Ouirgane

Got up had an excellent breakfast in the Riad (Atlas toubal - recommended !) leisurely day as we only had 30k to ride to the next stop. Not ideal as tomorrow will be 114k but closest we could do with the accommodation!. And a nice easy day for Andrew’s birthday!

First though using local knowledge from the Riad we went off in search of the illusive Imlil waterfall which was in the opposite direction to the google maps version! One wonders whether the locals haven’t deliberately marked it in the wrong place so you need to pay a guide!! Not signposted at all either!

Anyway we found it passing about 20 shops on the way in the forest and steep climb up. “We’ll sell you something on the way down” came the cry.

We covered the 30k in about an hour losing all the height we had gained but great fun even racing some locals at one point! Arrived at the Gite du lac in Ouirgane around 12.00. Very welcoming and a lovely Gite cool inside partially because it’s totally tiled!

Looking forward to a cool bathing experience we headed to the “lake” but we’re dismayed by the “natation interdite” signs. When we go to the hydroelectric dam we could see why! Ate our lunch by the “whatever” anyway in the shade of a tree. After many mint teas (this place is great for “stoptober”!!) we set off into the village for an explore.

In the centre of the village we “bumped” into a very friendly guy who had stalked us from the Gite. Practicing (NOT) what he preached the day before we went on a unofficial tour (and undeclared/ required ) of the surrounding countryside with Mohammed and Andrew chatting away. I followed not to close behind trying not to get drawn in, but after about 20 mins it’s was obvious we were being guided and Mohammed wasn’t going anywhere without us! Andrew said we’d gone far enough, shook hands , I say “shook” but it was more karate chop on his behalf. He declared that he wasn’t going anywhere except guiding and and walked back in virtual silence. I felt sorry for him so engaged him in a bit of chit chat! Turns out he knew exactly where our Gite was and sat down outside the cafe whilst I retired to our room leaving Andrew to to give him the bad news!

Eventually I got an all clear text and ventured out to find my tea being drunk by Andrews latest adopted 3 year old grandson!

Finished the Day with a tasty Moroccan couscous followed by birthday cake for Andrew!Read more