A Fantastically Fun Day of Dune Bashing

9:13:00 AM Out And About Global 21 Comments

As part of our excursion to Mada'in Saleh we spent a morning dune bashing--4 wheel driving in the sand dunes and it was fantastically fun! We had an early start at 6am to get out to the desert and it was actually chilly out. 

The area actually reminded me of southern Utah with all the red rock, tall formations and canyons. We felt really at home and loved every minute of it. I was really surprised at how tall the sand dunes were and a few times was a little nervous that we might tip over, but our driver was skilled!

Our group of drivers
We drove down that hill and into the canyon below.


The guys hooked up a huge "boom box" to the car battery to play the loudest Saudi music imaginable. It was so much fun to watch them form a line and dance the morning away.

We are used to seeing Indian petroglyphs with concentric circles, 4 legged creatures and martian looking men with big shields. So to see something different in the middle east was so interesting! Of course they would draw camels instead of horses and deer.  
Camels are allowed to freely roam. Our driver told us that the camels know where home is--it's where the food is and they will return to it every night. So, it's not uncommon to see camels wandering on the side of the road and this fellow was so congenial to look my way for the perfect shot.

linking with...Randomocity * Life Thru the Lens * Thru My Lens * Our World Tuesday * Sweet Shot Tuesday

21 comments:

  1. I didn't know for this place before, it's really beautiful. Thank you for sharing your photos. :)

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  2. Quite the sights...I've never seen a desert in person. Thanks

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  3. so very interesting !!!

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  4. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this post. What an adventure you are experiencing. I LOVED the camel photo. What a perfect shot but, all the photos are great and all so interesting.

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  5. These are amazing images - wow!!!!
    Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/01/shells-on-shells.html

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  6. amazing scenery! looks like a fun day! have a lovely week!

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  7. Fantastic photos. And the size of some of those rocks is amazing. Looks like you had a really great day. The Camel photo is a really great shot, especially with the inquisitive looking one checking out the camera

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  8. Love all the adventures you are having!
    http://travelingbugwiththreeboys-kelleyn.blogspot.com/2016/01/baby-it-is-cold-outside.html

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  9. The landscape does remind me of Utah/Arizona as well. How incredible it is. I would not have expected the towering rocks to be honest. How fun it was!

    Happy New Year!!!!!

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  10. What fantastic scenery, and great shots too. Hope you had a fun safari! #LTTL

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  11. Oh wow.What an amazing place! I don't know that I've ever seen anything quite like this. Great photos! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. That part of the world is steeped in such amazing history. And that first shot is so very frame worthy! Simply gorgeous colors. With all the unrest in the Mideast, I sincerely hope you and your family are safe and away from the any conflicts. #LTTL

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  13. Such stunning views and a journey of a lifetime. This place is steeped in history and every photo is a jewel. Thanks for sharing with "Through my Lens"

    Mersad
    Mersad Donko Photography

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  14. I love your post and I love how you captured such a different side of the country. The dunes look spectacular and it looks like you guys had a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing with Good Random Fun.

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  15. So interesting reading about a culture I have not had the privilege to experience. And stunningly beautiful, wow that second shot. Love this post!!

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  16. Such a wonderful day outing and the beauty of the rock formations and the desert is incredible. Loved the idea of the men dancing to the loud music out in the desert, and what fun seeing the camels roaming free! Sounds like an amazing day! Thanks for sharing Brooke

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