Leaving Dahab it was a whistle-stop back through Jordon (just a day spent here in Aqaba) and then across the border into Syria. Four nights in Syria, taking in Palmyra, which is worth a stop not least for the play of the sun across the desert and ruins when viewed from the amazing crusader citadel. Then a series of rough camps all the way back into Turkey to the Iranian border. Highlights along the way included:

A swim in the dead sea, which despite knowing exactly what to expect will, I think, remain one of the wierdest experiences of my life, some amazing rough camping and scenery through the remains of the Syrian desert and into the greener north. Camps through Turkey including 2 different Mt Nemruts one of which sports some amazing carvings of stone heads. On to Lake Van, where we spent a wonderful afternoon boating to an island, chatting with locals and then relaxing in a rather pleasant Hamam. A whistle-stop indeed, and a pleasant prelude to the crossing into Persia...