Snappling
Last month we, my husband and my 2 children Dudu (8) and Duva (5) went for a real adventure experience. Nature Travel wants to introduce an adventure of rock climbing to the region and in the Sinai we have beautiful places that invite rock climbing.
Naturally Gasser wanted to have a first hand respond from his family. So, accompanied by our professional guide and friend Sam we drove out into the desert by jeep all excited about what this would be like. About 15 km south of Nuweiba we left the asphalt road and drove towards Bir Zrair, a Bedouin settlement. A few km before the settlement we turned into Wadi al Sid which provides perfect conditions for a snappling tour. The Wadi ends in a gap of about 10 meters.
We left the car and Sam gave us an introduction. “It is like swimming” , he said. “Lay back, the rope will hold you. Have confidence. Put your legs on the rock, and be sure that you have a good hold. Move down step by step but don’t look down.
We were all excited. Gasser was the first one to go. He connected the belt and the rope and put on a safety hat to protect against small loose stones that might fall while climbing down. With a loud good bye and a big smile, Gasser let himself down and slowly descended step by step, while we were watching and shouting and laughing. Then it was Dudu’s turn. As a young boy fond of the mountains and outdoor living he had no problems, though my heart was pumping watching him descending easily.
Duva refused. Sam brought a huge basket for Duva to sit in while we pushed the basket over the edge. With loud laughter and happy screaming Duva made his way downwards.
Then it was my turn. Connected to the rope I moved my leg over the edge searching for a hold on the flat rock. Then slowling moving my other leg downwards until I found a small crack for support I began the descent. This was the most difficult part. Under the guidance of Sam I relaxed my body as if I was swimming and let my legs do the work, not looking down nor up, just concentrating on the rock in front of me. Each step seemed to be easier and my self confidence rose. When my feet reached safe ground I was happy and proud to have mastered my first rock climbing experience.
At the end of the tour, which took about 5 hours, we enjoyed a picknick of fresh bread baked in the campfire and tea and headed back to the car driving to the beautiful bay of Ras Abu Galloum where we spend the night under a million stars.