{"id":441,"date":"2022-10-06T16:30:59","date_gmt":"2022-10-06T16:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/?p=441"},"modified":"2022-10-06T16:30:59","modified_gmt":"2022-10-06T16:30:59","slug":"getting-stuck-on-masirah-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/?p=441","title":{"rendered":"Getting stuck on Masirah island"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We arrived on Masirah island and were the first to leave the ferry. A little bustling town (Ra\u2019s-Hilf) was awaiting us. The moment you come off the ferry you feel the cool winds, one of the things Masirah is famous for. It\u2019s a popular spot for the adventurous kite surfer. It’s – temperature wise- one of the coolest places of Oman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Arriving on Masirah island<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Following a nicely designed boulevard (with a lot of plastic palmtrees, because of the harsh winds, salt and salty soil), we started our tour around the island. Its only 650km2 and mostly desert. There is almost nothing but sand, rocks, beaches and mountaines. Yes, miles of beaches, long beaches, small beaches, with calm or rough seas. Masirah island is often called the Maldives of the Middle East. There is only one resort, some small hotels in town and a few vacation homes. Its hardly developed. Main reason is that the Omani Royal Airforce has an important airbase on the island and certain parts of the island are used for targeting practice for the fighter pilots, so we tried not being a target (since often we are mistaken for being a military vehicle). Not too long ago the island was opened up for tourism and security measures were lowered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The beautiful beaches of the \u201dMaldives of the Middle East\u201d, Masirah island<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Driving through a desert on an island is a bit strange, especially since we live on an island, which is green, has palmtrees and flowers. Little sheds left and right near the roads or in the distance, were the \u201dstables\u201d for goats and camels of the people of Masirah. Once you leave the little town, you leave civilization. After about an hour there was a sign which we could read \u201dMasirah Beach Camp, Kitesurf\u201d! Wauw, civilization returned. We followed a gravel and sand road and ended up near a huge flat beach area with a couple of very colorful structrures. It was one of those real original surf places. Simple, rough, but real. No luxury, but something a lot of people dream about (instead of fancy hotels with useless amenities). And then the beach…..awesome, clean, large, lots of birds, turquoise waters and a steady wind, perfect for the kite surfers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Masirah is a popular place for kite surfers, from all over the world, but still on a small scale<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We parked the truck, took a dip in the water (and since there was a French and German couple in Western beach wear, we dared to do the same). A long sandy finger (like a sand bar), was sticking out into the sea. It was about a kilometer long and had this beautiful turquoise water on both sides. We found many bones and shell pieces of sea turtles. Also, Masirah is a very popular nesting area for different species of sea turtles. The islanders used to eat them a lot, but the Government is cracking down on that. Strict laws are now in place to protect these animals, although some fisherman still catch them and they either eat them or sell them. The beach and the sandbar at Masirah Beach Camp are very clean in comparison with what we saw on the mainland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our first night camping spot on Masirah<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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First dive in the turquoise waters of Masirah <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A very friendly fisherman past by and in broken English we had a nice chat with him. After he left we had of course again a nice diner and with the sound of the small waves, we fell a sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our fisherman friend, Hilal<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Despite the fact we were on such a beautiful location, we decided to continue along the coast and drove over the gravel and sand roads. Now, mind you, these are tracks over large plain like areas, so you try to use the most commonly used ones. But……..then it happened! Will driving, we suddenly \u201dfell thru\u201d. The \u201dbottom\u201d under our tires collapsed and we were in a muddy substance under the hard surface of the road. It was only the right side of the truck so we were like in \u201dcapsize\u201d mode. You can imagine the first 15 minutes after this happened, we was to blame, the driver or the navigator? Some strong words were exchanged in the truck cabin, before peace was restored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Crashed through the top hard layer and got stuck in the mud<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Large areas along the coast are like dried up lakes. From above it looks like you drive on solid ground, but below is very soft muddy soil and water. Depending on the weight of a vehicle the top layer can handle it, but once the weight goes up, the top layer cracks and you \u201dsink\u201d down in the mud. And compared to the commonly used Toyota Pick Up Landcruiser of about 1,5 ton, our camper truck is almost 10 times that weight!