Up early ..something to do with the altitude we think.
Guy checked the tyres first thing, as yesterday, when we returned from our walk, two young lads were hanging around the van. We think they let a load of air out of one of the tyres as the sensor went off when we left. Guy used the foot pump to bring it back up to pressure and three different vehicles stopped to see if we needed a compressor. Think the scam was, man turns up with compressor then charges you for the privilege.
The kids here, usually lads between the ages of 2 and 12 are a flipping nightmare, as today’s events proved.
We continued our journey north this morning over the Tizi n’ Tigherhouzine ( 2706m) up to one of Morocco’s highest village – Agoudal.
Lots of very nice, friendly waves along the way from old and young alike. We then turned south towards the Dadès Gorge, over the Tizi n’Ouano (2750m).
The scenery was utterly spectacular – indescribable really, as we’ve never seen anything like it. The mountains look like they’ve had swirls painted on them or even had mud poured over and it’s dried in layers.
The main road however, was neither main nor road at times, but the gravel stretches were manageable unless we were approaching a town. Each town and village has been a nightmare with kids with attitude begging and trying to stop the van. Although there were some clearly poor areas, with women washing their clothes in a river, none of these lads looked like they were starving.
They shout to each other to warn of an approaching tourist then all try and block the road.
The worst occurred when they carried rocks and stones into the road to try and block the way, then at the last minute, ran out and removed them with a flourish ..as if to say ‘look what we’ve done for you’.
It’s really sad as a lot of children are happy to wave to you and we always wave back but there’s a real epidemic of begging for entertainment and I think it can only get worse.
Overall though, we’ve seen some amazing stuff today and when we finally reached the Dadès Gorge, we squeezed through the narrowest bit and then stopped for tea at a cafe overlooking the hairpin bends down below.
Retraced our steps slightly to get to the much recommended Amana Maktoub Camping. Such a colourful place with seating areas everywhere. Park where you like, mint tea on arrival. We decided to order Tagine as there’s not a lot left in the fridge. It was brought to our door still sizzling along with a huge basket of bread and was delicious.
I reckon tonight’s camping will be about £18 including dinner and tea for two.
Think the Caravan Club’s snobby £50 per night site in Abbey Wood could learn a thing or two from this place. 🤣
