James, John, Hillary and I all set off one afternoon. The plan was to nip to Dibba, drive up Wadi Khabb Shamsi to camp, then set off earlish the next morning to conquer Jebel Qihwi and it went like clockwork; well almost...

We made it camp around 5pm with sun under threat. The campsite that has an inspirational view over the wadi was taken by an array of smug folk. So as it was we camped close by next to the road to Khasab. We set up camp with James’ exciting (for me) new cauldron as the centre piece. It looked magnificent. However before much else happened a set of walking boots went missing followed by one flipflop leaving a member of our group with a sole flipflop to take on Jebel Qihwi the next morning. What to do? Our member could hop to the top perhaps? Piggyback? Barefoot a la Mahatma Gandhi? It was settled; Dibba would hold the answer to the footwear question and we could get the awesome cauldron going in the meantime. Lamb, potatoes, cinnamon, apples, tomatoes, aubergine seasoning, a dash of water and two and half hours later we were all enjoying the stew with one of the team sporting a pair of the brightest whitest trainers known to man.

The next day started well with bacon and warm stew. Camp was packed up and we drove the 500m to the start. On foot or really white trainer, we cracked on up and up to the ridge following the higher track. We came across the village, gave a nod to the inhabitants, and kept our elevation around the edge the steep slope. Further on it became apparent that some mild weather was coming in and this mixed group was challenged to differing levels. Two of us went onto the summit at a double quick pace finding a steep section before the all rock peak and a chimney to shimmy up. A quick walk round the top followed with the odd photo. The visibility was far from optimal, however the higher being was gracious this time as there was a brief 6 seconds of dazzling sunshine for a quick photo with shadows.

Our rather stumbling walk down was interrupted by a great (again just for me) find of a good slab of quartz looking vein of rock.

‘twas a good trip: cauldrons, chimneys, white trainers, quartzy rock and Qihwis!