Saharan Sand Sea

Merzouga, Morocco, 2006

Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, Morocco. Erg Chebbi was our introduction to the Sahara. One of two ergs (sand seas) in Morocco, Erg Chebbi's endless dunes are spectacular. This image was taken shortly after sunrise in April 2006. The sun was low on the horizon, which cast long shadows across the dunes. I remember climbing a high dune. The spot where this photo was taken. It was cold and windy and I recall struggling to keep my camera free of whipping sand. Our vantage point that morning was worth the effort. Beautiful. Inhospitible. Forboding. It was our first taste of the Sahara's endless expanse.