The stream flows out through the gorge and is
lost in the thirsty desert.
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All aboard. All aboard Le Lezard Rouge!
Le Lezard Rouge is an old beyical train that leaves Metlaoui
every day except Monday. It travels across the flat rocky desert
that surrounds this Southern Tunisian town, up through the Selja
Gorge, and on to the phosphate mining areas in the
mountains.
Besides the old fashion charm of the train, the trip provides
a glimpse of rugged crags, sparkling mountain springs and deep
ravines.
As you leave Metlaoui, the train runs alongside the local
market, and gives a long whistle blast as we approach a road
crossing. Donkeys and kids scatter.
And now we are travelling across the desert floor towards the
mountains. It's a hard rocky surface with occasional dry
creek beds and a lonely white mosque that glints in the morning
sun.
We climb though gorges and tunnels and, for a while, we are
travelling alongside a small stream fed by a mountain spring.
Life and greenery clutches at the banks for a few metres either
side of the water, until eventually the stream gushes out towards
the hungry desert and is lost.
We reach the phosphate mining area where a track siding
enables our engine to uncouple and reposition at our rear, and we
head back down the track to enjoy the scenery once more as we
return to Metlaoui.
So join us, sit back and relax, and enjoy the experience of
……Le Lezard Rouge
Le Lezard
Rouge Photos
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