Day 74, 7791km, Lost on the Niger floodplain, Mali

Leaving the paved road behind to explore along the Niger, little did I know that I was setting myself up for hours of bone rattling, ass numbing and pannier wrecking conditions! I also had to take two punting trips (swimming was unfortunately off limits because of the crocs) across the Niger river and carry Bertha et al across a 40m tributary before following single track bush trails southward in the absence of any roads. Having discovered some suitable cart tracks the one I chose to follow has petered out so I'm officially lost. Not to worry though I may not have a compass having given it away as a gift, but I do have the suns guidance, a malt loaf and shocked local cattle herders to send me in circles!