2014 - MOROCCO .. All posts here now please..

[Ambilkate]

Tomorrow is going to be interesting......33 of us will be 'meeting' in the Ferry Bar area while crossing to Tanger, Morocco.

WOW 33 FUNSTERS :thumb: SAFE TRAVELSriving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:riving2:

 

[AlanVal]

We are at Taghazout on the guarded aire it is so busy never seen so many vans.. Camp site full we walked round it yesterday lovely site we were impressed after seeing some of the maroc sites. Quite a lot of brits here now......

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

The road south

We set off from the sodden camp site in Kenitra this morning and headed south in full sun.

Cathryn was on a mission and I was under instructions to stop at every Marjane we came across. In fact it was only at the second, on the outskirts of Rabat, that she ran back out to inform us that she had found her quarry. On hearing her triumphant news all four of us entered the store with great haste and were soon the owners of ---------- not one but two very smart, lightweight, low consumption electric washing machines - What Joy.

Then back on the road and the long run to Marrakech. To be fair it is a good road particularly when you get clear of Casablanca.

The highlight was coming over the summit of a low hill, to see in the far distance the snow capped peaks of the High Atlas. Thankfully Marrakech is to the north of those big bumpys and it wasn't long before we slowed down for the inevitable police checks. There were at least half a dozen on our road into town but our hearts were beating fast just with the thrill of being back in this phenomenal city.

One miniscule snaggette occurred just before we got to the centre. Emily our sat-nav threw a wobbly and quite deliberately and I am convinced with a certain amount of malice directed us off the major thoroughfare into the local veg market. Now I am not one to moan. OK I do moan quite a bit but there was barely room for bicycles. hand-carts and Dockers. It was a bloody nightmare. I edged forward in the wake of a lad with a barrow along the ever narrowing street. I swear if I had opened the window I could have filled the van with fruit just by breathing in. As we moved further on it appeared that the street was a dead end. Shi---t but just at the last minute first one kindly chap then another moved their stalls to one side and with a bit of a nine point turn I was pointed in the opposite direction. The local populace just smiled knowingly as if every other day some nutty motorhomer does the self same thing. In no time at all we were back on the right route - mind you no apology from Emily the stuck up cow.

We found our way to the turn off to the road along the back of the Mosque to the parking area where we were going to stay. A cheeky bugger on a phut phut rode in front of us and held us up while he directed another van in front of us. He then sped off in front and proudly indicated to the attendant that he had brought THREE punters and proceeded to argue about a bit of dropsy for himself. Following a bit of argey-bargey the attendant indicated he should sling his hook. We entered the site and parked up when low and behold the aforementioned 'Mr C Bugger' comes along with his hand out expecting a gratuity. My second word was off.

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

We are at Taghazout on the guarded aire it is so busy never seen so many vans.. Camp site full we walked round it yesterday lovely site we were impressed after seeing some of the maroc sites. Quite a lot of brits here now......

We hope to be there late tomorrow. Looking forward to meeting up. :thumb::thumb:

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Night time in Marrakech

It did not take us long to get ready for our walk into the square. As we arrived the metamorphosis from day to night was well under way. The market stalls had gone and the food stalls were being erected. The term food stalls does not really do them justice. Imagine large wheeled market barrows (Eastenders like) and then think of everything that goes to make a restaurant piled on top of them. Frames to support the roof, tarpaulins to make the roof, trestle tables and benches, food prep areas, kitchen areas including charcoal burners (already burning and sending clouds of smoke across the square) food storage and display areas as well as all the crockery and cutlery etc. In fact there are dozens of field kitchens setting up in rows.

We adjourned to a roof top cafe for coffees and Moroccan mint tea and to watch the spectacle unfold before us. As the sun went down we ordered food where we were and enjoyed a fine meal.

A walk through the souk and among the eating throng rounded off our visit to the square. Tomorrow on to Agadir and Taghazout for some - doing nowt really.

Pictures show:-
Us on the restaurant roof-top with square behind. You may see the smoke from the charcoal stoves.
Us in the square
The entrance area to the Mohammed street souk with walls adorned with pictures of the King
A stall selling dried fruit - figs, dates, apricots etc

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[SUGGY]

Stop press stop press ,,, oops i got it wrong le relaise is 90 d a night plus 25b for elect

no wonder there is not so many here ,,

so looks like we will be beach bound tomorrow ,,, :Cool:

 

[alfandM]

It looks as if your all hav'in a swell time down there,keep on enjoying ALL and Happy & Safe travels to All,all our best from Snowy Sweden,ps great pictures by the way:thumb:AlfandM.

