Jabal Akhdar, Oman

The beginning of our camping trip in the Sayq Plateau.

Seiq Village had very fertile soil and it appeared there was a pomegranate tree in every backyard. The village people sat on the sides of the road selling pomegranate to tourists.

Diana's (yes beloved late Princess Diana) Point also called Al Fayadi with the beautiful waterfall flowing through the terrace.

We found fossils on rocks at the top of the cliff.

Soaring peaks and breath-taking views

Wadi Bani Habib - another old abandoned village

We found a nice camp site next to a creek. Believe it or not, several areas had been cleared out so there were no rocks under our tent.

Enjoying hotdogs and marshmallows for dinner.

Towards dusk, I decided to take a little walk and see what was around before dark. I came back as the sun was setting. The kids ran up to me and asked me if I had the car keys. I said I did not. I walked up to Matt and we looked at each other and we both said a 4 letter word at the same time.....EVAN! Evan decided to lock the car doors and we could not find the keys anywhere. Our cell phones were in the car, we had no idea where our location was and even if we walked to find help there was no guarantee that our rescuer would speak English. Matt went to work on the car. No budging. Fine....I went and grabbed the hatchet to smash the window. So what, I'm out a hundred bucks. Matt looked at me and called for a family prayer. Maybe the sight of me with a hatchet in hand had him rethinking a bit:) He humbly prayed and asked for guidence. After the prayer he said we have most of everything we need out of the car. We will wait til tomorrow to decide what to do. So, we went on enjoying our evening. About 30 minutes later, Matt went to get more wood for our fire and found the car key half covered by dirt. He thinks it fell out while he chopped wood. Yet another small blessing to be thankful for.

After a few card games, daddy told a few ghost stories and read a chapter out of Goosebumps. He really gets into character!

With temperatures dropping, we all snuggled together on one side of the tent.

The boys really enjoying themselves. The weather was 30 degrees cooler than what it had been in Muscat and there were trees. The boys climbed there little hearts out.

Looking across the gorge of Wadi Tanuf and down to the town of Bahla.

In Ar Ruus, some friendly locals invited us for figs and Omani coffee. One Omani man had people running around for water and cups. They spoke to us in Arabic only. We attempted to communicate and enjoyed their hospitality. The figs tasted sweet with a hint of chili powder and toasted sesame seeds.

Taking time to enjoy the surroundings.

An old village called Srab hidden in the mountains of Oman.

Once you hike up to the village, there are stairs and walkways alongside the mountain.

A Cave the boys found at Srab. The cave had a chimney leading to the second floor with a window. What a great find!

Most all the houses have fallen into disrepair. The architecture in the rooms had different details. I loved the little onion shaped fireplace.

Hailey found a small mortar and pestle in the midst of all the rocks.

People doing their everyday activities. Children playing in the streets, women carring goods on their heads and men gathered around drinking coffee.

Fruit growing is a major activity in Jabal Akhdar. There are several native plants that are a staple in the local diet. Many of these green terraces are hidden within the mountains.

During October, Jabal Akhdar is known for its Olives, Pomegranate and .....goat trees.

There was alot of wildlife at our camp site. This cute little mouse hid in the rocks next to our campsite and provide alot of fun for the kids. I believe that mouse went away well fed that night.

These local donkeys enjoyed roaming the hills and chanting ALL NIGHT LONG!

Breakfast!