Tuši's blog: 12251

United Arab Emirates: Day 1

View from the plane to Dubai before landing in Dubai International Airport

Report by Moshin (http://arabianoffroad.com/), the organiser and my CS host, I just added some pictures:

The weekend began with very interesting weather. I was going to pick-up a Couchsurfer "Tusi from Slovenia" at the airport and got little delayed, hence requested Naveen to lead the Convey till Madinat Zayed (MZ).

The convey consist of Naveen, Zubin/Ninul, Matilda/Andy, Shawn+ Mrs Shawn, Shazad, Zulfi, and Amit.

Gathering in Madinat Zayed

On my way to MZ and trying to catch up with the convey, I pull in petrol station to fuel up. As it was raining heavy the inter-lock at the entrance of the pump was very slippery and my Patrol skidded side way with both driver side wheels hitting on payment edge and then going over it. A quick inception revealed few thing missing but nothing major that stop me going to Liwa.

We caught up with the rest of the gang at MZ, and after re-fuelling, stocking up and Friday prayers we entered desert form the "Fodder Factory" entrance. Due to heavy rains, the sand was quite hard and it was clear that there are no chances for us to do any kind of side sloping or other stunts that we normally look forward to specially at such places.

Loading the wood for barbecue

Here it is, entrance to the great desert

First task, deflating the tyres

However just after 5km in desert, my Patrol started smoking (Ya, ya, I know what you are thinking). A careful analyses by experts (Naveen & Shazad) revealed that the pipe carrying coolant to the heater has a cut. which in-turn resulted giving my engine a steam wash.

Nissan Patrol stopped

While the car was being repaired, some guys were burning 5 times cheaper gas than we have it at home

"The Mechanic" Naveen did a great job

Naveen did a fantastic job in sealing the crack and it was good to go. But knowing the terrain I was bit apprehensive taking my Patrol any further without a proper fix. So I asked Naveen again to lead the drive while I go back to MZ, and get it new pipe fitted. Now as per the new plan I was suppose to meet all them at the camping spot which will be close to Arada- Ruwais road. I also ask Tusi to sit in Amit's car for rest of the drive.

We were stuck in the sand

By 3:45pm I was back in MZ cursing down the technical area trying to find the parts and the right kind of Garage. With no luck of getting the parts, I thought of heading on-road to Arada and then to the camping point, of which the Co-ods were yet to be received.

At about he 4:30 I received a call from Naveen, gave me the unfortunate news with regards to Amit's Xterra. The point of mishap was exactly 30 km from the point of entry. He also requested if I could find a mechanic who can come over to get the car started. So while I was looking for mechanics I requested Sarwar who was also managing his own office crisis at that time, to speak to police for help and paper-work.

Driver and the co-pilot (me) stepped out of the Nissan Xterra with a little pain in the neck. We were lucky.

We jumped to the bottom

Unpredictable desert

Unable to find any mechanic, who is willing to come 30 km in desert to fix a car. I made my way the MZ police station to seek help and do the legal process, which was an utter waste of time as the person on reception advices to call 999, inform about the mishap and let them come to that location to see the car.

In the mean time Sarwar had spoken to few officers at Liwa Police Station who were OK with the idea of we getting the car to the police station for the paper work.

It was important for me to be with the convey and with no help receiving from anywhere, at about 8:00pm, equipped only with my Patrol and a party bucket of KFC (ordered by Naveen) I decided to drive to the given co-ods. I was doing something that I always advice others not to do (going alone in Desert). I switched off my music, said my prayers, turned on all the lights and started. Even after so many years of Offroading, driving alone in that desert at night, with no option of making a single mistake is a scary thought. Anyways about 9:40 I manage to reach the spot. I was glad to see Amit and Tusi where is a very jovial mood. KFC was still warm and I am sure everybody enjoyed it.

As the night progressed, it got very cold and windy, and my plastic shed was making enough noise to keep me up, however most of us where snoring to glory after a hearty KFC along with so much of other food.