Friday 24 October

Up at the right time and after a quick breakfast into the royal landrover and off with the light just breaking over the horizon. The Wadi itself was fantastic with the sun gradually redeeming the tall mountains. We had tea in the police fort at the head of the Wadi (4 cups of chai and 2 coffee!!) and then set off up the mountain to see the spring of water mentioned by Lawrence in Pillars of Wisdom.

Also rode a camel and took photos of the Bedouin police – one to be sent to them.

Back to the landrovers – after firing revolvers to prove the echoes and our second breakfast of the day.

Returning to the hotel we changed for a session water skiing. Sammy turning out to be a superb teacher (I have the photos of A to prove it). In the afternoon we went out to the coral reef and swam under water. We had a guard, even here, who tried to keep us together because of the sharks. 

This he found difficult as we had fins and he didn’t. Collected some coral and after an exciting fast bumpy ride back (A’s bosom was really exercised!) had dinner and collapsed into bed.