(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Outward Bound Oman (OBO) has historically marked National Day in perhaps one of the most interesting ways, and this year is no exception.
As in previous years, a major challenging journey began in the sultanate, and several teams will be taking part in the challenge.
This year, three teams, together with Outward Bound instructors will be crossing the Rub al Khali.
With no mobile phones, no doors to hide behind, and an ever-changing series of challenges to be faced, the teams will undertake a leadership training course that is like no other, and cannot be replicated in an indoor workshop.
Two years ago, the 41st National Day journey saw a series of teams travelling on foot, by camel and traditional boat undertaking a 1,000km, 80-day journey from Salalah to Muscat, and 2013 saw a journey from Sea to Summit, from Ras al Hadd, the easternmost point of Oman, to the 10,000ft summit of Jebel Shams, the highest point in Oman.
The first team for the 2014, and possibly most daunting expedition marking the 43rd National Day assembled at Mugshin oasis, just south of Haima, to begin its journey.
Mugshin marks the point where Umm al Hait, which translates into English as ‘mother of life', soaks into the sands providing one last bloom of greenery and life before sinking into the sands of the Rub al Khali.
This location is particularly significant to the journey as it is the point where British explorer Wilfred Thesiger enlisted a group of Bait Kathir to guide him across the sands.
Bertram Thomas, who in 1930 was the first European to cross the Rub al Khali, referred to Wadi Mugshin as ‘the Prince of Wadis' due to its lush greenery, and numerous Ghaf trees. The course of our journey will follow in the footsteps of Thesiger, giving us the chance to reflect on the changes that have taken place since the 1940s, and we are carrying a copy of his famous book, Arabian Sands.
The first team, comprising participants from Shinas College and Oman Methanol, arrived in good spirits on Thursday, and spent their first night out under the stars. Whilst many have not camped before, they were ready to take on the challenge ahead of them, under the guidance of the Outward Bound instructors.
Muscat Daily will be following the expedition teams throughout their journey.
Updates are sent from the desert team via satellite communications each evening, allowing our readers to share the experience and follow the journey.
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