We made it safely to Dutse, capital of Jigawa State! Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts! We knew we were close to the desert when we began to see camels walking along the road and oases of date palms dotting the vast stretches of dry, rocky landscape! Dutse means rock! And truly, this is a rocky, barren land. But we feasted on dates, coconut, bananas, pineapple, suya, (sliced, roasted beef,) and masa, (fried rice cakes,) all bought at the local gas station! Drank many sachets of 'pure water'. Found rooms in a government-run hotel surrounding a courtyard absolutely filled with golden weaver birds building their nests! So beautiful. In a couple of hours, we meet the State Ministry of Agric rep, and head to Garbagal, our target reserve! Can't wait!