Wadi Wurrayah
The weekend has gone but the memory of splashing in fresh water surrounded by wadi walls still lingers.
Friday dawned hot and sunny (what else) and we took off across the mountains to the emirate of Fujairah, on the Gulf of Oman.
Once there we meandered down the coast past the Bidiyah mosque (oldest in UAE),
following the directions of the Off Road guide (2.4 km then right) otherwise not knowing where we were to go.
Back we went into Wadi Wurrayah which was said to have a waterfall and rock pools for swimming in.
Eventually we came to the branch that seemed the right one,
locked into 4 wheel drive and proceeded. Much hysteria in the Jeep as we rocked and bounced over rocks, quite exceeding any amusement park ride.
Ergo, big toys for big boys.
Half an hour later we made the 3 km trip, and as promised, water was falling from the rocks. A few vehicles were there with people cavorting in the main pool.
We climbed up the rocks to the wadi above the falls
and there were small pools of crystal clear water, gurgling around rocks before tumbling down to form the cascade below.
The final pool had acquired the natural shape of a tub,
and small fish (plecostoma) tickled your feet as they nibbled in curiousity.
We shared the space briefly with a Nigerian couple, and then all to ourselves.
While they enjoyed a soak and algae rub,
I climbed the cliff above
to enjoy the view of natural beauty.
Then fresh fruit lunch from our hamper, pack up and bounce our way back to the road.
Head to the beach to enjoy a late lunch, relax and swim as the sun starts to slide down on a perfect day.
Friday dawned hot and sunny (what else) and we took off across the mountains to the emirate of Fujairah, on the Gulf of Oman.
Once there we meandered down the coast past the Bidiyah mosque (oldest in UAE),
following the directions of the Off Road guide (2.4 km then right) otherwise not knowing where we were to go.
Back we went into Wadi Wurrayah which was said to have a waterfall and rock pools for swimming in.
Eventually we came to the branch that seemed the right one,
locked into 4 wheel drive and proceeded. Much hysteria in the Jeep as we rocked and bounced over rocks, quite exceeding any amusement park ride.
Ergo, big toys for big boys.
Half an hour later we made the 3 km trip, and as promised, water was falling from the rocks. A few vehicles were there with people cavorting in the main pool.
We climbed up the rocks to the wadi above the falls
and there were small pools of crystal clear water, gurgling around rocks before tumbling down to form the cascade below.
The final pool had acquired the natural shape of a tub,
and small fish (plecostoma) tickled your feet as they nibbled in curiousity.
We shared the space briefly with a Nigerian couple, and then all to ourselves.
While they enjoyed a soak and algae rub,
I climbed the cliff above
to enjoy the view of natural beauty.
Then fresh fruit lunch from our hamper, pack up and bounce our way back to the road.
Head to the beach to enjoy a late lunch, relax and swim as the sun starts to slide down on a perfect day.
posted by Sand Land Dad at 18:01
5 Comments:
Ah yes, driving on bumpy/rocky roads is always fun...have you tried that with the seats falling out? :P (WeeEEE!eeEE!eeeEE!)
I always love the pics you take!
I was looking at your tiny map on a July post trying to figure out where you were...no luck. The landmarks on you treks seem so similar...rock, sand, odd blade of grass. It is a wonder you don't get lost!
Dad doesn't get lost, he takes short cuts! Doesn't matter that they take 4 hours longer ;)
Ah natural beauty, nothing better! I wonder what your friends would think of Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Is "wadi" what that kind of pool is called?
My shortcuts make life interesting. Fortunately I have a good sense of direction and a memory for obscure landmarks. Fine tuned in the Garraf.
A wadi is just a dry river bed, normally very old with canyon characterisics.
Great photos & a cool story.
Advice; don't go back now (August 2008) - the pools are covered in grafitti, extremely ugly, and the area is littered with garbage; soiled pampers, bags, plastic, broken glass.
I arrived as 3 local families from Al Ain left, and the amount of garbage left behind by them was amazing!
A national disgrace!!!
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