On the approach to the village.Matt: Lenny (John Lane, you figure it out) and I decided to kick start the Autumn activities this weekend. A hike, we thought, but where? we considered the options and both had the same thought. Why not go back and do the original '60 Metres of Rope' Hike to the plateau where we replenished with rain water? So we did.
We set off early Friday morning and drove up to RAK and Wadi-Bih. We let Fiona (She was gutted not to be able to join us) know where we were heading, as she knew the route and could guide anyone searching for us there with relative ease (should the need arise).
With 3 litres of water each, a reasonable stash of food and plenty of emergency gear to keep us warm and hydrated we set off. It was probably a little too tough for the first hike of the season, the first 2 hours are intense climbing and scrambling over huge, sharp rocks and boulders that got the heart pounding in your places that don't normally pound. We made good time on the initial ascent and exited the first wadi after a little over 2 hours.
The rest of the way to the plantation/plateau was easy by comparison with only a little climbing involved. As we ascended the second Wadi, we spotted some locals high on the cliff side above us. They called down inviting us up. Wanting to complete our goal we decided to continue to the top and then double back along the escarpment to join them, so as not to offend. We also wanted to take the opportunity to find out what was going on in this area, what the rock shacks were used for and who made use of them.
We made our goal after about three and a half hours and join the locals in this strange mountain-top village shortly after.
We made our way along the top of the escarpment and approached the deserted looking village, not really knowing what kind of welcome we would receive. The Emirati's spotted us as we made our way through the of rock walls and shacks. We were greeted by 4 young Arabs from RAK (Ras Al Khaimah) they bid us to join them. Only one of them spoke any English, Mohammed, which accentuated our ignorance and limited use of the Arabic language. We chatted with them a while, shared our dates with them and they offered us water and somewhere to rest.
It turns out the mountain top area was once used for farming and to growing wheat for bread, but is now merely used as a place of escape and solitude. Locals use the shacks now as little stores and getaways. We could completely understand why. The peace and simplicity of the mountains is such a welcome contrast to the chaos of the cities. It was nice to see 4 friends far from technology and distractions, with only each others company and a pack of cards. We shared stories and backgrounds with Mohammed and his friends and then bid them farewell, they showed us a easy root back down from the plateau, which was far from easy - but safer that our original decent plan.
We felt enlightened and it was surprisingly rewarding to go back here, knowing what to expect. We'll definitely go back again and camp out. Maybe even venture further and find the fateful place where we huddled together under single foil blanket to fend off the cold of the Arabian night.
Lenny at the top of the first Wadi.
The steep decent, spot the car at the bottom there. yep - we're heading straight down that gully!
