Middle-aged flash packers

The drive to Jebel Shams took just over 3 hours and was quite tedious.

Once out of Muscat, the terrain was scrubby and arid. We passed small settlements which seemed new, with nice houses either recently built or being built. Each settlement had a little store and a mosque but not a lot else. What were they doing there? How did they get water? I wonder if they are government projects, re housing people? I shall have to google.

About 8km before our destination, the road ran out and we were on sand and potholes. Not as bad as Wekan though, and just before Sama Heights resort, the road returned to tarmac.

Our Bedouin hut turned out to be a very nice surprise. Constructed from local rock, it was a proper Fred Flinstone house with mod cons such as air conditioning/heating and a great shower.

We walked up to the local spot where everyone watches the sunset. It was very chilly and although I was sensible enough to wear my fleece, someone got quite cold and wanted to leave just before the big moment.

Dinner was a lovely surprise, a cornucopia of delights such as pumpkin soup,dhal, bbq beef and salads.

There is not a lot to do in the evening in these remote places but it was nice to snuggle down early and finish my book.