Five things I learned on my first Mountain Trekking

Muscat - During my high school days, I was interested to join the local mountaineering club. I had the orientation on what to bring, wear, fitness preparation and safety aspect of the activity. Unfortunately, I wasn’t financially capable to support the interest and had opted to drop. Fast forward 20 years, I am now able to provide myself all the necessary tools required to enjoy the outdoor activities from Scuba Diving, Water Skiing to Camping.

L-R: Hamed Al-Saadi, Abdulhamid Al-Hadhrami, Khalid Al-Mazrouai, Cledion Taporco

With just a day of preparation, I got what I need but my fitness level is not at its peak (it has never been because beers always taste good) coming from my annual holiday in Philippines. There were initially 9 of us ‘office junkies’ that would scale a mere 300m from an altitude of 2000m but were down to four knowing that our patrol leader is Abdulhameed, seasoned Omani Triathlete and an outdoor enthusiast. 

Reward: The Ghubra Bowl from the top of which Wukan village
can also be spotted

Jabal Akhdar is about 2.5 hours drive from Muscat including the uphill drive of about 40 minutes. The high elevation of ‘The Green Mountain’ makes it a great place during summer months as the temperature would be 10 degrees that what it is in Muscat and would even drop more during night time. 

Abdu slept comfortably with no tent and is not concerned about foxes
and scorpions, else he'll eat them

At night, the sky was really amazing with all the stars seemed so close and the moon appears like a ball of light in one of the peaks. The stillness and the deafening silence made me appreciate how peaceful was our life for the era of commercialism. All we can hear was the bray of the free-roaming donkey and the hiss of the insects.

Before China introduces the metal grills in Oman, this the local way of bbq.
Who introduced the bamboo then?

While we almost try all the time to be professional on the timing on most of the trips, we are still late to arrive and had our lunch past 2 pm with this goat sharing the remains.

Goats in Oman eat rice! Shaa is the arabic for Does while Anz are for Bucks

Proud owners of 4x4 vehicles (Jeep, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner and Pajero)
meet in Birkat Al Mouz

After gobbling up our lunch, we have just enough time to distribute our supplies with Abdu making sure that we all have our fair share. 

Apart from food, we each have to carry at least 6 liters of water. In total,
our backpacks weighs between 10-15 kgs.

In front of us is the village of Manakhir, where handful of houses are built.

While I almost have everything what I need according to my research, the following are very important I should say.

1. Always follow the lead of the experienced hikers. It is inevitable the few of the group would like to experience the adrenaline rush or have the interest to show better path. When confused, always follow the lead of the most experienced hiker because they have the sixth sense of how to find the right path. I have compared it in cooking, that if we are not able to arrive at the taste that we desired, an experienced chef would know which ingredients are missing and what to put in sequence.

This was the last time that we had an eye on Manakhir Village

2. Look for signs. Although the track that we follow is considered unmarked, we are not the first to be there. There are also enthusiasts like us that are kind enough to create trekking signs such as carefully arranged rocks and paint spray. Another is the presence of donkey or goat dungs, in the first place we are using donkey path anyway. So during the time that my companions are out of sight, I had the hint that I am on the right path.

Paint Spray showing which direction to go.

Decaying remains of a goat along the path.

 

Artistic way of creating trekking marks

3. There is no substitute for proper hiking boots. Just because I have an all-terrain shoes means that it was enough to absorb the punishment of rocky path. A good trekking boots would be something that has hard out-sole, soft insole, high-cut or enough to cover the uncle and it should be an omni-grip. Luckily, mine was able to survived but have unnecessarily stretch my leg muscles. Khalid had semi-sandals which cost him minor cuts from the sharp edges.

For this reason that the guidebook called it 'The Balcony Walk'.
In photo is Abu Ahmed, our search and 'reconnaissance' expert.

4. Long pants are a must regardless of weather and terrain.  I thought that because we are in Oman where sun shines almost year round, a rugged short would do. Long pants protect from harmful rays, insect bites but more importantly from cuts in the event of an accidental slip. A multi-pocket pants are handy for the energy bars and other essential tools

While we have to manage our water well, these goats don't have that problem.
They even most of the time, I guess as trail mark for them.

5. Food and water management. We are trekking in Oman not in Philippines where water from certain fauna can be extracted. The terrain is almost dry and the only sight of water (which is stagnant) is hundreds of meters down on a dead-drop cliff. Banana and Dates are very handy and provide a good source of carbs and sugar.

