Al Ain High
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Dave
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Dave
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Dave
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Dave
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A real mixed bag of a day out on the Al Ain sand dunes with a raging sand storm. Full report to follow tomorrow but in summary the drive was Newbie level to start, followed by Intermediate level and (I only guess as it'd a grade above me) a stint of Advanced driving which seemed to catch a few drivers out towards the end! A great afternoon with a punctual finish as always by Al Shamsi. Thanks everyone for a great afternoon. Loved the area. I will return there again in the near future for a further dose of adventure!
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Dave
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Seems the trip reports are slow in coming after this latest Intermediate drive! I did notice the odd Go-Pro hanging off a bonnet or window so I only imagine there is some last minute ''editing'' taking place!!
All arrived on time at 2 15pm by the north end of Al Ain International Airport. We were 8 cars in total with a balanced mix of intermediate, advance and above! Between our start point and Sweihan there was over 30km of untouched desert to play amongst and Al Shamsi certainly knew the area well. It was obvious from the strong sand storm blowing around us and the resulting low visibility (1500m) that it would be a tougher day than usual.
We would encounter all types of terrain and aim to finish at 6pm. I was second lead behind Al Shamsi in his Patrol. Hockey, Armin and Zorro (Yoghybears chauffeur for the day!)were at the rear and Momo, MarkB and OffroadRon filled up the convoy. As we set off the first noticeable challenge was the poor visibility but within 10 minutes as we ventured deeper into the dunes and heavier red sand there was less dust and this continued to improve as we drove on. It was still very windy however!
The sand was hard to read as some area's were very soft due the wind building up fresh sand and on other places the wet sand from the rains a few weeks back was exposed again and suddenly it became very firm. To compound this there were many little bushes popping up (again due the rain) and sand was forming around them causing a bumpy ride in places!
Not having driven with Almost in a while it took a few kilometres to get disciplined to the Almost convoy. Once or twice I almost found myself sitting on top of our leader! As the dunes were larger than usual in this area it was even more important to keep a safe distance from one another. Momo had this task down a little better than me so thank you for driving safe!
The first 30 minutes the pace was slow as we found our feet, got used of the ever changing texture of the sand and coped with the strong winds around us. Then the dunes became bigger, sharper and had a more challenging entry and exit route. Being second I did not get a good idea as to what was going on behind but there were quite at few second attempts.
Finally, we reached the biggest dune of the area (I forget its name but it was a fantastic play area) and almost everyone behind me struggled here. Its a shame most didn't make the initial climb as by far the best part of the day was the route back around to pick everyone else up. It consisted of a challenging section of small tight bowls hidden amongst the tips of the high dune itself. The key here was thinking fast while climbing and turning because any loss of momentum meant turning back towards the base.
From what I remember we only had one puncture (not a pop out) and one stuck, and of the few second attempts the pace was not really affected like it seems to be at Newbie level. We continued to move forward as a group.
There is still so much of this relatively small area to see and explore. We did pass many more big dunes and bowls that need further investigation!! There is hours of fun to be had and more experience to be gained. Maybe a return could be planned again with a start and finish more towards Sweihan town to utilise the area better and bypass the longer drive to Al Ain.
Thanks to Al Shamsi for finding a path through the storm. Youghybear for your enthusiastic ''advice'' over the radio. And all my fellow friends and explorers who made the day so much fun. We finished at 6pm sharp which was impressive considering the weather and terrain. I believe we all slept well that evening!!
All arrived on time at 2 15pm by the north end of Al Ain International Airport. We were 8 cars in total with a balanced mix of intermediate, advance and above! Between our start point and Sweihan there was over 30km of untouched desert to play amongst and Al Shamsi certainly knew the area well. It was obvious from the strong sand storm blowing around us and the resulting low visibility (1500m) that it would be a tougher day than usual.
We would encounter all types of terrain and aim to finish at 6pm. I was second lead behind Al Shamsi in his Patrol. Hockey, Armin and Zorro (Yoghybears chauffeur for the day!)were at the rear and Momo, MarkB and OffroadRon filled up the convoy. As we set off the first noticeable challenge was the poor visibility but within 10 minutes as we ventured deeper into the dunes and heavier red sand there was less dust and this continued to improve as we drove on. It was still very windy however!
The sand was hard to read as some area's were very soft due the wind building up fresh sand and on other places the wet sand from the rains a few weeks back was exposed again and suddenly it became very firm. To compound this there were many little bushes popping up (again due the rain) and sand was forming around them causing a bumpy ride in places!
