Brouq Nature Reserve, Reprised

Have GPS will travel!

Yup, it sure helps to have a little gizmo like a Garmin handheld on desert trips.

So with Chris at the helm of his Toyota Land Cruiser, the Wright family and myself, we used the last QNHG co-ordinates to re-visit Brouq Nature Reserve.

Arriving at the film set, there were more ostriches out and about then the last trip, which gave me more photo opportunities for up close shots and a chance to pet one of the more friendlier ostriches.

We journeyed a little further up and settled ourselves at the 'caves'to have our picnic. We then ventured to the beach to wade/swim in the clear, cool waters. It was quite shallow in some areas, but we did manage to spot some above knee level waters for swimming.

Here’s one place that’s flagged on my GPS; a place worth coming back to over and again to chill out with family and friends. Camping, anyone?

Here's the link to view my updated photo and movie journal:

http://picasaweb.google.com/marthaleemei/RevisitingBrouqNatureReserve?authkey=Gv1sRgCPCJotLilvvnbg&feat=directlink

Till next time,

Mart

Of camels and dunes

Twas just another fun-filled weekend with the Wright family (including their daughter, Katherine, in from London for the Easter holidays).

This was quite a memorable dune-bashing experience. To really enjoy the ride, go with experienced tour operators as the drive through the dunes can be risky at times; better to have drivers who know the dunes/terrain and their car (a Toyota Land Cruiser, no less).

And speaking of peril, we came across a family along the dunes who met with what seemed like a near fatal accident. Luckily, the driver and presumably, his family members (3 women and 2 children), managed to escape unscathed! The car boot looked like it was packed to full capacity including picnic paraphernalia and a couple of rugs/carpets (if they were test trying their 'magic carpets', they were really very lucky to survive the aftermath).

Our guide Ali and his fellow drivers/guides were quick to react, and they got into gear with the rescue mission to save the family car. Miraculously, the guides managed to ‘resurrect’ the totaled car, and the family was off and away again being led out of the dunes by two land cruisers. As the wrecked car wheeled its way out of the sands, we continued with our tour, making scenic stops along the way.

After that incident, it was clear that Ali was not about to take unforseen/uncalculated risks and strayed away from some of the usual dune-bashing routes. We reached base camp by the beach just a little before sunset.

We had some time to ourselves to wander around base camp before dinner was announced.

The buffet was sumptuous and we dined in large carpeted canopies. By 8 or so, we had to make our way out of the sands; it was amazing to watch the guides meander and maneuver through the soft tracks and out of the dark unlit path. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip/evening; to catch a glimpse of sunset and behold, a full moon. Scenery/landscape aside, I also had good company. Doing it solo would have been no fun and/or excitement, or at all.

Go to the link below to view updated photos. Enjoy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/marthaleemei/DuneBashing?feat=directlink

Till next time, Mart

Lightning in Dubai

For more photos, go to: http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-237326

I am not alone

** Trying to lift the veil on Qatar **
Katya Adler attempts to discover what life is like in one of the Middle East's richest countries.
< http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7981478.stm >

Umm Tays Traverse

Here's another interesting day-trip with the Qatar Natural History Group.

Only a selected few (about 25pax) get to attend this traverse - so I got real lucky, along with some friends from Singapore (Siew Hua, Philo and Jeff).

Here's the photo link for your viewing:
http://picasaweb.google.com/marthaleemei/UmTaysTraverse?authkey=Gv1sRgCOfK95Hoi_7DwwE&feat=directlink

Till next time,

Mart