Saturday, May 31, 2014

A fearless expedition to Lulu Island


After nine months of yammering about buying a kayak, we took the plunge, with a used inflatable kayak on Dubizzle (the Craigslist of the middle east, minus the racier sections).  We can't wait to explore all of the mangroves, inlets, and islands suggested by terrific sites like this one.  But we wanted something less ambitious to start with. 

And so we set out for Lulu. Lulu island is a long man-made piece of land directly across from Abu Dhabi's downtown, and is only accessible by boat.  For a few years, there were restaurants and talk of serious development (not a unique story).  But now it lies empty, with big red dunes and rows of palm trees.  

The set-up took a bit longer than expected...


...but eventually we figured things out.


Margaret is ready to launch, and hoping that the thousands of little fish don't nibble her toes before safely in the boat.


After a half hour of rowing (and looking neurotically every time we heard a motor boat) we made it to our destination.


We discovered some creatures hiding under rocks.


And made it back in time for a dip in the gulf!


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