Hello all (this is Paul). I have not spoken to Dusty since she left on Tuesday. She emailed me briefly on Thursday, basically to tell me that she arrived. I know that Dusty can more than take care of herself, but we have not been out of touch for more than a day since we met 9 hears ago. I am the worrier of this pair. I have been checking for her email obsessively. I finally received the below a short while ago. As usual, I worry for no reason. Our girl is doing great and seems to be thrilled with the experience. Here is her note:

Wow!!!!! This has been absolutely amazing!!! Thursday was a 5 hour bus ride through Morocco to the initial bivouac. The food and "production" have been incredible, Music, Wine, beer, tables.

Today we had our first day of the race!!!!!!!!!!! It was 33 k, stunningly beautiful and VERY hard. Of course I was tremendously nauseous, 30 minutes after finishing,I was fine. We did 13 k through huge dunes. There were clouds so temps only hit 90 or so. I took 8 hours to finish today, the winner 3. I'm still very happy, it was amazing. Helicopters flying overhead, filming and waving cheerful volunteers calling me Justine. Tomorrow 38k. 

Dusty