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So there we are, on our 4th day driving aourd in Oman with the truck and the first day on Masirah, great job Henk! So, we took the shovels out, sand ladders and deflated the tires a bit. We worked for a while, when the same fisherman of yesterday past by (Hilal). He explained us the situation of the area and it was good he passed by. We should not go any further, but go backwards (driving forwards, would make it worse). To quickly I gave it a try, but we got even deeper (no, no, I don\u2019t need a 4×4 course for beginners…..) I stopped right away. Another fisherman passed by and he said it was best to call the police. Since we were in a remote part of the island, phone and internet reception was very minimum. We had to walk around to catch a signal. Eventually the fisherman called the police and they were going to send a patrol. About an hour and a half later a large police jeep with 2 friendly officers stopped near our truck. They spoke a little bit of English, took some pictures and suggested us to come with them to the police station. The second time this year we were driven around in a police car. While driving, the police used their sirens to chase camels off the road (what a difference with 80 years ago, when camels were the most valuable asset of an Omani man!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Masirah police checking our situation<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Again we arrived at a huge police station (second time within a week!). We were very gently treated. We got water, coffee and tea and officers who spoke better English, asked us what the problem was and what they could do. Their colleagues had already shown them pictures of the truck, so they knew we were in serious trouble. After a while a big white SUV entered the police compound and a large Omani man in traditional clothing entered the station through the back door. He was the man in charge and spoke very well English. He informed me that he was going to ask the army engineers of the Air Base to come and help us, since he was of the opinion that we should make no cost for the recovery. Well that sounded like the best news of the day! After that message, other officers (they all wanted to see our truck and the situation, with their own eyes) drove us back to the truck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good part of the whole situation was, that we were in one of the most beautiful and isolated places of the island. Due to the road situation, no other cars or any kind of structures or habitation were there and we had a gorgeous beach about 100 meters away, all for ourselves. Besides that, our Bliss camper unit carries all what we need, for a least a month (if we are careful with our water usage). The only downside (like we had in Poland), the angle of the way the truck got stuck, was very inconvenient to work in (like cooking, showering and toilet) and sleeping. Still Marja was able to make a good meal and showering and using toilet was just using our best acrobatic skills. (And otherwise, we had our shovels….)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our \u201dprivate\u201d beach when we were stuck on Masirah<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We enjoyed a nice swim under a dark sky full of stars. The first night of being stuck entered and we had to \u201cclimb mountains\u201d in bed during our sleep, due to the sharp angle. Sleeping vertically is not easy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since we were not sure if the police could contact us, we called the station ourselves. They confirmed that the army was going to send heavy equipment to get us out. And yes, around 9 in the morning an army pick up with 3 soldiers passed by to look at the situation, they left to pick up the equipment. In the meantime our friend the fisherman Hilal also arrived to keep us company. And indeed an hour later, a big army grader machine came over the horizon in a big cloud of dust with the pick in front. When he arrived, they quickly connected a strong steel cable between the front of our truck and the grader. Everything was set, 4×4 and dif-lock engaged, low tire pressure and break off and go. However, even the grader started to dig himself in, so we stopped. In the meantime a big army 6×6 MAN truck with a huge winch joint the party. Also the police was present with 2 jeeps and more people had arrived (Not much is happening on the island, so we were welcome attraction). The grader drove back to get behind the truck, but now fell in the same trap and got stuck. The MAN truck was now placed behind us, to pull us out with the winch, however, it didn\u2019t work either. The soldiers decided now to free the grader first, so that the grader together with the MAN truck could join forces to pull us out. In the meantime one of the soldiers advised me to get some Bengalis to do some dig work around and under the truck. So within an hour a police jeep came and four Bengalis were off-loaded with shovels. Its amazing to see, that every time we get stuck somewhere, people show up to help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The stuck army grader being pulled out by the army MAN 6×6<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Getting readfy for the first puill to the front<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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MAN 6×6 and grader in duo, to pull us out<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Police and army in the \u201dwe give it up\u201d position<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The 4 Bengalis under the watchful eyes of the soldiers.