Not having driven with Almost in a while it took a few kilometres to get disciplined to the Almost convoy. Once or twice I almost found myself sitting on top of our leader! As the dunes were larger than usual in this area it was even more important to keep a safe distance from one another. Momo had this task down a little better than me so thank you for driving safe!
The first 30 minutes the pace was slow as we found our feet, got used of the ever changing texture of the sand and coped with the strong winds around us. Then the dunes became bigger, sharper and had a more challenging entry and exit route. Being second I did not get a good idea as to what was going on behind but there were quite at few second attempts.
Finally, we reached the biggest dune of the area (I forget its name but it was a fantastic play area) and almost everyone behind me struggled here. Its a shame most didn't make the initial climb as by far the best part of the day was the route back around to pick everyone else up. It consisted of a challenging section of small tight bowls hidden amongst the tips of the high dune itself. The key here was thinking fast while climbing and turning because any loss of momentum meant turning back towards the base.
From what I remember we only had one puncture (not a pop out) and one stuck, and of the few second attempts the pace was not really affected like it seems to be at Newbie level. We continued to move forward as a group.
There is still so much of this relatively small area to see and explore. We did pass many more big dunes and bowls that need further investigation!! There is hours of fun to be had and more experience to be gained. Maybe a return could be planned again with a start and finish more towards Sweihan town to utilise the area better and bypass the longer drive to Al Ain.
Thanks to Al Shamsi for finding a path through the storm. Youghybear for your enthusiastic ''advice'' over the radio. And all my fellow friends and explorers who made the day so much fun. We finished at 6pm sharp which was impressive considering the weather and terrain. I believe we all slept well that evening!!
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caprihorse
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[quote=Dave;41296]Seems the trip reports are slow in coming after this latest Intermediate drive! I did notice the odd Go-Pro hanging off a bonnet or window so I only imagine there is some last minute ''editing'' taking place!!
All arrived on time at 2 15pm by the north end of Al Ain International Airport. We were 8 cars in total with a balanced mix of intermediate, advance and above! Between our start point and Sweihan there was over 30km of untouched desert to play amongst and Al Shamsi certainly knew the area well. It was obvious from the strong sand storm blowing around us and the resulting low visibility (1500m) that it would be a tougher day than usual.
We would encounter all types of terrain and aim to finish at 6pm. I was second lead behind Al Shamsi in his Patrol. Hockey, Armin and Zorro (Yoghybears chauffeur for the day!)were at the rear and Momo, MarkB and OffroadRon filled up the convoy. As we set off the first noticeable challenge was the poor visibility but within 10 minutes as we ventured deeper into the dunes and heavier red sand there was less dust and this continued to improve as we drove on. It was still very windy however!
The sand was hard to read as some area's were very soft due the wind building up fresh sand and on other places the wet sand from the rains a few weeks back was exposed again and suddenly it became very firm. To compound this there were many little bushes popping up (again due the rain) and sand was forming around them causing a bumpy ride in places!
Not having driven with Almost in a while it took a few kilometres to get disciplined to the Almost convoy. Once or twice I almost found myself sitting on top of our leader! As the dunes were larger than usual in this area it was even more important to keep a safe distance from one another. Momo had this task down a little better than me so thank you for driving safe!
The first 30 minutes the pace was slow as we found our feet, got used of the ever changing texture of the sand and coped with the strong winds around us. Then the dunes became bigger, sharper and had a more challenging entry and exit route. Being second I did not get a good idea as to what was going on behind but there were quite at few second attempts.
Finally, we reached the biggest dune of the area (I forget its name but it was a fantastic play area) and almost everyone behind me struggled here. Its a shame most didn't make the initial climb as by far the best part of the day was the route back around to pick everyone else up. It consisted of a challenging section of small tight bowls hidden amongst the tips of the high dune itself. The key here was thinking fast while climbing and turning because any loss of momentum meant turning back towards the base.
From what I remember we only had one puncture (not a pop out) and one stuck, and of the few second attempts the pace was not really affected like it seems to be at Newbie level. We continued to move forward as a group.
There is still so much of this relatively small area to see and explore. We did pass many more big dunes and bowls that need further investigation!! There is hours of fun to be had and more experience to be gained. Maybe a return could be planned again with a start and finish more towards Sweihan town to utilise the area better and bypass the longer drive to Al Ain.
