Up Zikrit ( Without a Paddle )

Two fridays ago three 4 wheel drives full of intrepid adventurers armed with picnics headed up to the top of the Zikrit ( pronounced Zeekreet )Peninsula, on the west coast, in search of Flamingos, Ostriches, Fish and Fun( and camels but they are easy to find ). On our way up ( very much off road ) we discovered two amazing old film sets. The first was a stunning cluster of tradition type buildings that are now lived in. The second set was a bit more unusual - very much as if on another planet...Hidden in a kind of secret valley. We are told that the round stone structures were filmed in the evening with fires lit in them - they would have looked really other worldy. In any event one of them made a very useful toilet stop.
On the way we saw a couple of Ostriches - keeping our distance as they can easily outrun humans and are mostly not harmless. Some poor chap nearly got kicked to death by one recently. They sure can keep up a cracking pace.
Once at the top, at a really stunning beach looking out to Bahrain, out came the fishing rods and swimming attire. Unfortunately although a couple of big fish were hooked up none were landed. Not so different from NZ fishing eh. But hey just so very relaxing. They have really huge irridescant blue Piper here that follow your lures in which are really impressive to see.
The water temperature has cooled rather rapidly in the last weeks from the early 30'S to probably the early 20's but still absolutely lovely swimming and being very salty you are so much more bouyant.
Many locals ( and Ex Pats ) go camping at this time of the year and it is common to see large groups of tents complete with satellite dishes, outdoor Majlis ( Man Caves - see earlier blog ), Volleyball nets - all very well set up. We have even been looking at getting some camping gear ourselves and heading out with a few others.
On the way back we saw a couple of lonely Flamingos so all in all it was a very successful outing ( except for the fish ).
Also on the way back we stopped in at Al Shahhaniah where they do all the camel racing, as some of the crew had not been there, and watched while they were training the camels.
These expeditions are great fun and many more are planned - next maybe the Inland Sea in the far south which is highly recommended - another 4 wheel drive only trip.