Dune Bashing-Round two!

We were so excited about our 1st dune bashing experience that we figured my parents just had to try it out on their visit here. At first they weren't so keen on the idea but we made the argument that you can't make a trip to Qatar without seeing the desert!..and in Doha, well, there's not much desert. My dad does think the city is in need of grass in the empty areas that have yet to be developed. We agree! The thing about Doha is that it is basically all under construction. They began approximately 10 years ago and it has just boomed even in the last few years. While we're not sure how long we'll be here, we're so excited to be in a city that is in it's development stage. We are also really excited to come back to visit in 10 to 15 years to see how much it has grown.

Our adventure begins....

While we were waiting for the groups to arrive, we ran over to a Grocery Store nearby. My dad is like a kid in a candy shop as long as food is involved. He so proudly picked out a "chicken sausage puff" but I think in this photo my mom just told my dad he shouldn't eat it.

The group and our trusty vehicle for the day. My dad is still confused about his "Chicken Sausage Puff". We seriously cracked up every time he mentioned it.

This is hopefully the motto for the day!!! I hope the rest of the drivers in Doha read this and apply it because their driving is NUTS!!!

We spotted a Dune Buggy on the way out to the desert-this looks like fun minus the sand and dust getting all over you!

As per usual, we stopped when we reached "SeaLine" Resort and while the drivers deflated our tires and got the vehicles ready, we spotted some "show" camels.

And my mom got to ride one for the first time.... :)

The actual ride is usually pretty enjoyable..as you can see, she's happy.

Getting off (and on) the camel is usually the trickiest part. The drop down pretty quicky and the angle is large. It almost takes you by surprise.

Now he's taking a break as he gave many camel rides.

Meanwhile Eric found a new friend (the camel)....and an old friend....

....none other than Hassan, our trusty driver from our first trip with Arabian Adventures. He wasn't driving today, he was patrolling the desert instead. He was happy to see us :)

Here we GOOOOOOO.......While Hassan was pretty gutsy, our driver this time impressed us with his driving skills too. We even went down one of the dunes backwards!!!

Break time!

Awww..my mom and Eric.

Trying to get some candids

This is for my dad...Pathfinder #1

It was a Pathfinder party!!

Seriously, this was nuts!

Inland Sea

Eric and my dad decided to make a mad dash to the top. By this point, it was getting pretty warm (95 - 100 degrees F). So, running on sand, with bare feet=not a good combination.

Break time!

This one is for you, JoAnn :)

Me and my one and only.

These are "Doha Tents"...at the Arabian Adventures headquarters. They brought us here at the end of the tour to have some refreshing beverages (soda and water) and to relax a bit.

They do have a pretty cool set up.

My mom trying the hookah/shisha.

All in all, my parents weren't too freaked out by the experience and are glad they were able to "bash the dunes" in Doha :)