Fresh dates of Oman, the yellow one is called Khalas and is the number 1
variety.

These might seem basics for the experienced hikers but for beginners like, it made a whole lot of sense. Of course, those are lessons for myself and there are plenty of resources available in the internet that will help you better prepare. 

On winters, this plant boast a array of colorful flowers

Perfectly camouflage Arabian lizard, how else would I call it?

Can you spot another camouflaging lizard?

It took me more than 10 clicks to finally got this photo. Even on stones, this
insect appears like withered leaves.

It is already past 7 pm when we rendezvoused on the marked trail, and
anytime soon the mirage will disappear and we will be in total darkness.

We took a used smoked hand grenade that we found on a small camping ground.
Adjacent to our path is a military training facility, the toughest in Oman. I don't
know if this belongs to them.

Overall, the trip was very unforgettable and our bond as brothers are ever stronger. We all share our personal stories and get to know each of us better. We all look forward for the next trip sometime next month. Until then.

Mabuhay!

5 Great Surprises in Wadi Shab

SUR: The coastal region of Sur in Sharqiyah Governorate of Oman in host to a distinctive wadi experience. The most frequented site is Wadi Shab due to its forgiving terrain and the all family experience. Just under 2 hours drive from Muscat, the trip to this place is rather enjoyable as the contrasting elements of Oman presented. My Omani friends even have their action term for it, "wadi shabbing".

Worry not for the "call-of-nature" during the long walk, these boulders will shield you from possible on-lookers.

As the temperature sets little below 30 degrees Celsius, this place starts to witness a flock of tourist from varying nationalities. Here you can also find a number of respectful Omani that will greet you with a pleasant smile as they tend to their bbq session. As a virtue of courtesy, don't hesitate to take their offering of "mishkak" or bbq of meat because that might be the tastiest you have ever tasted. And then you just experience the true Omani hospitality. So, here are my top 5 great surprises that await you in Wadi Shab:

The grand entrance to Wadi Shab

1. The Cave

Have you been to the cave inside? This is definitely the most frequently asked question when you tell someone that you've been to Wadi Shab. There must be something there, right? The entrance to the cave is narrow and the only way-in is to swim, be prepared. If you are an average swimmer, I recommend bringing personal floating device as some current may just be too strong. Otherwise, you can just glide along just as we did while holding on the sides of this wall. 

Inviting isn't it? Take extra care because this are for those capable swimmers only.

The last time I visited in 2007 we have to swim underneath the cavern, but this time it much easier. My preference of entering the cave was to have my back facing the cave and swims in supine position for the prime reason of surprise and second is for smoother swim. Just as we enter this passage, I can hear the rush of waterfall increasing and condition my mind to be ready for the dividends of a long walk. When I am inside, I felt I have had a romantic time with nature. The only way to the top is through the rope that runs along the falling water. Of course, a more interesting story about the cave is the experience of jumping in the Turquoise Blue lagoon.

Nothing beats this dividend of a long walk.

2. Three colors of water 

Yes, you heard me right. Wadi Shab has these 3 colors of waters. You will mistake it of using it in your art session of ready to use water-color. Shortly after the 15 minute walk, these emerald green waters emerge in site. What makes it green are the different debris of trees, clay, sand and gravel at the bottom. I came to know this when I jumped and had my butt touched the bottom and they are stuck inside so I have to wash them-off. As we move forward on the next 15 minutes, this crystal clear water are so inviting for a stopover. The looks are so clean that we were encouraged to splash our feet. It looks for drinking but I would not recommend it. This crystal clear water comes in pools as we approach the base of the cave. We saw tourists basked themselves in the sun just as it is in the beaches of Oman. And of course, the blue turquoise water in the cave is the third and most unique about Wadi Shab.

Mirror on the water

Oman is an open and welcoming country. Feel free to wear what comforts you most on a long walk.

3. YOLO Jump

Wadi Shab hosted the 2012 Red Bull Cliff Diving competition. You can still experience the thrill by doing Only Live Once (YOLO) jump. The platform is not there but you would need a lot of courage jumping just on the hiking path. My tip is not to stare longer on the water below because it will just discourage you from jumping.

This was my third jump. Yes, pinching the nose will prevent the rush of water unless you love sneezing all the way back home.

