Lost in the Desert

Teresa Muir

My sister Catherine, who lives and works in Oman invited me over for a holiday last year so I went in February as that is the coolest time of the year there. Unknown to me and much to my delight, Catherine had arranged an overnight trip into the desert.

We were well equipped and had an experienced guide who knew the Empty Quarters like the back of his hand. There were seven of us and a dog belonging to Lewis, the guide. We drove in a convoy of three four wheeled drives. After travelling most of the day amid the most amazing scenery and with huge sand dunes that looked as if they would go on forever, we passed a small Bedouin camp where there were a few children running about and where there was washing hanging up to dry on a stretch of rope between two poles. We also saw a number of huge camels; some were hobbled and others were in a very flimsy looking canal. ... (continues)