Flowers on Mars

24th April

And it feels like we landed there today! We decided to leave Tiznit for a couple of days while we wait for my second dental appointment on Friday and the destination is Tafraoute, high in the Anti Atlas mountains. The journey is not without incident as a loose temperature gauge wire causes us to imagine the worst , only to find the problem and carry on this epic ascent. The van goes well and I solder the wire on arrival. The route meantime, takes us through landscapes from Mars, wild and desolate places to us but no doubt home to those who live here.

The ascent was as thrilling as you could want

The road to Mars!

well done that van

It's very warm and dry here!

Dinosaurs come here to rest

A bleak and formidable landscape

classic mountain village

The journey takes our breath away! We pass between the two sleeping dinosaurs over a Tizi, a pass, and drop down into the valley below. A hair raising drive but with good brakes, steady nerves and our Jon leading the way

We 'land' safely into this fairy tale landscape, where two years ago we came with Jaimie for Christmas.

It was wet then and it couldn't be any more different this time. The Almond trees are dying due to lack of rain.

We find the campsite and settle in to this 'cauldron' of heat, Phew it's warm! But oh so beautiful

We walk into town and buy Tafaoute babouches from the same shop as two years ago. They are known all over Morocco for the quality and price, seven pounds gets you a great pair of shoes.
We have a coffee in a familiar cafe and are remembered form our last visit, which is nice. The souk is in full flow so we have to wander a bit. In spite of the nasty cold I have, we enjoy the return trip even if it's only for a couple of days.

Krysia shows off her yellow babouches

Now is that the tea pot for me?

Well they are nice shoes!

So it's back to the van for a barby under the stars and if only I could stop sneezing. Stop attention seeking will you Ted!
Hope you all sleep well
The Berber Beynons
xxx