Equipped with a map and a compass, three friends from Quebec are preparing for an all-female orientation challenge, the Rose Trip Morocco, in which some 822 participants from different countries are expected.
For four days, Julie Morin, Marie-Hélène Raymond and Élisabeth Côté will explore the dunes of Merzouga on foot as part of the fifth edition of the Rose Trip Maroc Challenge, which will take place from October 26th to 31st.
This year more than 274 teams, including some from Quebec, France, Belgium, England and Italy, will take part in the event.
For Les hamelles des dunes – that’s what they call themselves – no adventure awaits another. If they could paddle the river from Montreal to Quebec during the Desgagnés Kayak Challenge in 2022, why wouldn’t they be able to climb dunes?
Photo Diane Tremblay
In November 2022 they were registered for the challenge, which will take place in Morocco in a few days.
“I have a bad fever. I really like challenges and adventures. I’m ready to take on the challenge. Especially with my two teammates, who are easy to get along with, I’m not too stressed at this level. It’s the adventure of a lifetime. I couldn’t say no,” said Élisabeth.
“We were already training by hiking, but we definitely increased the distances to better prepare,” added Marie-Hélène.
“Ideally, if we had a desert in the area, it would have been cool to practice walking in the sand,” said Julie, a well-known figure in the Quebec media community.
After completing miles of walks and runs all summer, the three participants finally feel ready. Your departure is scheduled for this Monday.
“The challenge lasts four days. In the first three days we have to walk around the desert and look for markers. On the fourth day, all teams will climb the highest dune in Merzouga together,” explained Julie.
The girls received training in how to use a compass, compasses and cards. You will still need to walk between 15 and 18 km a day on the sand and in the sun. Your goal is to overcome the challenge while having an extraordinary human experience.
In Quebec, some of the money raised when participants register goes to support causes like the Pink Ribbon and the Breakfast Club. The Camels of the Dunes also raise money for the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.
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