'Routes in Arabia' [‎481] (514/852)

481
Route' No. 128 (6)— contd.
At m. 11, he road passes through well-wooded country
and up a stony, difficult rise on top of which is a shelter for
travellers close to the right of the track. From here a descent
is made into a hollow encircled by low hills, on one of which
stands Idz post (upper and lower positions) to the left of the
road and 300 fcet above it. At the foot of this hill to the right
of the road is the coffee house and hamlet of Idz at m. 12, 5,000
above sea level. Idz hill is difficult of access save by a footpath
that zigzags up from the direction of the settlement where there
is a moderate supply of grain and fodder. Water is supplied
from a white concrete-covered spring fitted with troughs for
animals.
Leaving Idz hollow up the rise of Xajd-ar-Rahi, the road
enters more hilly country at m. 13, still running east, and
at m. 14 passes the small post of Bait-ar-Rabh to the right
of the track which half circles round the small hill on which the
post stands. At m. 17 another of these white-domed springs is
passed but this is dry. Past this point the road enters a narrow
well-bushed gorge winding between 50 feet rock walls and emer
ges at m. 17i.
The road now turns north-east and ascends a long rise drop
ping down to the caravanserai A roadside inn providing accommodation for caravans (groups of travellers). of Mafhaqa at m. 20 close on the
left. High on the right, on the summit of a steep 500-fect
kopje, stands the important fortress of Mafhaoa dominating a hill-
enclosed amphitheatre round which the road winds, being com
manded for some 2 miles at ranges varying between 500 and 1,000
yards. The position is enclosed within a perimeter wall with
flanking towers. There are said to be ancient rock-hewn tanks
for storing water, relics of Himyarite times and still effective.
East of and below this position on an isolated col is the
Hukumah and Telegraph Office. A small observation post
(Gendarmerie) is perched on a hill 1,000 yards south of the fort.
From here the road turns north-north-east, steeply winding up
ever-increasing gradients among the foothills of the main range.
^ At m. 25 the route circles round a tall pinnacle on which
stands a rough stone observation post 150 feet above and to the
right of the road. This is manned by Gendarmerie, who shout
down questions to passers-by and five if the replies are not prompt
or satisfactory.