A favorite past-time for most expats and locals alike is desert duning. This requires a 4wd/SUV, seatbelts, dramamine (for those who suffer from motion sickness), and whit at the wheel. We inaugurated our baby Nativa into the sand during the Eid holiday by driving out into the desert. A caravan of 10 cars filled with 50+ people took off into the desert for an hour long drive over dunes and paths paved by the brave duners who had gone before us. Our destination? An inland sea which creates a natural border between this country and our neighbor. Once we had driven for an hour on the highway, all SUV's pulled off of the road to release air pressure in the tires (down to 18-20psi) and all the women of course took the chance to use the last available 'facilities' for the day. After that, we went off road...as in no map, no road, only the trails in the sand were our guide to our desired destination.
C did an excellent job handling the dunes and even got gutsy towards the end. I just held on to the handles and screamed at each peak before sailing down the other side. We commented in the car as to which family members would enjoy it or hate it the most. Carl, Andy, Jason, Dale, and Dad...you made the cut for driving and absolutely loving it! I don't think Jason would ever leave the dunes if we got him out here. Come out and try it anytime...we would love to see you. As you can see Rachel, Camella, Steva, Denise and GG (Glenda Grace)...you all made the cut for "just get to me the beach in one piece".
Once we all set up camp, the kids and some adults went swimming. Others lounged in the beach chairs or threw the frisbee around. Sunset came around 5:00pm and the bonfire began. Some people went all out with their dinners. One family brought marinated steaks and potatoes and another brought a charcoal grill (with side boards) and grilled up chicken, burgers, and fresh garlic bread. C and I went the easy route and had a package of local turkey franks (of various lengths), bbq sauce and buns. We borrowed skewers and enjoyed our meal or hot dogs and chips as others labored over elaborate meals. However, I must admit that I loved the tea kettle one family brought to make fresh mint tea over the fire.
After s'mores and songs around the campfire, we began packing up to leave and C & I almost took home our first pet...a field mouse. C noticed it scurrying over to our cooler and I admit that I screamed a little. Okay it was a lot! We moved the cooler, but it then scurried under our beach mat. It didn't help matters when a mob of children began trying to catch the mouse. Needless to say, the field mouse did NOT make it to the city this time.
Driving back to the city was an adventure because we were being led only by the moon and the tracks in the sand. Thankfully, the lead car had an experienced desert duner at the wheel and we were all led back to civilization after 30 minutes of careful navigation. Our first duning excursion was a success and we will be heading out several more times this season.
Speaking of season...we are happy to share that we are now in the low-mid 90's each day as opposed to 100-115 each day. There is even a chance of an 89 later this week!
What's up next for Mr. and Mrs.?
--C is back on schedule at the academy; 8th - 10th grade boys; 9 classes each week; 9am-5pm each day
--C is developing more relationships with teachers and students
--C is still waiting to watch his first OU game of the season...
--E will be traveling next week for 4 days; keep them both in your thoughts
--E will hopefully begin tutoring a junior high student as well as a group of local women
--E has auditioned for a role in an upcoming theater production of "The King and I"...results later this week
