Thursday 19 February 2015

It rained most of the night but surprisingly the site wasn't too muddy when we got up. But we’re not staying so pack up and away quite quickly, not ever actually being sure where we were in relation to the town itself. Not an inspiring place and even the film studios appeared to be run down and poorly visited.

Roundabout art - film themed

Studios seemed somewhat run down

A fort film-set seen in the distance

Our route to Marrakech took us once more on the busy main road which had to cross the 7000ft high Tizi n Tichka Pass (Pass of the High Meadow). So after refuelling we joined the trucks and buses on the tortuous two-lane road and the going became s l o w. This area is rife with mineral deposits and many roadside stalls were selling fossils and rocks containing several types of gemstones. Also at every possible stopping point, as we found out when trying to stop for lunch, a Berber Arab would pop up out of nowhere thrusting one of these rocks in your face and demanding 300 dirhams. They were attractive but not £25 attractive.

Just past the top we came on a traffic jam the reason for which showed how careful you need to be on these roads. This guy got wiped out by a bus, fortunately not suffering any serious injury as far as we could tell.

Oops! - Lucky

The resultant traffic jam

Once we were clear of the resultant chaos – all the truck drivers decided now was a suitable time for daily prayers and abandoned their vehicles on the road – we found a place to stop for lunch and remained relatively unmolested, just one old lady collecting herbs. Then continuing down the mountain through still spectacular scenery, we eventually came out onto the plains towards Marrakech.

Needing to top up supplies quite badly by now, our first call was at the Marjane supermarket for an hour – at last, back to civilisation! Then on to Camping Ferdaous where we stopped last year and felt was nicer than Relais which we used on the way south. A welcome cuppa then steak for tea.

It’s been a long and tiring day although one which will stick in our memories.