Thanks to Al Shamsi for finding a path through the storm. Youghybear for your enthusiastic ''advice'' over the radio. And all my fellow friends and explorers who made the day so much fun. We finished at 6pm sharp which was impressive considering the weather and terrain. I believe we all slept well that evening!![/quote] @Dave: I like your reports, so much, pls keep writing. It really does reflect what is happening at drives.
The name for this dune, which you are mentioning is Al Nagra, and it's only one on that height in Al Ain area and worth to drive it always. I'm happy that you had your fun.
Following Shamsi is quite easy (he is my brother), however it requires, not only to follow his bumper, but to read the dunes and to predict what would you do as next, being in his shoes. I'm sure with short time, it will come.
@Yoghybear: Was he swearing? :zomg:
All arrived on time at 2 15pm by the north end of Al Ain International Airport. We were 8 cars in total with a balanced mix of intermediate, advance and above! Between our start point and Sweihan there was over 30km of untouched desert to play amongst and Al Shamsi certainly knew the area well. It was obvious from the strong sand storm blowing around us and the resulting low visibility (1500m) that it would be a tougher day than usual.
We would encounter all types of terrain and aim to finish at 6pm. I was second lead behind Al Shamsi in his Patrol. Hockey, Armin and Zorro (Yoghybears chauffeur for the day!)were at the rear and Momo, MarkB and OffroadRon filled up the convoy. As we set off the first noticeable challenge was the poor visibility but within 10 minutes as we ventured deeper into the dunes and heavier red sand there was less dust and this continued to improve as we drove on. It was still very windy however!
The sand was hard to read as some area's were very soft due the wind building up fresh sand and on other places the wet sand from the rains a few weeks back was exposed again and suddenly it became very firm. To compound this there were many little bushes popping up (again due the rain) and sand was forming around them causing a bumpy ride in places!
Not having driven with Almost in a while it took a few kilometres to get disciplined to the Almost convoy. Once or twice I almost found myself sitting on top of our leader! As the dunes were larger than usual in this area it was even more important to keep a safe distance from one another. Momo had this task down a little better than me so thank you for driving safe!
The first 30 minutes the pace was slow as we found our feet, got used of the ever changing texture of the sand and coped with the strong winds around us. Then the dunes became bigger, sharper and had a more challenging entry and exit route. Being second I did not get a good idea as to what was going on behind but there were quite at few second attempts.
Finally, we reached the biggest dune of the area (I forget its name but it was a fantastic play area) and almost everyone behind me struggled here. Its a shame most didn't make the initial climb as by far the best part of the day was the route back around to pick everyone else up. It consisted of a challenging section of small tight bowls hidden amongst the tips of the high dune itself. The key here was thinking fast while climbing and turning because any loss of momentum meant turning back towards the base.
From what I remember we only had one puncture (not a pop out) and one stuck, and of the few second attempts the pace was not really affected like it seems to be at Newbie level. We continued to move forward as a group.
There is still so much of this relatively small area to see and explore. We did pass many more big dunes and bowls that need further investigation!! There is hours of fun to be had and more experience to be gained. Maybe a return could be planned again with a start and finish more towards Sweihan town to utilise the area better and bypass the longer drive to Al Ain.
Thanks to Al Shamsi for finding a path through the storm. Youghybear for your enthusiastic ''advice'' over the radio. And all my fellow friends and explorers who made the day so much fun. We finished at 6pm sharp which was impressive considering the weather and terrain. I believe we all slept well that evening!![/quote] @Dave: I like your reports, so much, pls keep writing. It really does reflect what is happening at drives.
The name for this dune, which you are mentioning is Al Nagra, and it's only one on that height in Al Ain area and worth to drive it always. I'm happy that you had your fun.
Following Shamsi is quite easy (he is my brother), however it requires, not only to follow his bumper, but to read the dunes and to predict what would you do as next, being in his shoes. I'm sure with short time, it will come.
@Yoghybear: Was he swearing? :zomg:
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Zorro
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- Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2012 10:29 pm
Indeed a different drive from the usual. It’s been a while we don’t drive up to Al Ain, Why?!?!? I know it's far but It’s a great area with awesome dunes!
Weather was great, no I’m not crazy, driving in the desert during a sand storm is great fun, tracks from other people disappear, leaving nothing and sand is really soft making it even more challenging than normal. It’s in these conditions where you improve your driving skills…
Everybody was on time, so we could move out from the airport toward Swehian almost as precise as a Swiss watch. During the first few kilometers or so after AAN the area is covered in bushes and greenery, which makes it nice to see but not to drive through, although being pretty nice with some amazing dunes with long nice sharp crests, we flew by in order to get to some other ones even better deeper inside with less greenery.