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The army and police vehicles were driving along the beach to find material to help with the recovery of the grader and after a while the MAN truck was able to pull the grader out. Everybody happy and it gave us hope. So now we were preparing for the third attempt. First the grader and then the MAN truck behind us. Since I had not dug out the back, I was not sure if the back pulling was going to work and indeed, it didn\u2019t. We got now even deeper and we stopped the entire operation. Everybody was disappointed and I thought this is not gonna work. Even the outdoor kitchen box with the kitchen was badly damaged now by the pressure of the pulling through the mud. On top of that we were now at a more dangerous angle of really going to capsize. Everybody took a break, it was also lunchtime and the soldiers and police officers, sat down on the ground in a circle in the shade of the truck and started to have lunch. A big plate of food, were everybody was taking out their share. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were still hopeful that they would come up with a solution, but then came the verdict, they couldn\u2019t help us any further and suggested to hire a company. We were very disappointed that even the army with all its equipment (because they have more) couldn\u2019t help us. They left and we felt lonely. In the afternoon different cars past by and people came with all kind of advices. Everybody was worried that the truck would indeed capsize and they all wanted to put lines on the unit to pull the truck to the other side. To me it seemed, that it never happened before on the island, that a big truck like ours got stuck like this. I called an expert in this field in The Netherlands (Kevin of Overland Travel) and he gave some good advice how to properly recover the truck. Bottomline, it meant actually dig, dig and dig.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Digging and digging<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The second night came and after the last \u201dadvisor\u201d left, we took a run to the beach to wash ourselves, since the waterpump stopped working as the angle of the unit was to steep. Actually, even if it worked, we couldn\u2019t even stand properly in the shower. Another funny thing is, that you get \u201dsea-sick\u201d if you walk in an environment which is not level at all. We changed and sat down for our G and T happy hour moment, when an SUV came by. Again visitors with advice I thought. It was the army grader operator with some \u201dengineers\u201d who wanted to look at the situation. They had some good ideas and would be able to come with equipment and materials to get us out. I said that it doesn\u2019t have to be free of charge (despite the fact that up till now, everybody suggested to help us for free). They would let me know by tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Everybody has an opinion…..<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We woke up very early (after a horrible night sleep) and I started to follow the advice of Kevin and took the shovel. Depending on the location of the sun and shade, either on the left or right side of the truck or no shade when it was noon. I dug like never before (I was covered with mud, the heat was unbearable and was thirsty all the time) . First I cleared the exhaust pipe and the fuel tanks (didn\u2019t want to loose them with the next pull) then I started around the tires and the differentials. The front right tire was already in water when I reached the bottom of the tire, showing me, that I couldn\u2019t go lower to risk more sinking. During the digging, the whole day people passed by, including the police. The same police had sent a message by WhatsApp in the morning, that they had received a quote and that they said to the provider of the quote that it was too expensive. So actually they had decided for us! They would look around for better prices is what we understood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Clearing the back part of the truck from dirt and mud<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then later in the morning two big army SUV\u2019s came in a big cloud, driving fast towards our \u201dcamp\u201d. This time it were officers with stars and stripes from the Air Base. They checked the situation and told us that they now would send two big MAN trucks to get us out at around 4 in the afternoon. However, I told the officers I wanted to finish my prep work first. They left and we actually saw them, the trucks or army never back again. (We suspect that what happened the day before was not authorized and they came to check what exactly happened. Somebody was in trouble).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The army SUV\u2019s of the officers who came to check what their subordinates did the day before.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The nice owner of the Masirah Beach Camp (Mansur) also passed by and offered to get in touch with an excavator operator. He also brought us bottles of drinking water. He came back with the message that a backoe operator could come for a certain price. I told him ok, but that I wanted to do my digging preparations (including sand ladders) first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still the backoe came right away (with no towing cable) and I told him that I didn\u2019t need him now. Still he tried to pursue me to pull the truck straight by pulling the unit. I refused and told him that the army was also coming and that I wanted to clear the truck\u2019s bottom first. Still had to pay him too much money for showing up while I didn\u2019t want him to show up. But yeah, you are on a small island in a total different culture and don\u2019t want to make enemies. While I was discussing with the operator, three more cars showed up with people who wanted to help. Everybody – again – was afraid of the truck capsizing. They all wanted to pull at the unit, which is totally not made for that. I had to explain to all these people that the key was in clearing the ground and using good sand ladders or alternatives to drive the truck truck out. They all left and I continued with digging. My friend the fishermen (Hilal) was there all the time, tried to discourage me from digging. It doesn\u2019t fit in the mind of the Omani people that a European is doing this kind of work, they don\u2019t even do. Its work for Asian people like the Bengalis and Pakistanis. But I had my mind set and had (despite all the interruptions) made quite some progress. The way I dig, I did the work of 4 men in the same time! