Day 3, part 1 - Oman Musandam Fjord Tour - November 2005

Arranged though Oman's Khasab Travel & Tours (with an office in Dubai) we spend a very long, but delightful day, driving northeast of Dubai to enter a northern part of Oman for a special visit to the “Norway of Arabia” or "Arabian fjords."  We will enter this non-contiguous portion of the Sultanate of Oman for a cruise on on old motorized dhow - the tour described by the travel company as follows:

"The Khor Sham is a sheltered, 17 km long Fjord. The water is crystal clear and calm, very inviting for snorkeling or swimming. The mountains rise out of the sea and reflect back on the water. There are almost always dolphins playing and following the boats as they cruise around the villages."

On our way to Oman, we will pass through the smaller Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain and Ras Al Khaimah.


1

We enjoy coffee and biscuits at the Hyatt Regency in Dubai while we wait for our Khasab Tour driver. 
2

Right on time, we are picked up and begin the 3 hour drive to Khasab in Musandam province of Oman, near Strait of Hormuz. 
3

The sun is just rising over the wide modern desert highway.  Camels and small villages dot the roadside.
4

This fine mosque stood out against the sky far to the northeast of Dubai in one of the lesser known Emirates.
5

Nearing the city of Ras Al Khaimah (?), with the golf ball building, we come along beside some goats in a typical pick up.
6

The sight of mountains tells us we are nearing the rugged "fjord" country of the Oman peninsula.
7

Locations where land meets water are always appealing to the eye, and conducive to settlements here on the southern edge of the Arabian Gulf.
8

A dramatic sun dancing among the clouds of this day, portend a special experience.
9

We are getting closer to the Omani village of Khasab where several dhows await the day's travelers.
10

We are among the first to arrive and Peg enjoys the prospect of a day spent in this comfortable setting.
11

Later, once underway, Keith appreciates the pleasant voyage and its scenery.
12

There were five or six boats in our little fleet. Passengers represented numerous nationalities. We would soon meet our 1st group of un-photogenic dolphins - still a delight for 3 boatloads of tourists!
13

Fruit, coffee & tea were plentiful and a fine traditional rice and chicken meal at mid day was also presented.
14

A small fishing village accessible only by boat was nestled at the foot of the mountain - not unlike Norway.
15

Telegraph Island "the most famous landmark in this area. Here the British laid the first telegraph cable in 1864, it ran from India to Basra, Iraq and the island was manned for some 10 years."
16

Anchoring at the Telegraph Island snorkeling/swimming site - Coral & fish were lovely and abundant.
17

A nice photo showing why this area is called "The Norway of the Middle East."
18

At the second snorkeling site, some fishies were visible from boat side as they enjoyed some of our lunch rice.
19

Peg snorkels here and feeds banana to the big blue angel type fish.  Highlight of the day!
20

A nice picture of the diesel powered dhows of today.  They seem a great sturdy wooden boat.
21

Keith relaxes before the return journey begins.

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