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2008-11-21: Al Kharrara Before the Rains


Trip Report: Al Kharrara Before the Rains

From Nadeera Rangika: Carpooling is definitely a great idea, and it's definitely the best way to make new friends. I had Joanne, Denise and Bruce with me and I was just blessed to have them on that day. Now we have plans of meeting up again, maybe before the next Ramble. If not for the car pooling, I'd not have had the chance to get to know such nice people.

Where’s a Herpetoligist when you Need One?
Race Track
Note the Small Holes on the Stamens
Race Track
The Flower that Got Away was This Big
Race Track
Renée, Happy in Heaven
Race Track
Note the Antproof Above-Ground Seed Bank
Race Track
It's
NOTmud, it's an Algal Mat!
Race Track

From David Mundie:

Once again turnout was excellent, and we survived the perils of Salwa Road unscathed. Renee was her usual inspirational self.

Michael and Shirley Lament
the Familiar Chat that Wasn’t
Race Track
Nadeera Strives to Keep Her Lead
in the Rambling Photo Competition
Race Track
Macrophotography is a Must
for Qatar’s Xerophilic Plants
Race Track
“No, really, It’s Not the Shade,
it’s the Tamarix macrocarpa”
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“When it Germinates, it will
be Just About This Big”
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A Scene from Antonioni’s Lost Masterpiece:
The Red Kharrara Desert
Race Track


Ramble 2008-11-21: Al Kharara Before the Rains

Information

Date: 2008-11-21

Time: 07:30. This is a longer ramble than usual.

Venue: The heavenly hills of Al Kharara. Coordinates: 51.15, 24.9.

Ramble Time: About three hours. Expected time back in Doha is 12:30.

What to expect: Dry, shriveled-up vegetation after a year with no water. Or, in Renee’s words:

Zygophyllum qatarense, Anastatica hierochuntica, Lycium shawii (which should be flowering and fruiting) Fagonia species, Aerva Javanica (may be flowering and fruiting), Sclerocephalus arabicus (seeds), Tamarix macrocarpa (may be flowering and fruiting), Neurada procumbens (seeds). These are the things that just come off the top of my head. I expect many others.

This is the first of two rambles examining the effects of rain on the xerophyllic vegetation in Qatar.

Meeting Place: East end of Villagio carpark.

Vehicles: Four-wheel drive is necessary for the last few kilometers. There are always extra places if you don't have a 4wd car.

Requirements: The usual: snacks, sunscreen, hat. Bring binoculars if you have them.

FAQ: Should I memorize a list of xerophilic species ahead of time? No. Instead, rely on Renee’s expertise to enlighten us.

Rules: For the enjoyment of the group as a whole, please, no dogs and no small children.

Leader: Renee Richer (mobile: TBD)