Snoopy Island

The Innis family were superb hosts, suggesting places in the United Arab Emirates to visit that we hadn't even known about much less considered.  We wanted to visit the beach, since this time of year is perfect weather for it, but we didn't know how great of a trip we had in store.  

Fujairah is one of the 7 emirates of the U.A.E. and located on the eastern coast.  It lies on the Gulf of Oman.  The emirate is very mountainous, and looks a lot like areas of southern Utah's more mountainous desert landscape.  We went specifically to the beach by Snoopy Island, named because it looks like Snoopy lying on his back (as he does on top of his dog house).

Although I have been scuba certified since 2001, I have never had a really open water dive let alone snorkelled anywhere with real flora & fauna to look at.  This was my opportunity.  The Innis' have a sea kayak, which we paddled out to the island, not far from the shore.  The tide was low, and the water was clear, so every thing was very close in sight.  I couldn't have imagined that I would see anenomes & clown fish, parrot fish,  angel fish, tangs, a reef shark (though I only caught sight of the tail) and a sea turtle.  It was amazing, especially for a first snorkel.  I may never be able to snorkel anywhere again because it was so great.  I realized I didn't take very many pictures, and those I did are of the kids.

Outside of snorkelling, it was nice to relax on the beach.  The kids loved the sand.

Leoni got to try drinking from a coconut

(so did Burke, but he must not have liked it as much)

Burying each other in the sand

Being entertained by those "smart" enough to drive in VERY soft deep sand

(This is after the SUV tried to help a friend get out and got stuck itself.  They finally recruited a bulldozer.)

Kicking our feet up

Eating S'mores

Being silly in the gas station window

It was well worth the drive and a wonderful memory.