Wadi Asima ! Wadi Asima ! We shouted excitedly looking at the UAE off-road book. The picture in the book kept staring at us, enticing us to take the adventurous trip. Although the prospect of an overnight camping sounded exotic, the fear of the unknown was lurking on the back of our minds. To keep things simple, we decided to dump the excess baggage (kids!) and travel light.
After deliberating for more than a month, we decided to take the plunge on the 2nd of Feb 2007. We had at our disposal one 4 wheel drive and one pseudo 4 wheel drive car. As a result of a week of hectic shopping, both the cars were filled with items that we hoped might come useful.
As soon as we started our journey, the heavens opened out, sending shivers down our spines. With a prayer in our hearts and the steering wheel in our hands, we traveled along the dhaid east coast road towards our destination in pouring rain. As we neared our destination, the rain reduced to a drizzle and eventually fizzled out. Thanks to the expert navigation skills of Senthil, we lost our way a bit towards the end and eventually made it the Wadi.
We found a very nice elevated place for our camping, with a ready made arrangement for the camp fire. The evening light was dimming fast and we started unfurling our camping tent. Having never pitched a camping tent, we struggled our way and managed to put together a shaky camping tent. Just as we were finishing the task, it started raining again with full force, forcing us take shelter in our cars. The rain Gods eventually relented and the rain clouds made way for clear full moon.
Using the mats, comforters and the sleeping bags, we managed to make the tent as cozy as possible and then set out to start the camp fire. Mallika and Rekha had managed to buy one of the most expensive camp fire logs available in the U.A.E and hence had comprised on the quantity of the logs. Aided by the printed instruction (thanks to Google) and expert advice from one and all, the camp fire was lit and was met with a loud cheer from everyone.
Gradually the evening was giving way to the night and the full moon was shining like a new bride. The view from our camping site was breath taking. Melodious music from a small tape recorder (thanks Jaya!) was wafting in the air soothing our nerves. A cool breeze was gently touching our faces and the raging fire from camp fire provided the welcome warmth. We enjoyed every minute and second that ticked by, absorbing nature in all its glory.
Soon the hunger pangs were out and it was time for the barbeque. In order to minimize the risk, we had brought instant barbeque kits and they looked quite small amidst the raging camp fire. A well organized team-work saw us finishing the barbeque exactly as per the plan leaving aside a few half-cooked mushrooms & broccolis.
After consuming several kilos of meat and vegetables, followed by sumptuous dessert it was time for retiring to the tent. The lantern provided dim white light and the warmth generated by 7 bodies in a small place made the tent very cozy. A bout of card game (Bluff) was followed by a session of pure unadulterated adult jokes. The wind was raging outside, singing lullaby to 7 little kids (that is how we felt!) and our eyes closed automatically embracing the welcome sleep.
To be followed ……
After deliberating for more than a month, we decided to take the plunge on the 2nd of Feb 2007. We had at our disposal one 4 wheel drive and one pseudo 4 wheel drive car. As a result of a week of hectic shopping, both the cars were filled with items that we hoped might come useful.
As soon as we started our journey, the heavens opened out, sending shivers down our spines. With a prayer in our hearts and the steering wheel in our hands, we traveled along the dhaid east coast road towards our destination in pouring rain. As we neared our destination, the rain reduced to a drizzle and eventually fizzled out. Thanks to the expert navigation skills of Senthil, we lost our way a bit towards the end and eventually made it the Wadi.
We found a very nice elevated place for our camping, with a ready made arrangement for the camp fire. The evening light was dimming fast and we started unfurling our camping tent. Having never pitched a camping tent, we struggled our way and managed to put together a shaky camping tent. Just as we were finishing the task, it started raining again with full force, forcing us take shelter in our cars. The rain Gods eventually relented and the rain clouds made way for clear full moon.
Using the mats, comforters and the sleeping bags, we managed to make the tent as cozy as possible and then set out to start the camp fire. Mallika and Rekha had managed to buy one of the most expensive camp fire logs available in the U.A.E and hence had comprised on the quantity of the logs. Aided by the printed instruction (thanks to Google) and expert advice from one and all, the camp fire was lit and was met with a loud cheer from everyone.
Gradually the evening was giving way to the night and the full moon was shining like a new bride. The view from our camping site was breath taking. Melodious music from a small tape recorder (thanks Jaya!) was wafting in the air soothing our nerves. A cool breeze was gently touching our faces and the raging fire from camp fire provided the welcome warmth. We enjoyed every minute and second that ticked by, absorbing nature in all its glory.
Soon the hunger pangs were out and it was time for the barbeque. In order to minimize the risk, we had brought instant barbeque kits and they looked quite small amidst the raging camp fire. A well organized team-work saw us finishing the barbeque exactly as per the plan leaving aside a few half-cooked mushrooms & broccolis.
After consuming several kilos of meat and vegetables, followed by sumptuous dessert it was time for retiring to the tent. The lantern provided dim white light and the warmth generated by 7 bodies in a small place made the tent very cozy. A bout of card game (Bluff) was followed by a session of pure unadulterated adult jokes. The wind was raging outside, singing lullaby to 7 little kids (that is how we felt!) and our eyes closed automatically embracing the welcome sleep.
To be followed ……
1 comment:
Senthil,
This first camping experience of ours was definitely out of the world !! The whole agenda actually flowed so smoothly. The memories could have been blurred in our minds over time - but your vivid narration of this will definitely keep it fresh forever. Just by reading it, we can visualise every second of the trip. Excellent prose as usual ! But can we expect anything lesser from you ? Hope you continue this for our future camping trips as well. Hereby appoint you as VP-Trip reporting in addition to the mantle of Camp co-ordinator.
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