We departed Dover on the 15th of October, 2000 and it took us a week to drive through France, Andorra and Spain towards Algericas, the ferry port towards Northern Africa. Normally the trek through Europe should take 2 or 3 days, but because we were new to travelling in two cars, it took us quite a while to get used to breaking camp and start another day of driving afresh. In the end we minimised time spent breaking camp from 2 hours to 20 minutes

Both cars survived the ferry crossing from Dover to Calais. It was our last opportunity to mingle with the likes of the English before heading into France. We camped in the Dordon Region - mid October was quiet in the campgrounds. Only a few Dutch travellers shared this lovely campsite next to the river

Snow in October? Although we were heading for the Sahara, this trip turned out to be one of extremes. From the snow capped mountains of Andorra towards the golden sand dunes of Zagora, Maroc

Although Spain is normally renowned for its sunshine, heavy rains covered the south of Spain, as the picture tells. The Spanish are mad drivers, but we were looking forward to the African way of driving, so we were not put off at all. The menacing mountains in the background made for some awesome scenery