We walked into Midelt this morning armed with shopping bags to stock up on fruit and vegetables at the local Marjane supermarket. Probably should have gone to the daily fruit and vegetable market, but at least we have some idea how much things cost now so we’ll do that next time.
As we approached the entrance, two local women stood gossiping outside and one just stuck her hand out for money automatically as we passed by ..so weird, it was like something that must be done if a westerner walks by.
Our charitable act today was a bag of food for the starving dogs we keep encountering. At about £5 it was the most expensive item of our £16 shop!
We set off in a southerly direction late morning on a big wide main road with tarmac! How lucky Guy was feeling after yesterday, but we did hit quite a few ‘deviations’ due to roadworks.
The scenery immediately became desert like and clouds of dust whipped up across the road.
Stopped for lunch in a lay-by at the side of the river Ziz which was almost dry in that section, then we carried on through the small Zabel Tunnel which was built in the late 1920’s by the French Foreign Legion.
Rock was in the way of a very important new road being constructed between Midelt and Errichidia. Apparently, the tunnel was pierced in six months by forty legionnaires. They were ‘ard then!
We parked up and went to try and read the inscriptions on the wall, but then realised that the three lads sat on rocks opposite the lay-by were waiting to pounce when we returned. Straw camels or fossils for sale this time. They appear out of nowhere 🤣
Now at Camping Jurassique, which is set in the middle of the gorge with huge red rocks all around. The owner laughed at the state of our van – it being covered in red mud from yesterday, so we asked him if we could wash it. Surprisingly, he said “Yes, of course”. This was all highly entertaining for any passers by.
At about £5 for the night with electricity and water (and chance to wash the van) it’s an absolute bargain.
