Walking in Toubkal National Park

I shared a room with Kim as there weren't enough rooms for the couples to be together and leave Kim and Wen separate rooms. Not very good organisation!
It took me a while to get to sleep but then I slept well. We had ro be up for breakfast at 6 30 and to set off on a walk at 7.
It was cool but not cold as we set off in the shade of the mountains. The highest mountain in Morocco Toubkal was just up the valley. It is a 2 day hike to climb it.
We were to walk up to a Muslim shrine about an hour and a half walk away. The path was up the dry river valley and then gently making our way slowly up the zigzag path. We passed a couple of stations on the way where there was a building or a cafe, all was quite and there weren't many people about.
It was a steady climb but not difficult, the sun soon started to work its way into the valley.
The shrine was a big painted rock with a building by it. Non Muslims weren't allowed to go inside. There were two flags a green one representing nature and a white one for peace.
There was also a waterfall nearby.
We looked around for a short time and then began the descent back the way we had come. It was much busier now with people and heavily laden mules coming up in a steady stream. As we got lower there were lots of people who looked like they were off to climb the mountain.
The sun had chased the shade away and it was lovely and warm by now.

Making our way back to the hostel to catch up with some who had chosen to stay.

Early lunch was tasty, eggs and tomatoes and onion cooked in a tagine and lentils.

We had to walk back to the hotel that we had left iur bags in. It seemed much longer and more complicated than when we had walked it the previous day.

M and David were leaving us to go home as M-s mum wasn't well. It was sad to see them go.

We now had another 4 to 5 hour journey in thr minibus to Essaouira on the coast. Stopping at an Argan producing place on the way. We were all tired and it seemed a very long way.
The mountains eventually gave way to miles and miles of flat plains with numerous olive trees planted in a more orderly fashion than previously. The road through the mountains was excruciatingly bendy with bend aft bend for what seemed hours. Muhammad is an excellent driver and made it as comfortable as possible. I was glad to be sitting in the front though.

Argan oil comes from nuts of a grayish green tree, only grown in the area we were passing through. The oil is used for cooking but not frying as it is a delicate oil.
It's main use is in beauty and hair care. I had wanted some before we came away for my hair. So we brought a bottle.

Eventually reaching Essaouira where we said goodbye to Muhammad.

Our bags were taken in a hand cart as no cars are permitted in the narrow streets.

We went to a seafood restaurant and had a table on the top floor. The menu was good with all sorts of fish. Far more choices than in the UK. I chose John Dory which was very nice, we shared a goats cheese salad to start, it was delicious with walnuts and honey.
The meal l was good and we had some alcohol, James shared some white wine with Sean and Bridget. An African group came in a little after us and began to play around a table in the next room. That was great and very energetic but then they climbed onto the stage behind our table, it was sjust to loud and we couldn't talk. It was a shame as otherwise it was a lovely evening. Mo had organised a Birthday cake for Bridget who's Birthday it is tomorrow.Читать далее