Dunes

Everyday, on our drive to school, we pass the "dunes."  In fact, the highway that links our neighborhood to the school runs in between several huge mountains of sand from this area.  Most of the dunes are quite high and combined, they cover an area of one or two square miles.  Bordering the dunes are desert mountains and several residential areas.  In the U.S., suburban developments are often built around forested areas, parks, lakes, or maybe even rivers.  In Oman, housing areas are constructed around dune fields.   I've been wanting to explore this area for some time.  Yesterday, on our way home from school, I finally took the boys dune climbing.  We trekked up one particularly large one.  Getting to the top was arduous and took about 30 minutes.  The dune was steep and every time you took a step, you would slide down a bit.  But, once at the top, the sand was much more compacted and we could run and play.  The view was extraordinary, especially with the late afternoon sunlight.  In the distance we could see Muscat, the ocean, and the Hajar Mountains that run down the eastern coast of Oman.  The boys had a blast and I'm sure we will go back many times.         

Slipping and sliding on our way up.

Taking a break.

At the top of the dune. 

Pointing towards the ocean.

Sea of Oman in the distance.  The twin towers are the minarets of a new mosque being built.

Running from one peak to another on top of the dune.

Note the tire tracks in the background.  People like to ride buggies, motorcycles, and 4x4 vehicles on the dunes.