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later in the afternoon, two Omanis (Hamed and Samel) in a pick up passed by and also had a look at the situation. This time I met two guys who spoke sense (though their English was minimum). They had chai with them and cups and sat down with us for a chat. Then the police came also again and a little later the army operator of the grader who was with us a day before with his engineers. He was a bit upset that I was digging on the \u201dwrong\u201d side, and that I had declined his quote. That last one was a surprise for me, since I had not declined anything and I didnt even know it was him who had provided the quote. I explained him what I received from the police (luckily it was a WhatsApp message) and it turned out it was all because of Google translate! Anyway, we agreed and he said he would organize for tomorrow and would first sent four Pakistani, since they work much harder than the Bengalis. Hamed and Samel offered to get the Pakistani now and off they went to organize. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Salem and Hammed<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Not sure if anyone would come back, we took a run to the beach (I was covered with mud from a whole day digging again) to clean up a bit and after that our little happy hour. We hadn\u2019t finished our glasses yet, or we heard a car coming from afar. It was dark already when the the car arrived and turned out that indeed Hamed and Samel brought four Pakistani workers with shovels. I turned on the exterior lights of the truck, brought out the flashlights and lanterns and the digging could begin. Luckily it was dark so the temperature was favorable for digging. Those Pakistani guys worked hard and constant. It\u2019s funny that Hamed and Samel just called them, by saying \u201dhe Pakistani, do this or do that\u201d, like they had no name. Later in the evening also Hilal passed by with some other Omani guys and everybody was now involved in giving directions to the Pakistani. And of course our fisherman friend was also present. For security reasons, the unit on the high side was secured with 3 lines to 3 cars, to make sure that the truck would not fall over during the digging. The idea was now to bring the truck back to a more level position, by digging on the other side and under the truck. Around 12 at night, the three cars pulled the truck a bit to the side where the Pakistani were digging, and it worked! The truck was now almost level and at least it would mean a better night sleep. It was also enough for the day for everybody. After drinking the last cups of chai, we said goodbye to everybody. It was an interesting evening. Tomorrow would be the big day. An excavator on tracks would be brought in to get us out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Securing the truck from total capsizing, 3 cars with ropes were attached to the unit<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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The Pakistanis digging to level the truck<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The truck was level again at midnight<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Unknown what time the excavator would arrive we woke up early and since I was not completely satisfied with the digging results of the night before, I started to dig more. After an hour or so, Hamed and Samel came by and \u201dordered\u201d me to stop digging. They were afraid of either, that the truck would sink further or that it was not appropriate for me to dig (it\u2019s work for Bengalis and Pakistanis in the eyes of Omani people). So I stopped and sat down for a while to drink – again – Chai. Also our fishermen friend came again and we were all chatting and drinking Chai and waiting for the excavator to come. Hours passed and nothing came. Then the first phone call, the trailer on which the excavator was being transported to near our location, had a blown tire. After that one, every few meters or kilometers, another tire blew and even the axel got damaged. Today the excavator would not come. During lunch time when all our friends left for their lunch, prayers and noon nap, friends from the Beach camp came to see what they could do for us. I said I could use so more planks, wood or other material, to use them as sand ladders and to make a proper ramp. They left and an hour later, came back with their SUV and now with a small trailer behind, full with parts of an old shipwrecked Dow (wooden fishing boat).