Deeper into the mountains we go

The mountains were beautiful, and where we wanted to camp, but it started to rain and we didn’t want to risk being blown or otherwise thrown down the mountain in our tent. Almost at the end of the track we turned back to Khasab to find a place to set up camp. We got a flat tire. In the rain and the cold we finally figured out how the tire was released from the bottom of the rental and we found all the gear we needed, UNDER our camping equipment, which was now strewn all over the roadside. We changed the tire with the assistance of a passing national who was obviously experienced in standard flat tire equipment being less than helpful. It was coming down hard but I still wanted to tent. Barry on the other hand suggested we stay in a hotel (the Golden Tulip in Khasab). My reaction to that was an odd look as this is not usually something Barry would suggest. I should have known something was up. We decided to camp under a hut on the beach which sheltered us from most of the rain. Once Barry made the lighting cozy we settled in for the night. This is where Barry proposed.

Around the bend to Khasab

They say that this area is where the term "around the bend" came from. . . . have I told you that before? Once we reached Khasab we were in search for ice - we were surprisingly unsuccessful. Should have known as ice wasn't on the sign, only 'Vegtables, Fruits & Food Stuff'. So now Barry wants to buy a cooler which plugs into a 12V so we can keep our food cool. We carried on to Knor Najid for sunset and then to the Acacia Forest to set up camp. The next day we carried on through a route that was new to us.

Over the mountain we go

Having made it out of the desert we headed towards the mountains. First stop firewood – it can get chilly in the mountains a night. We took the winding coastal road to Oman passing small towns along the way.

Desert driving in the UAE

First stop, Falaj Al Moalla for some driving in the desert. We haven’t taken our desert driving course yet but the track seemed fairly easy so we gave it a go. As the desert is always changing and the different tracks can be difficult to decipher, we ended up heading straight towards a farm – a farm that wasn’t on the map! Almost getting stuck, we contempled our situation and another SUV pulled up behind us. Together we caravanned through the desert, each armed with our “UAE off-road” guide and walkie-talkies. After running into a couple more farms and unsafe passages we almost gave up to head back the way we came but decided to give it one more try. Success – we will not be eaten by desert goats after all. The last picture is my favourite - an oasis. Mental note: come back to this spot to camp.