I hope Ministry of Tourism will not use this photo against me. I did not swim, I jumped!

Photo image by Anen Poras

4. Hiking Experience

The short 45 minute (one-way) up the stream is one of a kind. As the saying goes, it is not the destination that matters but the journey along the way. We meet people of all ages and of different ethnicity and all most of them are very courteous (do the same for them). The walk starts with normal gravel and on to these gigantic boulders as high as 2 story building. The best part for us is when we look up; it is amazing to see the contrast between these rugged mountains and the blue sky. If you are lucky to have clouds, one will have the nature’s way of playing a time-lapse video.

Behind us are ruins of the mud house, currently serve as shelter for the herds of goat.
Photo image by Anen Poras

5. The People

Wadi Shab is an experience for the whole family, equipped yourself with proper hiking gear when you are with kids. We are surprise how many children are there in the pools of water enjoying their family time. My daughter even refuse to go with me inside the cave as she was intimately playing with here new found friend.

My newly acquainted Omani on our way to the cave. Unknowingly, most of them are friends of my colleague in ooredoo

The superladies who drinks like a camel but brought more chips than water.

With my loving wife and adorable daughter Une Marchesa
Photo image by Anen Poras

The best way to end the Wadi Shab trip is to stop at this Fins beach, another camp site to visit in the near future.

Photo by Anen Poras

Mabuhay! 

Where to experience hiking in Muscat?

MUSCAT: Despite the rough terrain, hiking remains the best way to enjoy the Sultanate’s wonderful mountainous nature. One can make different excursions of varying degrees of difficulty. 

This weekend we tried the easiest of all, classified as Grade1. What that means is that we don't have to be an experienced hiker to complete the route. This path will take on average 2 hours But with a 3-year old preschooler that can extend up to 3 hours including the photos and breaks in between.

It just rained 3 days before our trek so this added color to our experience. Next time, I will definitely take a deep in this crystal clear waters.

It is obvious from the start that we are not experience trekkers and that includes myself! It is only halfway through that I realized that these painted striped of yellow, red and white are trek markings that will guide us through the trail, see the photo below. I thought in the beginning that these are one of the nationalities that has been here and thought that I might just make one for our beloved country, the Philippines.

Dangerously as it looks but it is more fun than it appears.

One can either start the route from Riyam Park or Muttrah. I recommend to start at Riyam park as you will be rewarded within 10 minutes of ascend. Follow the coloured markers from the parking area at Riyam. In the old days the only way to get to Muscat was by sea or over this path. Once you have reached the higher parts of the route, turn around to enjoy the amazing view over the coast and sea.

Breathtaking scenery of Riyam Park. The first step of the trail is just behind that beautiful yellow house.

These well-placed stone slabs leading up the hill have been used by countless generations of visitors from Mutrah and the interior, to help them climb the last hills before they entered the gates of Muscat. 

Few ascends and the magnificent view of the Muttrah corniche will unveil like a kingdom in bedtime stories. Upon reaching this point, take more photos as much as you can because the next course to follow is an unforgettable experience for the "acrophobics".

If not the best, it is the recommended spot that one have to spend most of the scenic reminiscing.

You might just be lucky to befriend some of the trekkers both young and old.

When you are hiking with your kids, I would advise that you do all the pep talk that can enable the children to cooperate. As for my case, I told my daughter that a pool of water was waiting for her to play.

Pep talk with my daughter just before we hit the wadis.

And just as you promised, give them the reward. Well, at least we were ahead of her mom otherwise, she would be the first one to object.

Une asking if I had brought with me her pair of swimwear.

Trekking along the wadi is the easiest part but most enjoyable as you have to navigate your way through the boulders. Ladies, let the gents head the pack as we are best at it :)

My born-ready wife in action.

Afternoon walk offers shady parts in this part of the trek

Enjoy the scramble that is sometimes necessary to pass the wadi leading to Mutrah. Take care to turn left when arriving at the graveyard just before Mutrah, otherwise you might walk through.

This is us and our 3-year old daughter overlooking Riyam Park.

If you are going to do just one walk in the capital area, this should be the one.

Oh look at that smile! How happy she was to be allowed to play in these waters.

These ladies are the toughest... at least in our pack. Well done girls! From left: Anen, Honey, Jan and Aching.

Would you consider bringing your kids on this type of trekking?


Mabuhay!