At four in the morning in a place called the Sahara, I pulled myself from bed and walked out of my camp into the starriest and most silent night of my life. I expected to meet several other travelers, but all of their camps were dark. I was sure they must have gone ahead. So I followed the carpeted trail to where we were to meet the camel drivers. The camels were there. The drivers were there. I was the one estranjero.
And so I went out across the soft, sandy breasts of the Sahara, the lone traveler from the other side of earth. It was Omar, his camel, and me—a strange company come together in this twinkling of starlight.
There are two things about this trek that were exquisite—the sense of unlimited space and silence.
The only sounds I could hear were my own breath, the soft crunch of the camel’s hooves into the sand and nothing more until…Anubis.
He came at a run from out of the dark. Ahead. Around. Behind. Unbridled canine joy. A Berber dog not to be left out of this new day soon to come
Getting on and off a camel is not something you do without some thought, but mine was smallish, and we agreed to a gentle rise and descent which suited him and me perfectly. While he nestled in the cool night sand, I trekked up to the top of the next dune and waited with Anubis for the sun god to arrive. And when he did, I held him in my hand, so grateful for his coming even if he dimmed the stars.
I was only there for a few hours, but those hours are millennia in my mind. I stood looking out over an ancient sea and into an infinite sky while Anubis laid his paw across my leg and we stared into the distance together.
On our trek back to camp, I looked over my shoulder. Our footprints—Omar’s, the camel’s, Anubis’s and mine had all crisscrossed this place, but the sand was already shifting in the stir of morning desert air. Soon those footprints would be gone and our brief time together would be erased, not even a hint of this remarkable experience would remain…except for here.
FCA
Cute that you featured in a cameo role in a book. I think that shows what you mean to people.
No need to stop writing! It’s definitely an itch that, once you start scratching, it’s very difficult to stop. Here’s to many more books to come.
I’m happy you kept writing, Lee. Looking forward to the next one.
I’d like to do something different. Maybe I need an adventure in real life to set me on the right path to writing it.
I loved Buddy and I loved NOT GUILTY.
I was honored with a Sandra in a bud’s novel. It’s definitely a ‘feel good’ isn’t it?
Yes. Somehow it does make you feel darned good.
LOL at how you planned to stop after that story then one more and then…
I’m continually amazed at how IWSG has grown. It’s a terrific group of supportive writers.
It was a great idea that Alex had. I think people support it because it’s simple, yet effective.
12 books later! Had to laugh at that. Keep writing! Not Guilty is an excellent book Thanks for sharing the story within the story about Buddy. Looking forward to the release in May.
I have to laugh, too. I’m a bit nervous that book 13 will come along and be a big bomb! Hope you’ll enjoy the anthology.
I’m loving reading everyone’s writing story. You know what “they” say: once a writer, always a writer 🙂
Happy 2020!
Hi Carol,
Thanks for the visit and comment!
Happy Holidays to you Lee and a brilliant New Year.
Hi Lee! I loved your entry, with a dog, a camel and a starry sky. Your story, dotted with your wonderful photos made me want to take this journey across the Sahara. I’ve been on camels, in the Thar desert but not the Sahara. Beautiful, peaceful story about fate, how people’s (and dog’s) paths cross for a short time, only to have us part and be on our separate ways again.
I think it’s great that you are getting out and doing some traveling! It will probably give you some good ideas for stories.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thank you, Sherry, and the same to you and your family. I hope some ideas come from these outward bound experiences. That would be a bonus.
What a lovely read this was! It sounds like such an incredible experience!
Alexa
thessalexa.blogspot.com
verbosityreviews.com
Hi Alexa! So great to see your comment here today. Have missed our exchanges. Have a wonderful holiday and hope to see you again in 2020.
Aww, thank you! <3 I miss being here and being a part of the blogging world as well!
I hope you had a lovely holiday! Happy New Year!
Alexa
thessalexa.blogspot.com
verbosityreviews.com
HelloC.Lee. What a wonderful rendering of an unique experience. A breath of air in Africa is fuel for the soul. You captured the immensity and silence beautifully. Stunning photographs. Sahara Occidental ? Is that why you used the Spanish estranjero ?
Merry Christmas writing. Looking forward to reading more of your experiences in 2020. Happy Holidays.
Hi Susan. How wonderful to meet you here. I wasn’t in the disputed part of the Sahara, so my use of the Spanish for stranger was merely me showing off my linguistic talent which unfortunately is very limited. 🙂
Have a wonderful Christmas and I hope to see you again in 2020.
A lovely story, better because it is your experience and enhanced by your great photographs.
I was lucky to have Omar who may have been one of the Sahara’s most savvy I-phone users.
I really feel the sense of peace and wonder of the desert here. Definitely captured a moment.
Thank you, Nick.
What a lovely story. The pictures fit really well with the narrative. I like that the footprints fade away at the end, but I’m sure they leave a mark in the heart.
I think the experience will always be with me. It was truly special.
You took me back to my trip to Egypt. The imagery is strong coupled with the pictures. I loved the departing lines. So true of every experience. Only leaves footprints in our hearts!
Nicely said, Sonia. Footprints in the heart is a great title!
Your experiences sounds extraordinary. I would guess the footprints will be in your heart and mind for a long time to come.
Excellent entry, C. Lee!
Indeed, Tyrean. Once in a lifetime, but surely enough to keep me in memories.
A superb merger of prose and pictures that captures the theme and the atmosphere of the Sahara in a splendid manner.
