Page 67 - Wish Stream Year of 2017

The group of nine led by OCdt Yaqub-Khan landed safely in Queen Alia Airport, Amman, for their trekking expedition along the Jor- dan Trail. The trip was characterised by incred- ible moments which we didn’t think could be topped and then subsequently were. Our first outing was to the Dead Sea which we had all heard so much about and were eager to experi- ence. Taking heed of the warning signs advis- ing one to avoid eye contact with the water, we delicately maneuvered in the water in awe of this unique formation. As we lay floating effortlessly on our backs, we watched OCdt Long, who was yet to enter, dive head first into the water. That day we returned to Amman and trekked around the city. Making our way up the high ground to the Citadel, we paused to enjoy the beautiful view, an experience enhanced by the sunset and the call to prayer.
Leaving Amman, we drove for five hours along the Dead Sea highway towards Petra. None of us had experienced a road trip quite like it, the views were stunning. Losing light fast we sped along to our area where we camped. Driving over a short ridge, out of sight of the road, we proceeded on foot to a shallow dried out riverbed where we lit our fire and slept under the stars.
Trekking the Jordan Trail lived up to its expec- tations as we witnessed Bedouins maintain- ing their centuries old traditions, and with no shortage of peaks to climb we were constantly treated with panoramic views giving us a com- manding view of the beautiful land. The hike into Petra was demanding and exciting. The route in was worthy of the magnificent temples which felt surreal to view up close.
OCdt Yakub-Khan
Wadi Rum was our next destination where we traversed this formidable desert on camel back for six hours. Its glorious canyons were some- thing to behold. The trek was something none of us had performed before and proved to be yet another experience on our expedition which we thought couldn’t possibly be topped. That was until the evening when our guide cooked us an exquisite traditional Bedouin meal. After our meal we sat around the fire as he sang late into the night. We fell asleep once again under a sky full of stars. Mesmerised by it all, this we decided had to be our most enjoyable moment.
OCdt Alrawashdeh from Jordan couldn’t let us visit his country without an invitation to his home. It was our final day and we thought we had sam- pled the best food the country had to offer but nothing we previously ate came close to the terrific lunch that was prepared for us. We are grateful for Mr Alrawashdeh’s hospitality.
Exercise PETRA CADET
SANDHURST 65