Formidable Morocco
On my third trip, Morocco is proudly revealed a progressive Muslim country by my guide and companion Kalif. With a mixture of humour and curiosity Kalif asks more questions than we do. Camel wifi is on the way was the joke as we left the noise of Marekesh for the Sahara. We pass through checkpoints and smartly dress policeman as we hit a sandstorm.
The silence in the Sahara is deafening. A flock of birds flies over which sounds like an aircraft engine. Once alone there is a feeling of familiarity in the desert like a beach trip in the Uk crossed with the rolling hills of Derbyshire. Next the drive to the Atlas Mountains, Formidable by Stromae playing over the Radio, everyone sings along.
The breathlessness in the Atlas Mountains is made even more difficult in winter conditions. The proud cook at the refuge provides a constant supply of superb meals as a counter balance! Wood burning stove warmth and conversation with German ski mountaineers the ideal preparation for the tomorrows climb. The starry start to the summit of Toubkal, its all over by 9am but then the endless downhill....
