Pete’s Adventures in Salalah Part 8

What’s been happening in the second week of May.

Jobs jobs and more jobs that’s what have I been doing to fill my time over the last week. Except we went on a trip up into the Jabel Al Qara and I returned to RAFO.

The jobs list seems to be getting longer the closer we are getting to shipping. Fai Tira and all the other boats are sitting in a very unforgiving environment.  Above the waterline we have searing heat, dust and fly’s.  Below the water line we have a dirty sea that is full of nutrients which encourages prolific growth of sea creatures and weed.  So I have spent quite a lot of time cleaning the top sides and inside the cabin.  Whilst doing this I noticed a small amount of rust marks coming through the deck so I have spent some time rectifying this. I have also scrubbed the mooring lines to remove the weed growth and scrapped the barnacles off of the hull.

Other jobs involved me climbing the mast to remove a sticky thing off of the forestay, (don’t ask) and tightening the stern gland in the engine room.

Lots of more jobs to do just before the ship arrives. 

The usual activity’s have taken place, 10 pin bowling, quiz night and tennis.  

Last Saturday saw Ian, David, Susan and myself heading off of an explore of the Jabel.  This is the name of the mountain range that encapsulates the Dhofar region of Oman.

I was driving so we headed east for Wadi Darbat. 

So here are the intrepid four just before we arrived at the Wadi.  When we got there we were not surprised to find a dried up river bed. 

However we did spot lots of camels and Jesus donkeys. We also came across these two goat herders who looked like they meant business if anything attacked their goats.  I asked him if his name was Leo. He said you could sayer that again!!  Get it Leo Sayer (joke).  Actually they spoke not word of English and were even unhappy about having their photos taken.

The goats had hardly anything to eat but had lots to drink, as we had found part of the Wadi with lots of water in it.

You would think it would be a great place to swim BUT, there were signs everywhere warning of Snails the reside in the water that carry a dangerous infection. Swimming and defecation in the water is prohibited.  The snails don’t like poo!!!

(we kept an eye out for these killer snails in case they chased us)

In the hills behind the Wadi I found this cave which had been set up a kind of dwelling and cattle yard.  It had a nice view of the Wadi.  Definitely a Des Res.

Later we headed North across a desert of rocks.  People lived out here herding camels.  No country for even a 4x4.  We did find a car wash though!!!

We all enjoyed our little excursion into the Jabel the only thing missing was somewhere to sit and have a cold beer.

The following day saw me and a group of BWR’s heading back to the RAFO airbase to meet up with Tony the Jaguar Pilot again.

Unfortunately the base was on some kind of alert, so we couldn’t get to see the aircraft.  I had returned for just one thing.  The singing!!!!  But also a chance to sit in an F16 but it was not to be.  Instead Tony had another thrill for us up his sleeve. A ride on his Honda Fireblade.  Faster to 150mph than his Jaguar fighter.

First to have ago was April.  She is up for most things!! So Harley her partner told me.  So off she sped hanging onto Tony for grim death.  She came back with a big grin on her face saying she had gone over 140mph.  I think her skirt might have slowed her down a bit!!

My turn next.  The last time I rode a bike like this was along Slapton Lee at about 150 MPH.  I felt too cool to put my arms around the driver and I nearly fell off.  This time was different I hung onto Tony like he was my best buddy.  I saw the speedo read 243KPH before I had to tuck my head in behind his body.  The acceleration was outstanding and the braking was equally  exceptional. I came back with a big grin on my face too.  Nearly as good as getting a go in Tony’s Jaguar but not quite.

It was time to eat drink and be merry.  Singing being order of the day.  We were joined by Mark the F16 pilot and some of his American friends.

Did you hear about the fat alcoholic transvestite?
 All he wanted to do was eat, drink and be Mary.

Here is Susan and April getting into the spirit of things not to mention David and a guy from “security”  hush hush. 

We all had a great night. Thanks go to Tony yet again for inviting us to 71 (his house number) and entertaining, feeding and watering us!!!

Cheers  Pete.