Thank you, Christopher. When I took these pictures, I had no idea I’d be sharing them here, but some things come together unexpectedly. The WEP Footprints theme. My desert morning. They fit, so viola!
Roland R Clarke says
You capture the mood of the Sahara and the desert night, Lee. (Not that I’ve been on a camel in the desert. In the wilderness at night, yes - the Yukon.) Anubis brings another sunny dimension. Feels like a real experience - or beautifully imagined.
I didn’t imagine this experience, so it was easy to set it down in words that matched the pictures my clever camel driver took. Thanks, Omar.
Such magic! Thanks for taking us to another place in your story. I truly feel like I traveled. So peaceful!
Glad you came along, Stephanie!
Tanya Miranda says
The Sahara must have been wonderful and awe-inspiring experience. I’ve always wanted to see the night sky from a location with absolutely no light pollution. The ocean of stars, the swirling galaxies…It must have been breathtaking.
It certainly is an experience that makes you want to have more. The task is to find those unlighted, sparsely inhabited places in the world and spread your imagination. Thanks for your visit, Tanya.
Hi Lee - it so reminded me of the Namib … so the Sahara must be amazing and what a tale to tell … loved the evocative way you wove in your guide, the camel and Anubis - he’s special. And yes - the dunes are constantly on the move … covering everything in their way … gorgeous story - cheers Hilary
I’ve not been to the Namib, but if it’s at all like the Sahara is must be awe inspiring. Glad you enjoyed the story.
The Sahara is truly magical! Reminded me of the times I spent in the Egyptian desert. Beautifully captured in both words and photos. Loved reading. Thank you.
Wish you a merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year 2020.
Thank you, Nilanjana. I wish the same to you and those you love.
What a beautiful, peaceful experience! I felt as if I was there with you. Anubis is adorable!
I don’t have a dog right now, and have to admit, I thought how wonderful it would be to have that guy alongside me on a trail.
It sounds magical and so very peaceful. Wonderful pics too. Love you holding the sun!
It was magical, and I think I’ll remember it forever.
Beautiful! Sometimes it is very hard to roll out of bed for sunrise in a special place, but I don’t think I have ever regretted doing so. Wonderful use of the footprints 🙂
I had a sense that you’d be someone who would have been the camel next to me. 🙂
Hi Lee. There’s something about riding a camel through the Sahara, isn’t there? The feeling of being the only person in the world. The stillness, the closeness with the universe, allows us to open our mind. I was with you there, recalling my camel ride in Morocco, accompanied by a Toureg guide to watch the sunset. Awesome.
An exhilarating entry for FOOTPRINTS, Lee. I loved how at the end you noted the footprints would be obliterated by the sands of time.
Loved it. I hope writing it gave you strength.
Merry Christmas! (Yes, I’m a rebel!) Happy New Year! May you know peace and joy.
I’m glad you had your time in the Sahara. I keep trying to imagine it as the vast sea it once was. Thanks for reading and I’m glad you felt it contributed to the Footprints theme.
L.G. Keltner says
This was such an engaging story, and the photos really helped immerse me in the experience. I found myself wishing I could embark on a similar journey. Perhaps one day I will! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
Tuck the Sahara away as a future journey. I know you won’t be disappointed in the experience. Have a wonderful Christmas and a great 2020.
Like Jeff. I found this story enchanting. But you know me: I am in love with lonely tales of the desert. The photos helped further create a surreal sense of being there. Great job, Lee.
There were ghosts out there, Roland. The larger than life kind that you’d love to chat with. 🙂
What a lovely scene.
Anubis didn’t want you to be alone. He wanted your memories to have even more meaning. What a lovely experience. Thank you for sharing!
He accomplished his goal! This experience and the Footprints theme came together perfectly. Thanks for the visit and another congratulations on finishing your house project and a book!
What an incredibly beautiful story! And the timelessness of the desert underscores the flitting moments of humans who dare to cross it.
That sense of timelessness and mortality merge on that sand. You think of your place on this planet in a very different way once you’re there. You’ve said it perfectly, Olga.
Dogs are special creatures. And what a special place. I love to travel. I just need more time and money.
Keep the Sahara in mind when time and money come together for you.
Beautiful! Makes me feel as if I journeyed along with you!
Wonderful. You would make a perfect companion.
Di Williams says
As one of the fellow travelers who stayed in bed, I regret not adding my fleeting footsteps in the sand. C is an intrepid traveler as well as an inspired writer.
You visited! And you commented! Now who’s intrepid?
How very, very beautiful.
This stick in the mud travelled with you gratefully. So very gratefully.
And hopes in the fullness of time that her own footprints are erased when she goes to become stardust in those shimmering skies.
Star dust to star dust as they say. And how lovely to be made up of those shiny elements!
Hi,
I like the ending of your story. Realizing that even as you went back to camp, your footprints were disappearing. They wouldn’t remain.. Others would come and their footprints would also not remain. It says something about life and living.
Thanks for sharing this.
Have a Merry Christmas and a happy crossover into 2020.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G
That was a poignant moment for sure, Pat. I was just another traveler, another storyteller to strut and fret her way onto that desert. So glad you stopped in to read.
that’s such a wonderful story, but I worry about the others who missed it. I’ve witnessed many sunrises in the deserts of the American West and others with folks around the globe, but find this story enchanting.
Thanks, Jeff. The others just needed some extra sleep. We’d been traveling pretty hard for a few weeks. I almost didn’t roll out of bed, either, but I’m really glad I did.