Geodes of Oman and Ubar

With a cyclone bearing down on Dhofars coast we curtailed our several day visit into the southern Empty Quarter to a single day and then a ‘dash’ into unexpected hotel accommodation in Salalah.  Since the UNESCO site at Shisr was close to the route into the Rub al Khali we paid a visit to the site that is claimed to be that of the legendary Ubar .

A visit to Shisr Omans Ubar

Despite the heavy clouds we were still able to travel into Oman’s southern Empty Quarter and visit the mega dunes at Hashman where some of the crystal Geodes of Oman can be found.

The dunes at Hashman

Dunes of Oman’s Empty Quarter

Omans Deserts are scenically very attractive with golden hues and great sweeping sand dunes.

Climbing a Mega Dune in Oman's Empty Quarter

We really enjoy travelling through them, but only in the cooler winter months; and it helps to be able to relax for a meal.

A Desert Meal in Oman

Empty Quarter Freight & Fruit

As Oman is an Oil producer exploration takes place all over the country. Doing it takes money, patience and lots of equipment. On our way into the Mega Dunes of the Empty Quarter we had to divert away from the ‘off road’ track

Omani Watermelons

With searing heat, the early summer in Oman’s Empty Quarter Desert can be difficult to bear. We camped overnight on a brief trip in Oman near the border .

A cool treat Watermelon in Omans Desert

However,

Wilfred Thesiger and Oman’s Desert

I arrived at Aiyun around Sunset. The mountains were cracking as they cooled down after the day’s intense heat and, in answer, birds called .

Wilfred Thesiger first arrived here in the Autumn of 1946, descending through the same pass as I had taken. The place hasn’t changed since his visit. The beds of Reed still flourish and the water in which, he was told, a monster serpent lived and would sometimes seize a goat when it came to drink, is still deep and suitably mysterious & dark.

Wilfred Thesiger stayed here in 1946

The next morning I took a few photos – of a magical place, serpent or not.

Returning to Muscat I took in the Aeolianite Coast – the fossilized sand dunes of Oman that underlay both desert and sea bed . Here they form cliffs which crumble into the sea, probably retreating meters every year.

Wahiba Aeolonite