Today we had an even earlier start with a 7 o'clock pick-up. Not for golf this time, but for a tour out across the Atlas Mountains and into the 'pre-Sahara'. It was cloudy when we left and as we climbed up the mountains we went into the clouds, which rather spoils the views. However, when we got near to the top of the pass (at some 7,300 feet), we spotted some blue sky and the clouds parted as we drove on.
We were treated to some wonderful views of the mountains and valleys and of the Berber villages.
We stopped off to visit a Kasbah (castle) which looked shabby from the outside and, indeed, from the inner courtyard. When we climbed to a higher level, there were some wonderfully tiled rooms, with Moorish doors and views out over the village.
Then on to a village down the valley where we lunched in a local cafe with views of one of the first stopping points for caravans leaving the Sahara on their way to Marrakech and on to the coast. After lunch we visited the old town, across the river. This was a walled town on a river which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has been used as the backdrop in many films from Lawrence of Arabia in 1961 to Game of Thrones in 2012 (with lots in between).
Then on through more eye opening scenery given that the rocks have been lifted up by Earth movement and weathered by downpours and meltwater off the mountains.
Once back on the main road it was back to our hotel to arrive as darkness was falling for a shower and a welcome glass!
No comments:
Post a Comment