Throughout the drive we had a few second tries, a stuck and a tire puncture, which is remarkably good (apart the tire thing), and we kept on going at a good pace. Momo, that tire puncture is a FJ thing nothing to worry about, the best solution for it is to sell the FJ and get a Jeep, you’ll have all sorts of problem But not the car trying to murder the tires! felt like watching F1 when you guys were changing the tire, super fast!
Something I enjoyed too is the fact the drive was “Ego-free”, everyone was very friendly and felt like a small group of friends with same passion driving together enjoying the sand in our eyes, teeth, and ears :-D
I believe we passed through the Old Lady’s dune, although I’m not too sure as no one mentioned and I’ve never been there. We reached Nagra just before sunset, which is both good and bad. Good as we finished right in time, bad because due to the sun still being up we could see all the garbage people throw very rudely around the area.
Great pics Dave, love them especially the third one :-P The little Turtle helping out Megatron the great Japanese robot :-D
I’m with you Dave, there is a lot to explore in this area, and sure some bowls need more investigation to be done. It would be nice to drive to Al Ain on a Thursday/Friday night, sleep at Hilton …or camp :-D and then the day after do Al Ain – Swehian – Al Quadra
Thank you Bu Salem for the drive through the High dusty dunes of Al Ain, good fun visiting this area again. it was an enjoyable afternoon with you all
See you all soon. Although, I might not make it to the anniversary, as I’ll be having a law exam coordinated from Australia that Friday afternoon, and university comes first!
Take Care
Weather was great, no I’m not crazy, driving in the desert during a sand storm is great fun, tracks from other people disappear, leaving nothing and sand is really soft making it even more challenging than normal. It’s in these conditions where you improve your driving skills…
Everybody was on time, so we could move out from the airport toward Swehian almost as precise as a Swiss watch. During the first few kilometers or so after AAN the area is covered in bushes and greenery, which makes it nice to see but not to drive through, although being pretty nice with some amazing dunes with long nice sharp crests, we flew by in order to get to some other ones even better deeper inside with less greenery.
Throughout the drive we had a few second tries, a stuck and a tire puncture, which is remarkably good (apart the tire thing), and we kept on going at a good pace. Momo, that tire puncture is a FJ thing nothing to worry about, the best solution for it is to sell the FJ and get a Jeep, you’ll have all sorts of problem But not the car trying to murder the tires! felt like watching F1 when you guys were changing the tire, super fast!
Something I enjoyed too is the fact the drive was “Ego-free”, everyone was very friendly and felt like a small group of friends with same passion driving together enjoying the sand in our eyes, teeth, and ears :-D
I believe we passed through the Old Lady’s dune, although I’m not too sure as no one mentioned and I’ve never been there. We reached Nagra just before sunset, which is both good and bad. Good as we finished right in time, bad because due to the sun still being up we could see all the garbage people throw very rudely around the area.
Great pics Dave, love them especially the third one :-P The little Turtle helping out Megatron the great Japanese robot :-D
I’m with you Dave, there is a lot to explore in this area, and sure some bowls need more investigation to be done. It would be nice to drive to Al Ain on a Thursday/Friday night, sleep at Hilton …or camp :-D and then the day after do Al Ain – Swehian – Al Quadra
Thank you Bu Salem for the drive through the High dusty dunes of Al Ain, good fun visiting this area again. it was an enjoyable afternoon with you all
See you all soon. Although, I might not make it to the anniversary, as I’ll be having a law exam coordinated from Australia that Friday afternoon, and university comes first!
Take Care
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caprihorse
- Golden Member
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2010 1:23 am
- Location: Bratislava, Slovakia
- Been thanked: 3 times
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[quote=Zorro;41300]Indeed a different drive from the usual. It’s been a while we don’t drive up to Al Ain, Why?!?!? I know it's far but It’s a great area with awesome dunes!
Weather was great, no I’m not crazy, driving in the desert during a sand storm is great fun, tracks from other people disappear, leaving nothing and sand is really soft making it even more challenging than normal. It’s in these conditions where you improve your driving skills…
Everybody was on time, so we could move out from the airport toward Swehian almost as precise as a Swiss watch. During the first few kilometers or so after AAN the area is covered in bushes and greenery, which makes it nice to see but not to drive through, although being pretty nice with some amazing dunes with long nice sharp crests, we flew by in order to get to some other ones even better deeper inside with less greenery.
