On my visit to Jordan, I rented a small compact car for two weeks. After my visit to the Dead Sea, my next destination was the ancient ruins of Petra. What I didn't realize at the time, this drive along the Dead Sea and over the mountains was going to be the most memorable part of this trip. I've said before, often the journey is more memorable than the destination. I think that is because I have high expectations of the attraction at the end, so it can only disappoint. But, with no expectations of the journey, it can only impress.
I was a bit worried about my small compact. These cars can have very small engines in them. I remembered a car I rented in Thailand once, and it was unable to make a steep mountain climb. I had to back down until I found a turnout to turn around. With that memory in mind, I was a bit apprehensive to take the mountain road, but the lure of adventure was too much. Go for it!
I ended up having no issues and was rewarded for my decision:
I had just completed an amazing drive along the Dead Sea as posted here:
Having views like this, I didn't think it could improve from here:
There are not a lot of major throughways in Jordan. I could have taken a longer route and avoided this steep climb, but I'm glad I didn't:
This was one desolate drive! I thought I would see more traffic than I did since there are so few roads in this area of Jordan. Occasionally a local would drive by, but very few. And where are the tourists? I mean, the Dead Sea and Petra are the main attractions, and this road links the two. It was quite a nice surprise to enjoy this drive mostly to myself.
The road was in great shape. That was a concern of mine before I started, but it was unfounded.
I realize to many this may not look like much. But being in it was a bit surreal. It really seemed like being on another planet.
This was not an area I would have wanted car trouble (ok, I really don't want it anywhere). There was no cell phone coverage if you had a breakdown and waiting for help would likely consume your day.
These are the rare moments in travel when you feel you've got something special to yourself.
But not quite to myself. I saw this lonely cowboy from a distance. How ambitious to scale that rocky dune!
I finally reached an elevation where I actually found snow! Who knew there was snow in the middle eastern country of Jordan?
At this altitude it got a bit mystic. Being a cloud walker gives a new perspective.
These are the moments I travel for. To be surprised by the unexpected. To start my day with little expectations and then be hit by a huge wow factor. That was this day in Jordan. The most memorable of the three plus weeks I was there.
Some last videos if you care to watch:
Good point about the green backs bur reading in your previous posts. You don't like to part with your money
While reading this story I thought this was the last blog. I was waiting for a single shot from a rifle. Glad this did not happen. The mountains with the backdrop of the Dead sea was amazing