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| Geoff and Mussallem under a fig tree at Wadi Sayq |
During the Eid Al Fitr vacation break, Susan and I had a great time visiting the Dhofar province of southern Oman. Most noteable is the climatic and scenery difference of this specific area during the Khareef (southwest monsoon season) from early summer then extending into the early fall months. When the rest of the entire Arabic Peninsula is scorching hot, Salalah and Dhofar Mountains provide a cooler wet and tropical retreat from the harsh deserts and heat.
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| Wadi Sayq is one of canyons winding down to Khor Fut (possible Bountiful location) |
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| Slow down!....Dairy camels Xing |
The coastal mountains catch the monsoon's moisture creating vast areas of lush green tropical vegetation and fresh pastures for their camel, goat, and cattle livestock industry.
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| In this photo, Mussallem shows Susan how the frankencense sap is harvested the same today as it was in ancient times. |
Also due to the unique climate, the Dhofar mountains are home to many frankencense trees. In fact, the famous Frankencense Trail terminated at Khor Rori where marine traders would further the commerce to East Asia and Africa.
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| Khor Rori & ancient trading port of Sumharam (yet another possible location of Bountiful) |
Also of note, we visited several locations that LDS scholars believe could have been possible locations for Bountiful,
"because of its much fruit and also wild honey; and all these things were prepared of the Lord that we might not perish. An we beheld the sea, whewich we called Irreantum...." (1 Nephi 17:5).
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| Truly a "land of much fruit and also wild honey" |
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| Yet another wadi and khor....that meets the description of Bountiful |
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| What's on the BBQ? Camel or Goat? |
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| Susan negotiating for some grilled goat. |
The coastal mountains catch the monsoon's moisture creating vast areas of lush green tropical vegetation and fresh pastures for their camel, goat, and cattle livestock industry.
