The Sahara Explorer - Day 2 - 5th October 2023

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DH411 with our train emerges from the Tunnel de Tiouli on the photographic run past. No concerns about leaf fall or sanding the rails on this line!<br>[© Paul Griffin/Brian Carter 2023]	The old water towers and station building at Aïn-Béni-Mathar and not a high-vis in sight.<br>[© Paul Griffin/Brian Carter 2023]	Berguent Fouchal, waiting in the loop, the one location where the train stopped on a curve. A laminated paper headboard (held at the front of the loco on the left) was the best we could manage for the photo. It really does say 'BRANCH LINE SOCIETY'!<br>[© Paul Griffin/Brian Carter 2023]	This meal was rated by some on the tour as one of their best in Morocco, and was even served at seat!<br>[© Paul Griffin/Brian Carter 2023]	The first floor of this ruined building was obviously the best photographic location at Tendrara and soon everybody was up there.<br>[© Paul Griffin/Brian Carter 2023]	From the back of the train leaving Tendrara; note the disconnected loop and sidings. The water tower is hidden behind the far right building.<br>[© Paul Griffin/Brian Carter 2023]	View of the line and typical desert scenery along this branch from the back of the train.<br>[© Paul Griffin/Brian Carter 2023]
An ONCF gang travelling on the train clear wind-blown sand covering the rails in a cutting while being photographed by tour participants (right). The mountains of Bouárfa are visible in the background.<br>[© Paul Griffin/Brian Carter 2023]	The old station at Bouárfa is several kilometres from the town and the station building still looks to be in use. The tracks continue on to the phosphate mine but are currently out of use. We were told we were the first charter to use the line this year, so that may mean we were the first train of 2023.<br>[© Paul Griffin/Brian Carter 2023]