07-Oct-2004 -- We have been eyeing the confluences 29N 46E and 29N 47E for a very long time now, and due to the current situation, chances of visiting these confluences seemed as remote as ever. However, we decided to take the risk of visiting them before the onset of the Holy Month of Ramaḍān (Muslim fasting month). Joining us (The Brays and Mahmoods) for the first time for confluence hunting would be the Masud family (Talat and Naella).

After the successful visit to 29N 46E, we turned north towards al-Ruq`iyy, the small outpost before the Sa`udi-Kuwayti border crossing. We had a good lunch in a small restaurant and relaxed for a while before setting off again. We headed eastwards from al-Ruq`iyy, on a good asphalt road, once again passing through absolutely lifeless and flat terrain. We were at this time very, very close to the border with Kuwayt. As we approached the Confluence, we turned north on the loose sand, and headed even closer to the border. The Confluence was located only a few meters away from the demarcation line (a sand wall running across the length of the border). The surrounding area around the Confluence was once again relatively flat. No habitation of any kind was visible. We quickly took the necessary photos and continued on our journey on the road from al-Ruq`iyy.

After about 80 km, the road ended abruptly. We then turned south on dirt tracks for about 50 km, and then turned east towards Khafjiy on other sets of tracks. By this time the sun had gone down, and we were driving through pitch darkness, negotiating across the Saffāniyya plains. We were the only vehicles in this wilderness, it was both eerie and exciting. After about 100 km of concentrated driving, we were relieved to see the two huge gas flames, the trademark of Khafjiy in the distance. It was nearly 6:30 pm when we entered Khafjiy, where we spent the rest of the weekend before retuning back home on Friday.