Former
inhabitants chosen this location because it was well protected
against enemies and also because of a good water supply, you can
observe still functioning falaj system in terraces. Pomegranate,
juniper and olive trees are still growing there. The previous
inhabitants used to grow watermelons, chili-peppers, tomatoes,
wheat, basil, onions. Also they used to herd goats, sheep and
donkeys. They abandoned it at the time when the new Sultan Qaboos
started to rule and made significant changes in the
country.
Cache itself is a 360 ml lock&lock container.
It's primary content is logbook, 2 x pencils, eraser, sharpener and
some items for trade: magnetic address book, carabiner and few
Latvian coins (1, 2, 5 and 10 santims). Of course following to a
local and best geocaching traditions cache has camouflage - sand
colored sock. :)
How
to get there: Direction Al Hamra, after ascending Jabel Shams
along the tarmac road. After tarmac road ends, starts graded road
(4WD is recommended), not far away from the top tarmac road starts
again, it ends at N 23° 12.431 E 057° 11.906 after a 4WD is
required. Approximate walking time along the small trail so called
"Balcony Walk" to the cache is around 2 hours + time for searching,
distance - 4 km/one way, track altitude's difference is 250 m, Sap
Bani Khamis is located at 1670 m above sea level. Enjoy the
spectacular views but remember to be careful on the path at every
moment as canyon walls drop about 500 m down to the wadi Nakhar.
Second option how to get to the village is using 200m bolted wire
(via ferrata) route with corresponding equipment. If you use this
way please be prepared accordingly and be aware of the
consequences.
And of course take plenty of
water with you.
If you go afternoon, you will
enjoy the shade.
"Take only pictures, leave only
foot prints and take away as much litter as you can."
Have fun!
