Re: Salalah 2022 Trip
Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2022 9:42 am
Dear Almosters,
It is difficult to describe or even summarize a 6-day trip packed with action and adventure, but at least I will try to give you some impressions :) In one sentence this would probably sound like WOOOO-HAAAA IT WAS AMAZING!!!
Firstly - it was the location. Salalah is just something different, at least for the 3 summer months when the monsoon comes in. Lush green landscapes, mountains, fog, see, and this special vibe of a festival all-around. You just need to come and see it. We made a "mistake" 3 years ago when we just arrived in Dubai of coming there mid-October - it was nice, but definitely not so special as this time around. And maybe this year the fog was a little denser than normally, limiting the views but in the end - it was part of the experience and it was still awesome!
Secondly - it was @alshamsi_m - our Dear leader, with support of the Crew (@brett, @KIMOz , @Mohanad who worked so tirelessly to ensure safety and the best possible experience for the whole group. Kudos, and big tank you!! This trip would be so different without these years of accumulated expertise and knowledge, going places where very few dare to venture.
Lastly - it was the people - impossible to mention al the situations where the group supported each other, but it was just special. @PedroLeal - thank you for the pull :) @Tomvanhouten , @James @dorudoru guarding the convoy from the back (and sometimes under the cars). All the nice chatter on the radio while driving 1000km in the dark, and following each other closely in the convoy. Great side-chats and mini side adventures, e.g. trying to still find the path to the cave in the fog (@galindakis !), or chasing the convoy in the fog (@luckeym !).
Overall a remarkable and unforgettable trip. Can't wait for the next year (hope I will be able to go)!
A bunch of notes:
- the drive to and back is long and tiring, but it is well worth it :) I am happy I did not miss the night convoy going there (arrived just-in-time for departure due to work) - it's a special (and fun!) experience. Going back I drove alone through the night to spare Karol (my 4yo son) full day of driving - it was also OK, but I would not recommend doing that without prior experience of the road itself (and the driving style).
- the car needs to be in top condition - 4000km of driving, and many harsh offroad paths will put each machine to the test.
- I had a great experience with Karol (I was afraid he will complain a lot, but in the end there was just too much happening for him to be bored), but it was ultimately a good choice for my wife and Olivia (2yo) to stay behind - I think they would not have enjoyed it as much given we spent majority of the 6 days in the car (my wife is not a fan of long drives in general).
See you (again) in the mud!!
It is difficult to describe or even summarize a 6-day trip packed with action and adventure, but at least I will try to give you some impressions :) In one sentence this would probably sound like WOOOO-HAAAA IT WAS AMAZING!!!
Firstly - it was the location. Salalah is just something different, at least for the 3 summer months when the monsoon comes in. Lush green landscapes, mountains, fog, see, and this special vibe of a festival all-around. You just need to come and see it. We made a "mistake" 3 years ago when we just arrived in Dubai of coming there mid-October - it was nice, but definitely not so special as this time around. And maybe this year the fog was a little denser than normally, limiting the views but in the end - it was part of the experience and it was still awesome!
Secondly - it was @alshamsi_m - our Dear leader, with support of the Crew (@brett, @KIMOz , @Mohanad who worked so tirelessly to ensure safety and the best possible experience for the whole group. Kudos, and big tank you!! This trip would be so different without these years of accumulated expertise and knowledge, going places where very few dare to venture.
Lastly - it was the people - impossible to mention al the situations where the group supported each other, but it was just special. @PedroLeal - thank you for the pull :) @Tomvanhouten , @James @dorudoru guarding the convoy from the back (and sometimes under the cars). All the nice chatter on the radio while driving 1000km in the dark, and following each other closely in the convoy. Great side-chats and mini side adventures, e.g. trying to still find the path to the cave in the fog (@galindakis !), or chasing the convoy in the fog (@luckeym !).
Overall a remarkable and unforgettable trip. Can't wait for the next year (hope I will be able to go)!
A bunch of notes:
- the drive to and back is long and tiring, but it is well worth it :) I am happy I did not miss the night convoy going there (arrived just-in-time for departure due to work) - it's a special (and fun!) experience. Going back I drove alone through the night to spare Karol (my 4yo son) full day of driving - it was also OK, but I would not recommend doing that without prior experience of the road itself (and the driving style).
- the car needs to be in top condition - 4000km of driving, and many harsh offroad paths will put each machine to the test.
- I had a great experience with Karol (I was afraid he will complain a lot, but in the end there was just too much happening for him to be bored), but it was ultimately a good choice for my wife and Olivia (2yo) to stay behind - I think they would not have enjoyed it as much given we spent majority of the 6 days in the car (my wife is not a fan of long drives in general).
See you (again) in the mud!!