From the Tolkien like landscapes of Limah, Mark and Mohamed have continued south, paddling into sea caves and exploring beach landing sites. Both were struck by the simple structures used to store water for the local goats, but also the birdlife these watering holes attracted. A kingfisher joined them followed by a small flock of sand grouse.

After crossing the border out of Oman and into the UAE and back into Oman again, the landscape has changed into flat fertile coastal plains. The coastline is now sandy and smooth, heavily populated with strings of forts and mosques lining the shore.

The team pass the port of Sohar, one of the largest in Oman and the alleged birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor. But local curiosity and hospitality mean they have had to abandon their beach campsites and find isolated campsites inland so they can rest and connect, undisturbed, with the educational groups around the world who are following the expedition.

Mohamed has gone back to his day job at Outward Bound Oman, so Mark is paddling solo at 6.5 km/h, he has had his first encounter with turtles and the highly venomous sea snakes.

The weather has enable Mark to make great progress, Muscat is only 5 days over the horizon and his wrist is getting stronger by the day.

Discover more about the expedition and track Mark at Oman 3165

The Oman 3165 podcast is produced by Adventurous Audio

Sandwich Tern recorded by David Darrell-Lambert and used with permission under Creative Commons licence