresh homebaked goods, the adventure is about to begin. Tomorrow morning at 3.30am, Pete and Manoj (co-driver as far as Istanbul) will set out from Doha. Let the games commence.

The Final Countdown

With only 3 days before the boys leave Doha the final preparations to the vehicle are underway. After checking the weather report for Eastern Europe it was decided that a more potent anti-freeze in the radiator - it may be a tad colder in Budapest then it is in Doha!

Petit Cadeau

Brendan's daughter Isabelle and her best friend Ruby prepare some petit cadeau for the children Peter and Brendan will meet in Africa.

Shopping for all the gifts.

Sorting out crayons, colouring books, notepads, stickers, marbles, badges, rulers, small toys, etc.

Wow! We made 100 gift bags for boys and girls. Can't wait to see photos of some happy kids!

Photo Shoot

Peter, driver
Brendan, co-driver

Thumbs up from the boys!

Friends. Parties. Deserts.

The Budapest-Bamako is about community. It's about meeting new people. It's about sharing meals, drinks and stories at the end of each day. It's about visiting local villages in Africa bringing gifts and learning about each other. It's about destroying stereotypes. It's also about having a good time. In 2009 don't miss our Star Wars Theme Party on Planet Tatooine and the big Tropic Of Cancer Bash where we will erect a sign marking the Tropic of Cancer in Western Sahara.

Jabs for Africa!

Pete is recovering and I'm feeling decidedly like a pin cushion after the compulsory jabs!

Sponsorship Agreement with GAC Signed

Team Desert Larks are proud to announce the signing of a sponsorship agreement with GAC today.

Introducing Team Desert Larks

Peter Box currently resides in Doha, Qatar. Participating in this event has been a longheld ambition of his and he cannot wait to get to the start in January, 2009.

Co-driver Brendan White is also a desert dweller in Qatar and is up for the challenge.