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stop order for digging, drinking Chai again<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I spent the remaining part of the day, continuing digging under the truck, so that all axels and drive shafts were free to move. Of course often people passed by and although Marja was \u201din charge\u201d of talking with the new visitors, I still once in a while had to come from under the truck to listen to new advices and tips. The day ended with drinking Chai with our regular friends, a swim in the sea and happy hour. Tomorrow, there would be another day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Marja talking to one of the many \u201dadvisors\u201d who passed by and offered help and advice<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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And again another Chai break<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We got news that the excavator would now come on his own power towards us, the trailer was beyond repair for now. Since it was an excavator on tracks, it would take some time before it would arrive. I still continued with digging and still had to \u201dfight off\u201d my friends \u201dstop stop\u201d instructions and drink Chai. Every hour we got an update about what time the excavator would arrive. Then came the message with a horrible photo, the excavator also got struck in the mud and not a little bit. To me it looked like a total loss and that all hope for a speedy recovery was blown away (I had no idea about other available equipment on the island). Since the police was also at our site again, I asked them if they could contact the army again. They would try. I drove with Salem to the site of the excavator and saw with my own eyes the \u201dnew\u201d disaster. A couple of pick-ups and SUV\u2019s were parked near the site and a couple of men were sitting on the ground in the shade of the biggest SUV and drinking Chai. The entire bottom part (where the tracks are), had disappeared in the muddy ground. The operator, despite warnings, kept on driving the wrong way and the result was disastrous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Another rescue attempt which failed. The track excavator almost disappeared in the mud as well, but worse<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I drove back with Salem and on return, Marja also went to have a look. I made up my mind and decided to continue my preparation work, to such an extend that I could give it a try myself, but more work had to be done for that first. During the day, of course a lot of people past by, also since the word went around about the excavator being stuck. Later in the beginning of the evening we were with about 12 people, drinking coffee and chai (they all brought it with them and one even brought nice cooked food for us). Hilal also came by and was very stressed, since things did not go as he had plannend since he took the job. Blowing tires of the trailer and now the sinking of the excavator. When most of our guests left, Hilal sent a message that another machine was on its way and would arrive in 2 hours. I was not so happy with that, since its was very dark (hard to observe situation when pulling the truck) and people (including myself) were tired. After more people got involved I was able to convince him to do it the next day, the sun would be up and everybody had a rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First to arrive in the morning were Hamed and Samel (with their chai and little cups) and they said that if by 11 no machine had arrived, they wouild look for an alternative. However at 8.30 the first pick-ups and SUV;s arrived to inform us that a big loader was on its way. And yes, by 9 we saw him coming from a distance. Then all went fast. The big vessel rope (probably from one of the Dows) which was already connected to the truck a few days ago, was hooked on the loader. I started my engine, lowered the tire pressure to an acceptable minimum and waited for the signal…..and there it was, the loader started to pull and I pushed my gas pedal slowly and felt the first movement. And there she went, the back was out of the hole, then the front tires rolled in the holes of where the back tires were and in a split second I thought I got stuck again, but no, another pull from the loader pulled me out completely. A huge excitement and feeling of relief overcame us……everybody around us was happy. After six days of digging, drinking chai, talking and discussing with numerous people how to get the truck out, she was finally out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The big rope of the old Dow<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Connecting the other end of the rope to the loader<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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And out we were<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The big scare we left in the landscape. You can see the sand ladders and the old doors from the shipwreck we used as sand ladders<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The rope was detached, I drove to better grounds and the loader picked up our two large spare tires (which I had removed to lower the weight at the back) and other loose items. At the same time we made group pictures of all those present. All items were put back on the truck (the sand ladders were bend, but with the truck I drove over them and they became more straight again) and everybody left (including the loader), to continue the recovery operation of the excavator, since the owner hadn\u2019t given up on it. (With a lot of extra equipment and material, the excavator was recovered at the end of the day as well).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We did it!!!