#2: [14-Mar-02]

#4: [16-May-03]

21-Nov-2001 -- Now, after the second attempt to reach 25N 46E we would like to report from our missions. The Confluence is not far away from the capital Riyāḍ in north-west direction and on the map we have, it looks like a rather easy one.

Wrong thinking from us. Our first approach was from the eastern side via al-Wuṣayl towards al-Jubayla and Ḥuraymilā to access the Confluence, because the point is right on top of the large Ṭuwayq (escarpment) which expands from north-east to south-west of the peninsula.

If one has a look on the geological map of Saudi Arabia, one can see that this escarpment is cut in by numerous wādiys (valleys) from the eastern side, but shows a steep cliff face on the western side.

We tried to reach the point through such a valley, unfortunately nowadays those valleys are very often blocked by concrete blocks similar to tank barriers, which doesn't give us any chance to bypass.

So, we returned in hope of another attempt from the west side. That was done some weeks later, because in visiting the 25N 45E we bypassed that area and for me it was worth a try because my estimations gave some hope to reach the point. So, we went off the highway in direction of Jidda, down the escarpment and headed right via Ḍurmā to Barra. Here we left the road and guided by our GPS we zigzagged north-eastwards to the cliff. The excitement went up, we came closer and closer.

Finally... end of the track, right in front of the huge cliff. We were as close as 600 meters, but not closer to come. So, we went further up a valley in order to see whether there is a path to climb up and to access the point by feet... no chance.

A little bit sad we gathered for a nice picnic and headed back at the late afternoon.