Page 122 - A Hand Book of Arabia Vol 2_Neat

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SOUTH-EASTERN ROUTES (Nos. 70-75) 03

Sohar there is a good camel-track, but after heavy rain some of the
wadis tiiat must be crossed are formidable ; when the route is near
the sea caravans can pass along the beach where streams in Hood
are more easily crossed. From Sohar to Bireimi the track follows
the Wadi el-Jizi, a shallow water-course between bare and sterile
bills, and after passing the watershed it crosses a fairly level plain ;
it offers no difficulties to transport animals. From Bireinn to Abu
Dhabi the track lies across stretches of sandy desert, mostly dunes
and undulating downs ; the only physical obstacle encountered is the
tidal salt-water creek that must be crossed ten miles from Abu Dhabi.
Supplies. Along the coast, water is obtainable at all stages from
wells at 15-20 ft. ; fuel, fodder, and livestock are available all
along this section ; and supplies can be obtained from the bazaars
at Sib, Barkah, Masna‘ah and Sohar. Water, fuel, and grazing are
abundant from Sohar to Bireimi. From Bireimi onward there
are no villages nor settled inhabitants ; water of poor quality and
in limited quantities is obtained from wells and water-holes, which
are soon exhausted and take time to replenish ; grazing is very
scarce during the summer months.

The other routes he outside Oman proper but connect it with
Hasa. Route No. 74, from Hofuf to Ras el-Kheimah, passes across the
southern border of El-Qatar ; it traverses Trucial Oman to Bireimi
by the route nearest the coast, which is that usually followed by
caravans in summer, the line of the route more inland being given
as an alternative ; from Bireimi it follows the main line of traffic
northwards through the Oman Promontory to Ras el-Kheimah on
the NW. coast. The route is practicable only for camel transport.
It lies over fairly level desert, winding incessantly among sand-
dunes and zig-zagging from weh to well. There is no recognizable
nor well-worn track, and no two caravans follow exactly the same
course. When the track crosses sand-dunes it is obliterated as soon
as made, and it is advisable for caravans to keep in close order.
Supplies. Over nearly four-fifths of the route, as far as Bireimi,
water is neither good nor abundant. There are some long stages
^ithout water, including three double-stages ; but it does not seem
fco be necessary on any portion of the route to carry more than three
«ays' supply. From Bireimi northwards water is plentiful during
o winter months, except at Ras el-Kheimah, where it is always
scarce and indifferent. During the summer months there is a general
carcity of water. For the first 125 miles grazing is abundant after
ain> but not plentiful from that point to Bireimi ; .
from Bireimi
northwards it is plentiful during the winter months.
Fuel from