31-May-2004 -- This confluence visit is a continuation of the confluence hunting that took place during a 3-day trip to Libya to research observation locations for the Total Solar Eclipse of 29 March 2006.
Successfully reached was 28N 21E on the morning of 31 May 2004. Unfortunately, we had to abandon the attempt on 29N 22E, but still hoped to complete 32N 20E before returning to the comfort of a Banġāziy hotel.
This Confluence lies in a dry salt marsh a short distance from the Mediterranean Sea and is very close to the city of Banġāziy, Libya's second biggest city. We approached the Confluence by turning eastwards from the main south/north highway onto the old coastal highway, which runs much closer to the sea (and therefore closer to the Confluence) than the new highway.
This road brought us to 1.4 kilometres east of the Confluence, and we successfully managed to turn further westwards to drive behind some industrial properties, until we could go no further by car. At this point the GPS indicated 0.89 km to go. A quick decision was made to reach the Confluence on foot, and this was accomplished with a short 10-minute walk. As stated above, the entire area is characterised by salt bushes with the occasional date palm, and a short, tough scrub. The area has also been used as a dumping ground for unwanted builder's material and household goods.
The necessary pictures were taken, including the GPS with ten zeroes, and the happy team. The north view shows the city of Banġāziy. To the South is more salt marsh, the West has the coastline with the Mediterranean Sea, and the East has some industrial properties.
Also shown are the Sūq in Banġāziy and the Libyan Mediterranean beaches at Banġāziy. In the general view, the Confluence is located just in front of the right hand date palm in the distance.