Off the Tourist Track in Oman

Oman and its capital Muscat have a lot to offer visitors: historic forts, colorful souqs (traditional markets), a glittering new opera house, and a spectacular mosque. But, if you have the time, I suggest venturing beyond the conventional highlights to see others parts of the country. You may just find the most memorable experiences of your trip.

Accompanying Steve on another geology field trip I had the chance to see some of the mountains surrounding Muscat. Once the paved road ran out, we drove across bare ground and dry washes.

Then set out on foot to reach the outcrops.

We found spectacular formations,

 and local wildlife.

 We spent two surprisingly cold nights camping under the stars.

Instead of taking the highway back to Muscat, we chose the scenic route across the Al Hajar Mountains near Jebel Shams, the highest peak in Oman. Notice the line across the hillside in the upper part of this photo. That is the road. Yes, it really is that steep. And it is unpaved, deeply rutted in places, and has no guardrail. Plus it is mostly a single track road so that if you encounter another vehicle coming in the opposite direction, one of you might have to back up to allow the other to pass.

When you can tear your eyes from the road, you see that the mountains are spectacularly beautiful.

For a sense of the scale, note the vehicle on the road on the left hand side of this photo.

And the line of buildings in front of these cliffs.

The mountains really are better suited to goats than people.

Outside of Muscat you also have a good chance of seeing camels.

I think they have very odd, but interesting, faces.

Note that this one in the back of the pick up truck is lying down on a cushion. They are clearly highly valued.

One could surmise the camel's value from the frequency with which they are represented, as in the lid of this small silver box.

Don't you just love the guitar player sitting on this toy camel?

The camels on this pashmina make me think they would make a great motif for appliqué in quilting. Might just be a future project!