Throughout the drive we had a few second tries, a stuck and a tire puncture, which is remarkably good (apart the tire thing), and we kept on going at a good pace. Momo, that tire puncture is a FJ thing nothing to worry about, the best solution for it is to sell the FJ and get a Jeep, you’ll have all sorts of problem But not the car trying to murder the tires! felt like watching F1 when you guys were changing the tire, super fast!
Something I enjoyed too is the fact the drive was “Ego-free”, everyone was very friendly and felt like a small group of friends with same passion driving together enjoying the sand in our eyes, teeth, and ears :-D
I believe we passed through the Old Lady’s dune, although I’m not too sure as no one mentioned and I’ve never been there. We reached Nagra just before sunset, which is both good and bad. Good as we finished right in time, bad because due to the sun still being up we could see all the garbage people throw very rudely around the area.
Great pics Dave, love them especially the third one :-P The little Turtle helping out Megatron the great Japanese robot :-D
I’m with you Dave, there is a lot to explore in this area, and sure some bowls need more investigation to be done. It would be nice to drive to Al Ain on a Thursday/Friday night, sleep at Hilton …or camp :-D and then the day after do Al Ain – Swehian – Al Quadra
Thank you Bu Salem for the drive through the High dusty dunes of Al Ain, good fun visiting this area again. it was an enjoyable afternoon with you all
See you all soon. Although, I might not make it to the anniversary, as I’ll be having a law exam coordinated from Australia that Friday afternoon, and university comes first!
Take Care[/quote]
Nice report [MENTION=1803]Zorro[/MENTION], keep doing :)
Regarding FJ tyre puncture, are you referring to this famous FJ cut by hand brake leads, that cut the tyre from inside and completely destroy it?
Weather was great, no I’m not crazy, driving in the desert during a sand storm is great fun, tracks from other people disappear, leaving nothing and sand is really soft making it even more challenging than normal. It’s in these conditions where you improve your driving skills…
Everybody was on time, so we could move out from the airport toward Swehian almost as precise as a Swiss watch. During the first few kilometers or so after AAN the area is covered in bushes and greenery, which makes it nice to see but not to drive through, although being pretty nice with some amazing dunes with long nice sharp crests, we flew by in order to get to some other ones even better deeper inside with less greenery.
Throughout the drive we had a few second tries, a stuck and a tire puncture, which is remarkably good (apart the tire thing), and we kept on going at a good pace. Momo, that tire puncture is a FJ thing nothing to worry about, the best solution for it is to sell the FJ and get a Jeep, you’ll have all sorts of problem But not the car trying to murder the tires! felt like watching F1 when you guys were changing the tire, super fast!
Something I enjoyed too is the fact the drive was “Ego-free”, everyone was very friendly and felt like a small group of friends with same passion driving together enjoying the sand in our eyes, teeth, and ears :-D
I believe we passed through the Old Lady’s dune, although I’m not too sure as no one mentioned and I’ve never been there. We reached Nagra just before sunset, which is both good and bad. Good as we finished right in time, bad because due to the sun still being up we could see all the garbage people throw very rudely around the area.
Great pics Dave, love them especially the third one :-P The little Turtle helping out Megatron the great Japanese robot :-D
I’m with you Dave, there is a lot to explore in this area, and sure some bowls need more investigation to be done. It would be nice to drive to Al Ain on a Thursday/Friday night, sleep at Hilton …or camp :-D and then the day after do Al Ain – Swehian – Al Quadra
Thank you Bu Salem for the drive through the High dusty dunes of Al Ain, good fun visiting this area again. it was an enjoyable afternoon with you all
See you all soon. Although, I might not make it to the anniversary, as I’ll be having a law exam coordinated from Australia that Friday afternoon, and university comes first!
Take Care[/quote]
Nice report [MENTION=1803]Zorro[/MENTION], keep doing :)
Regarding FJ tyre puncture, are you referring to this famous FJ cut by hand brake leads, that cut the tyre from inside and completely destroy it?
![[IMG]http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah301/Davidmhoran/image.jpg3_zpsat5avhsy.jpg[/IMG]](http://s1383.photobucket.com/user/Davidmhoran/media/image.jpg3_zpsat5avhsy.jpg.html){kind=link}
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