Day 6 - Across the Iriki salt pan to the finish Camped near to a school for Berber children last night, so a few people about and a well nearby. A bigger camel spider spotted at camp this morning, about three inches. It just toddled about like a big house spider and tried to get out of our way, interesting wee beastie. We left a few things at the school, including the Manx flag. Very hot again, and a slightly longer distance today but a good firm surface to walk on and all flat. Reached the salt flats after a few miles, incredibly dry and barren but even here there are signs of life - a few dry sprouts, perhaps from the last rain eight years ago, and the odd insect. Amazing mirages, we seemed to be approaching a bay with the distant hills appearing as islands, and lagoons off to the left with dunes behind. Dust devils all round. Had lunch under a tent, no shade anywhere and very hot again. Walking across the flats all afternoon, featureless terrain but good underfoot so much easier walking than yesterday and we make better time.
				Stopped to regroup for the finish in the late afternoon then set off for the last few hundred yards in a line side by side holding hands. A finish line and arch with Macmillan banner and balloons had been set up, we all passed through the arch and between two lines formed by the Berber support crew, singing and drumming.
		Quite a sense of achievement and big grins all round, rapidly turning to much hugging and handshaking, and quite a bit of eye wiping too. Amazing effort from everyone, some were struggling for the last few days but all carried on to the finish. An emotional end to an arduous hike. Now one more night under the stars before we set off back to civilisation.
			Next page