desert camping

under the stars

Approximately 50 minutes drive south of the city of Doha are white sands sculpted beauty along the Gulf coast.

So, a group of 10 armed with backpacks and some snacks piled into 2 land cruisers and were ready to spend the night under the stars and a full moon. 
 This trip includes a stop at the Inland Sea where Saudi Arabia shores are clearly visible from Qatari shores, sand duning and relaxing at the campsite.

Inland Sea – images are taken of the Saudi shore remarkably close to our standpoint from its northern neighbour’s shores. Network lines crossover and cell phones beep messages in unison mistakingly wishing us a safe voyage from Qatar and welcoming us to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Duning – adrenaline junkies join in! Spinning wheels, defying gravity, following the curves and luscious lines of the desert, balancing precariously on points and intentionally speeding down steep contours.

Campsite – a tent is set up to take refuge for the night; however the lure of a full moon + stars wins and sleeping on sand calls. Minor jitters at the sight of little desert white mice, critters and questionable footprints in the sand. Pieces of garbage littered along the way is a dismal sight of such beautiful landscape slowly deteriorating by human actions.

Breathing deep – escaping the city is always a necessary treat. Sleeping under stars along the beach is a welcomed luxury. Sometimes in appreciated peace enters past thoughts of a faraway home. Stumbling, crisscrossing the unresolved, spinning around questions unanswered and balancing precariously on relationships recently re-defined.

The sound of water lapping against sand filters in and stalls thought.

At times like this, a meaningful moment is needed to fully comprehend my surroundings; the current view is awe-inspiring. The speechless full moon comes out now and I am listening.

Photo: sand dunes outside Doha / May 28 2010