03-Nov-2005 -- We had visited confluence 13N 13E and were going back to Maiduguri via Damasak the same way we came. Approximately 17 km before we reached Maiduguri we discovered that we were only 3.4 kilometers from the confluence 12N 13E. However, we drove past this point and found a suitable place to off-load our bikes 4.5 kilometers away from the Confluence.

The way to the Confluence proved to be difficult. There were high grasses, reeds and also lots of thorn bushes. Lots and lots of these thorns and their seeds stick to the clothes and virtually anything they can grip. It was not a pleasant ride to say the least. In the late afternoon in the middle of a field of beans we found the confluence 12N 13E.

The next morning we left Maiduguri very early and went to Baga and then further to a place called Fishdam. It was here that we managed to hire a boat and drove on the channels towards the open waters of Lake Chad. On these channels is quite a traffic of people moving between villages on the islands in the reeds, and between Nigeria and the Chad. There are many islands where fishermen dry the fish they catch and repair their nets. There is also an abundance of bird live in this area. It is a very interesting place and indeed worthwhile a visit.

Continued at 12N 14E.