Fins and Alleys

An early morning greeted us as we made our way through rush hour traffic to the beach and an hour long boat ride to the Daymaniat Islands just off the coast. I must say that the prospect of a few hours spent out on a boat and swimming amongst the nationally protected marine life was far better than whatever was going to greet all those other folks on the motorway.

The islands are really just a collection of rocky outcroppings that have numerous coves and sheltered white sandy beaches. These are the most popular snorkelling and diving site in Oman, partially because of their proximity to Muscat, but also because of the excellent sites to behold under the water.

We found a quiet cove perfect for getting our flippered feet under us. There were a myriad of colourful fish within the cove, just a few feet under the surface swimming amongst the jagged rocks.

Whilst we are all competent and confident swimmers, Thierry - qualified scuba diver - and Cora – half fish – certainly were the more efficient and adventurous members of our quartet. Thierry headed out of the cove and quickly discovered, and showed the rest of us, an enormous ray lying motionless on the sandy bottom and an eel swimming languidly amongst the rocks. Earlier, Cora and Amelie spotted a turtle and followed it for a little while, and we also saw a school of cuttlefish.

After maybe 45 minutes we returned to the boat and made our way to a different cove of another island and once more submerged ourselves into the warm, turquoise water. This time we stayed within the cove and were rewarded with the appearance of a Black Tipped Reef shark (don’t worry, it is only the White Tipped Reef sharks that are dangerous). Another 45 or so minutes spent floating over schools of fish and then watching a Morey eel ‘fish’ for food from its hole and we retired to the boat once more.

Thanks to Thierry's excellent ability to get down and close to this eel with his waterproof camera. For scale, what you can see of this eel is about the size of a shoebox.

We ended our time amongst the islands with a very relaxing period on a beautiful secluded beach enjoying the sunshine of a perfect early afternoon and a rather intriguing handstand contest!

Amelie, Thierry and CW enjoying the sunshine on the beach, which as it happens was another beach where turtles came to lay their eggs (hence the signpost warning you to leave them alone). There were definitely signs of their presence, large decoy holes, large tracks and even lots of mini tracks from the babies. Although the latter can get confused very easily with those of hermits who leave very similar marks in the sand.

The return trip was far bumpier than the outgoing visit, though this added a bit of adventure to what would otherwise be a rather boring boat ride.

Once back on terra firma, we embarked for our more terrestrial activity, bowling. Yes, they have proper American style ten pin bowling in Muscat and the four of us made our way, with much snipping and chatter, to the lanes for a few games of good-hearted fun. Unfortunately Adeline was working again so wasn't able to join us, which was a shame since the last time we went bowling was with Adeline and Thierry in Cambridge and we had a rematch to play!

So with Amelie as the replacement member of the 'French team', I would like to say that Team America(England) beat Team France handily and yes Cora beat me in the second game, much to her (and I am sure Dad’s) glee.