In the Mountains

The Sultan decided that the whole country has a week of holidays for the end of the holy month of Ramadan. An excellent occasion to explore the country and exchange the heat of Muscat for some cool mountain air! We rented a big 4X4 (our own car first needs to be paid before we can drive it...), and set off for Jabel Shams (mountain of the sun). All this with our friendly and loyal guides to Oman, Maartje and Ronald (a.k.a. The Ronnies).

On the way, we stopped to see the old village of Al Hamra. The mud brick houses were mostly in ruins, but some seemed to be inhabited. Hopefully, one day the village gets restored.

There is something about doors...

...and hats!

Some dramatic scenery on the climb up to Jabel Shams

Gideon sets up a tent, which is large enough to house a soccer team, while Matilda waits patiently.

 Matilda in her tent

The next day, we hiked up towards a ridge from where you can overlook Wadi an Nakhur or the 'Grand Canyon' of Oman. Thanks to Maartje and Ronald for looking after Matilda!

The canyon is 1000m deep, and the views are just astonishing. Hopefully, these pictures will inspire future visitors.....

On the way back, we saw a goat climbing a tree...Bizarre!

Father and daughter taking a nap.

After another nice evening with campfire under a starlit sky, we returned home the next day. We hope to make many more trips like this. Thanks to The Ronnies for the great company!