The optional alternative for death defying decisions

The band of brothers, adrenaline thirsty rangers riding together on the vast highway to Bani Awf, Oman. Sharing stories, describing moments and discussing unearthly events. The cool breeze skimming through our hair, and black clouds glooming in the distance, we’ve been warned about upcoming thunderstorms, and others -who possessed the wits- backed down and stayed in Dubai.

It was an unexpected storm, surprisingly fast moving and carrying nothing but adventure. We hit Snake Canyon, the big one, steady fast steps. A splash in the water broke the serenity of the canyon’s silence, four adventurers soared with Toufic trying to impress the Canyon’s Mermaids with his incredible signature: The Eagle Dive.

After multiple dips and swims, we arrived to the big 30 meters Pitch. “ROOOOOOPE”, and it went whipping the air until it found rest on the rock underneath.

Once on the rock a bet was set: Toufic was to do a backflip from the rock and dive into the pool below us. Extremely unsafe due to the rock formation, legs spinning cutting the void as well as the calm surface. We’ve got a touch down!

A piece of cake, then I jumped as if I was going to eat a piece of cake, instead my jaws bit the cold water below. After some screams and some good heartfelt words, we moved on.

*Yeeehaa, I can ride a rodeo!

We managed to cut through the canyon in an incredible timing: two hours and a half. (Usually it takes four to six hours).

Lunch was served. The refreshed Gonzos were ready for the next challenge: the Via Ferrata, which is declared unsafe and closed a couple years ago.

The march started roughly 200 meters above the canyon below. We rigged the first zip line, despite the metal bar used to lock the maze. The risk induced adventure began. Zip, Zip, Zip, Zip, everyone arrived to the other side. Traversed on the edge hanging of nothing but metal wires rigged into rusty 20 -something- years bolts.

After traversing four breathtaking zip lines, 200 meters above ground, and with occasional water drops here and there, the wind was picking up just before hitting the monkey bridge making the steel pods wet and slippery.

A bit of climbing we reached the monkey bridge. I started traversing and mid-way the wind was pushing me to the limits, this only meant one thing: LAUGHING in the face of it and posing for the camera! Cause who cares if you fall? But a nice photogenic picture is a must! I must thank the rain for washing the sweat of a tired face.

On the next day, we went to the majestic Wadi Dumm and went through the canyon with more intense and nerve testing jumps.

*Do You Dare?

 

*Cause we do

And by the way, some of the bolts on the Via Ferrata came off. Therefore, I highly advise against using and loading the bolts. In other words, I advise to keep your hands off of it in order not to live the rest of your life in a box. That being said have An (somewhat safe) Everlasting Adventure!

PS: Check the video for the Via Ferrata which is available on the blog!

(https://senseofgonzo.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/the-infamous-via-ferrata-snake-canyon-bani-awf-oman/)

And this one for Snake Canyon:

(https://senseofgonzo.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/the-art-of-dipping-canyoning-in-the-infamous-snake-canyon-gorge/)

*It’s not very cheerful to swim with ropes and bags

*Toufic is generally shy from cameras

*The cave in Snake Canyon

*Man is a disease

*Pretty peaceful, right?

*The serenity of Wadi Dumm pools

*Karate Kid

*The face of achievement