<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Police helping us getting the sand ladders straight again<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Since we were stuck in mud which contains salt, fine sand and water, we had to get the truck washed (especially the bottom with all the moving parts), to avoid that the mud hardens like cement or concrete and causes damage or wear and tear in the near future. Driving to the main street of town (where the car wash was located), was the opposite of where we were stuck. Left and right little shops for car repairs, tire repairs, fridge repairs etc. Many, many little shops owned and operated by Pakistani, Bengali or Indian small business men. It was a very hectic place, which looked very chaotic. We arrived at the car wash and the staff started right away. At the same time I did a first inspection of the underside of the truck, only the cover of the brake drum was bent (the damaged outdoor kitchen box was already known to me as well as the step in ladder on the passenger side).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At the car wash cleaning of the dirt and the salt from the truck<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After all was done, we drove off to another beach area, were I fixed the damaged step ladder (hard to get in the truck cabin without it) and Marja did cleaning in the unit and the truck cabin. The truck now started to look good again. Since we were now on the ocean side of the island, there were many more waves and a lot more wind. Not a good place to camp for the night. So after, going back to town (where earlier we had dropped off our dirty laundry at the dry-cleaner), we drove off back to……….Masirah Beach camp, same place where we camped the first night. Going back to the place where we got stuck (not exactly but nearby), may sound strange, but we loved the area so much. We arrived in the dark and it was a bit scary, since we were afraid to get stuck again. However, one the guys from the camp saw us and whistled, not to go any further. We parked the truck and had diner that night at the Beach camp. It was a good way to close off this adventure. It was hard to leave, so we stayed another day and night at that spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Low tide at Masirah Beach Camp<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A Large Stingray, who was to late to return to sea when the low tide sets in<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next day, we drove off to see the rest of the island. One main road goes around the island with a few gravel roads going to beaches and a few, to military installations. Miles and miles of beautiful beaches on the north side (facing the main land), but also a baren desert landscape. Hardly any houses or structures except for some fishermen sheds. We went to the most western part of the island, which is also a target practicing area for the air force. Our army friends who tried to help us the first time, were busy there, grading roads, so we stopped to say goodbye. Once we past that point you are facing the oceanside of the island. Rough seas with high waves and a lot of wind. We finished our tour and stopped at the police station to say thank you and goodbye. Unfortunatly, most of the officers had left the island in the morning (they are on two weeks shifts). Still we were able to show our gratitude for their assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our Oman Army friends.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The \u201dwild side\u201d of Masirah island<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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At \u201dThe Chair\u201d the most western point of Masirah island<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Now we wanted to leave the island. It was time to go, so we went to the port to obtain tickets for the ferry. However, the return trip for the day was fully booked so we had to book for next day. (early one at 7). So one more night on Masirah. We found a bit of a hidden place and took it easy, when a car arrived. It was Hamed, despite telling nobody where we where, he found us. Hamed has been with us all along and really did his best to help us, together with Salem. During the days and nights we were stuck, they passed by often. We tried to teach them some English and they tried to teach us Arabic. They came with there daily chai and coffee, but also presents. From home made pancakes, to big sea shells, the famous Omani fragrance and the authentiek clothing for me. Now on the last day, Hamed, came again, to say good bye and giving us a big bag with fish and spine lobsters. Hamed for sure is one of the best friends you can have. We drunk our last chai on the island and said good bye to Hamed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Saying goodbye to Hammed<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After a good night sleep, we woke up early to be on time at the ferry. They recognized us at the ferry from last time almost a week ago now, and had also heard about our adventure. Instead of 2 nights we spent 9 nights at Masirah. We will never forget this island, Thank you Masirah, it has been a great pleasure! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Goodbye Masirah island<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We arrived on Masirah island and were the first to leave the ferry. A little bustling town (Ra\u2019s-Hilf) was awaiting us. The moment you come off the ferry you feel the cool winds, one of the things Masirah is famous for. It\u2019s a popular spot for the adventurous kite surfer. It’s – temperature wise- one […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-441","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=441"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":498,"href":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441\/revisions\/498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wolo-owol.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}