Overnight Desert Camping Trip on 10th-11th April 2009 (Fri-Sat)

Have not gone for camping in the UAE this season. Opportunity to make use of good weather. Plan is to do leightweight desert driving and camping in an easy to reach area, especially for first time sand drivers. Here is the plan.

Destination : Cars Museum Area west of Abu Dhabi. About 30 mins drive to from Mussafah - towards Tarif/Sila. Map is below.

Here are some photos of a previous camping trip in the same area http://picasaweb.google.com/bhallasunil/CampingTripAtAbuDhabiMarch2008#

How to Reach:
Abu Dhabi cars to meet at 1.45 noon at Spinneys Adnoc. To leave at 2.00 sharp.
Dubai cars can either come to Abu Dhabi to my place and then we proceed toghether. OR if they want to have more time to pack and prepare, they can join the Abu Dhabi group on the highway towards Tarif/Sila.

Schedule:

1. To start from Abu Dhabi at 2.00 p.m. and reach the deflation/desert entry point by 3.00 p.m.
2. If coming directly from Dubai, should start at 1.00 p.m.
3. Reach camping spot by 4.00 p.m.
4. Offload the camping stuff and start pitching in the tents etc.
5. Do a bit of sand driving around the dunes.
6. Settle down by dark and regular campsite activities
7. Next day have breakfast and leave camping spot depending upon heat.

Preparation:

1. Food: Everybody to arrange for themselves (this is the least complicated option). For dinner and next day breakfast. Bring enough drinking water/fluids. Pls keep your gas, tea/coffee arrangements.
2. Clothes: Pls bring warm clothes as it gets cold and possibly windy in the desert at night. preferably wear full shoes/boots, especially for the kids.
3. Lodging: Usual camping stuff such as tent, sleeping bags, mattresses, chairs, tables, water for washing , first aid kit, torch/flash lights, Chargeable Lantern, coolbox etc. Pls bring some firewood also.
4. Tools etc: Whoever has Walkie-Talkie, please bring and don't forget to charge the batteries. Also bring tow rope, shackles, jack, spare tyre, pressure gauge, air compressor to inflate tyres at return.