In the sequel to our exploration of Yiqa's wadi, embarking from the serene Aaqabal al Mashbek, we delved into the wonders of wadi Taysaa, commencing our adventure from the picturesque village of Jamma nestled at the canyon's edge.
On a tranquil Friday morning, my companion Rigel and I set forth, traversing the dusty path to Jamma for a day filled with new discoveries. The journey took us approximately one and a half hours, culminating at the village's quiet, still heart around 8 am.
The village, seemingly asleep, offered no signs of life as we prepared for our exploratory trek, laden with backpacks stocked with sustenance to endure the unfolding expedition.
Our sojourn through the Wadi bed initially revealed a parched landscape, with a discernible goat trail guiding us amidst the towering boulders. The canyon greeted us with expansive vistas, its wide expanse flanked by towering cliffs.
As we progressed, colossal ziziphus spina-christi trees, known as sidr in Arabic, adorned the path, promising the allure of Oman's finest honey during the blooming season from September to October.
Around two hours into our trek, the canyon narrowed, revealing ancient petroglyphs etched on the rock faces—a testament to the region's rich history featuring horse riders and warriors brandishing bows and swords.
Venturing further, we encountered a pool, marking a point where the canyon constricted, compelling us to wade through its waters to proceed upstream. A brief solo venture beyond the pool led me to a small waterfall, halting my progress.
Rejoining Rigel, we retraced our steps, pausing for a riverside lunch beneath the shade of a majestic 'sidr' tree. During this peaceful interlude, we encountered Sultan, a curious local resident of Jamma.
Intrigued by our presence, Sultan offered insights into the challenges of navigating Taysaa's wadi bed. He proposed an alternative route from the mountainsides, graciously offering to guide our future return journey.
As we walked back to Jamma, Sultan shared the story of a lush green spot, a family farm called Zheyrat, visible on satellite images, accessible by a donkey trail requiring a 14-hour trek from Jamma.
Upon reaching Sultan's home, his father, Majid, warmly welcomed us. Expressing gratitude for our exploration, Majid envisioned our experiences showcasing Oman's beauty to the world, anticipating a future influx of tourists.
In a gesture of Omani hospitality, coffee, dates, and fruits were generously served before we commenced our journey back to Muscat. Promising Sultan a future call for assistance with donkeys when returning with French canyoning enthusiasts, we bid farewell to Jamma, leaving the promise of further exploration hanging in the air.
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