Muscat Nov 28

Sur is in the region of Sharqiyah. For centuries Sur was one of the greatest shipyards where the dhows sailing to Africa and Zanzibar, the Indian Subcontinent and Asia, were built. So there is a great seafaring heritage in Sur. The current Sultan wanted to see Sur develop in an industrial way too.

The history lives on in Sur, of the voyages made to Asia and across to Africa. The Dhows would be loaded with precious wood, spices, cloves (from Zanzibar), coffee, rice. They traded with the weavings Sur was famous for, the shawls, turbans and cotton loincloths, dates and palms. Dhows are now mainly used for fishing but most are no longer timber.

After driving out of Muscat, we followed the route through the mountains. Eventually we came to the coast and followed the road south towards Sur.

We stopped at the sinkhole – Bimmah – a sea water sink hole quite a distance from the shore. Many people were swimming or paddling and one brave young man made a jump from up on the edge. Though there are signs (of course) that it is not allowed.

Our first stop of the day. On the opposite side, the sign is in Arabic, so we wondered why we were stopped here!

Dropping down from the mountains to the coast

The inevitable goats

This is a government housing complex, directly across from the sea

Bimmah sink hole

It's huge

Beautiful clear water. We were saving our swimming for later

Further along we stopped at Finns Beach. It was very crowded with families all out for the day, even some staying over from the night before, camping. Because of the National Day holiday, there is a stretch of four days of holiday. Families were taking full advantage.

Had to dip my toes in the Sea of Oman

There's a beach further south where there is a turtle conservation reserve.

We drove a short way along the coast taking in the views.

The water really is very blue

Entrance to Wadi Shab

Looking the other way, this is where the wadi exits to the sea

Next was Wadi Shab. A boat takes you across the water to the side where there is a path along the edge of the wadi. It is a fairly long hike before you reach the first pool. It took about 20 mins. Nasser pointed out where, when he was younger, water used to always fill the wadi, but because of climate change the water flow has subsided and the wadi is no longer as full.

Heading across in the boat

The walk in changes all the time from lush palms to rocky paths

Few seats. This is one where another guest ended her walk. Could go no further and we hadn't really arrived at the wadi

Slightly reminiscent of the gorges in The Kimberley

Rock clambering!

It's called respect.

After we reached the water it was then quite a swim to get to the very end. We had to swim through very narrow channels almost with our head under the water in parts.

We reached the waterfall right at the end, and watched young men climbing up the side of the cave by a rope, then jump off into the pool. But Nasser had one more surprise. Another hidden passage under a huge rock which took us behind the waterfall.

Hiding or exploring? This was another surprise Nasser showed us. Straight through took us behind the waterfall we had been looking at

With water splashing nearby from the waterfall, we are in a hidden cave behind

Under the waterfall. It's very hard taking a photo when you are treading water!

Returning through the narrow cleft in the rocks

No jumping allowed, of course!

Captain Nasser. He's well known in all these places.

It was an amazing afternoon. Of course, we had to swim and hike back. Altogether it was about 3 hours.

We drove south again to Sur. Nasser showed us the harbour where there were many dhows used for fishing and cargo. A short distance further on in Ayja, we visited the only remaining traditional dhow building yard in Oman.

Roundabouts in Oman are decorated with a structure which reflects the area where the roundabout is located

The dhow boat building yard

Some of the many doors old ....

.... and new which were in the town of Al Ayjah

There he goes, taking photos of me again unbeknownst to me

View across to Sur Bridge from the lighthouse

Sunset from Sur Bridge

Nasser knows my interest in dhows and stopped so I could snap this beauty just as the sun was setting

Along the beaches in Sur, young men and boys play football. This is the happy hunting ground for those aspiring to become famous footballers. Finally we visited a lighthouse for lovely views over the town.