Long day driving today and foggy for most of it!
The drive back down to Marrakesh seemed more scenic this morning than the drive up yesterday…well, until the fog appeared at least.
Looked like they’d had some rain in the city which I think is always a blessing.
Circled around the top of Marrakesh and after a big stretch of roadworks, we had a nice section of motorway that was virtually empty. Toll road though, cost erm …£1.28!! A similar section in France would have been about £30.
The scenery was ever changing yet again. Going from flat and barren to green fields, then we had a section of odd looking pointy rocks – like something off the Isle of Skye!
Found parking at the back of a garage for lunch and Guy went to investigate the huge car washing bay. Had to entrust this job to the man – there was no way he’d let us loose with his precious jet wash. He did a careful and very thorough job though for about £10. We couldn’t believe the amount of red sand still coming out of the grooves.
We’d hoped to get to Oualidia on the coast but we’d had enough by the time we reached Safi. The only suitable parking was just outside the town on a hill. An old campsite that’s no longer in use ..but actually is! Very weird. Behind gates that look like they’re locked but aren’t. An army guard lets you in, but it also has a guardian who collects money later. It’s all very secure and fine for us.
Walked down into the town and around the crumbling Dar el Bahar, a remnant of the Portuguese occupation in the 16th century.
There’s a nice paved promenade above the sea and we walked up to the Corniche, then back down and into the walled medina. Couldn’t find any vegetables today though.
Seems a very friendly town and several people said ‘welcome to Safi’. I think we were the only tourists in town today. It was a long walk back up the hill to the camping but we’ve now got Mini Magnums in the freezer – it’s a good incentive.