 

[Freespirit1]

Taghazout too!

We are at Taghazout on the guarded aire it is so busy never seen so many vans.. Camp site full we walked round it yesterday lovely site we were impressed after seeing some of the maroc sites. Quite a lot of brits here now......

Hi Guys- just landed in Taghazout too. Time to explore - will look outfit you.

 

[Freespirit1]

Sorry, busy day, only just sat down with a glass of vino, we are in taros bar on the square by the port, great place, great musician playing!

Go to the terrace above the restaurant.

Hi guys- was good to meet up last nite - thanks for your great company! Change of plans today - decided to head south to Tagazout - just arrived. I hope your lockin at the garage goes well tonite - watch out all the spanners and tools don't come alive! Lol.

 

[Armytwowheels]

We set off from the sodden camp site in Kenitra this morning and headed south in full sun.

Cathryn was on a mission and I was under instructions to stop at every Marjane we came across. In fact it was only at the second, on the outskirts of Rabat, that she ran back out to inform us that she had found her quarry. On hearing her triumphant news all four of us entered the store with great haste and were soon the owners of ---------- not one but two very smart, lightweight, low consumption electric washing machines - What Joy.

Then back on the road and the long run to Marrakech. To be fair it is a good road particularly when you get clear of Casablanca.

The highlight was coming over the summit of a low hill, to see in the far distance the snow capped peaks of the High Atlas. Thankfully Marrakech is to the north of those big bumpys and it wasn't long before we slowed down for the inevitable police checks. There were at least half a dozen on our road into town but our hearts were beating fast just with the thrill of being back in this phenomenal city.

One miniscule snaggette occurred just before we got to the centre. Emily our sat-nav threw a wobbly and quite deliberately and I am convinced with a certain amount of malice directed us off the major thoroughfare into the local veg market. Now I am not one to moan. OK I do moan quite a bit but there was barely room for bicycles. hand-carts and Dockers. It was a bloody nightmare. I edged forward in the wake of a lad with a barrow along the ever narrowing street. I swear if I had opened the window I could have filled the van with fruit just by breathing in. As we moved further on it appeared that the street was a dead end. Shi---t but just at the last minute first one kindly chap then another moved their stalls to one side and with a bit of a nine point turn I was pointed in the opposite direction. The local populace just smiled knowingly as if every other day some nutty motorhomer does the self same thing. In no time at all we were back on the right route - mind you no apology from Emily the stuck up cow.

We found our way to the turn off to the road along the back of the Mosque to the parking area where we were going to stay. A cheeky bugger on a phut phut rode in front of us and held us up while he directed another van in front of us. He then sped off in front and proudly indicated to the attendant that he had brought THREE punters and proceeded to argue about a bit of dropsy for himself. Following a bit of argey-bargey the attendant indicated he should sling his hook. We entered the site and parked up when low and behold the aforementioned 'Mr C Bugger' comes along with his hand out expecting a gratuity. My second word was off.

Great update, thanks.

Would be very interested in the washing machines that you found, pictures, make etc. please. I could do a bit of research then to see if only available in Maroc.

In the meantime it sounds like you are having a great time, very jealous.

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[the stig]

we're really enjoying reading all your threads on the morrocan invasion, keep it up guys, have fun all of you, and stay safe!
more photos too please

 

[mogbl]

Two questions

Hi All
Two very important questions

Has anybody got an idea where we can get GPL on our way down from Alicante. So far either the petrol stations that are shown to have it are either shut or the pump is out of order.
Mo is considering staying up here for next week as Haley Cropper is likely to kick it by next Wednesday. So if you known of a web site that we can get the Street on I would appreciate knowing it so I can bring her with me willingly.

Richard & Mo

 

[MrMotorhome]

Hi All
Two very important questions

Has anybody got an idea where we can get GPL on our way down from Alicante. So far either the petrol stations that are shown to have it are either shut or the pump is out of order.
Mo is considering staying up here for next week as Haley Cropper is likely to kick it by next Wednesday. So if you known of a web site that we can get the Street on I would appreciate knowing it so I can bring her with me willingly.

Richard & Mo

36*12'0.5 w5 30' 53.8 turn towards jarez approx 6 k Repsol garage

 

[pinkie]

Hi guys- was good to meet up last nite - thanks for your great company! Change of plans today - decided to head south to Tagazout - just arrived. I hope your lockin at the garage goes well tonite - watch out all the spanners and tools don't come alive! Lol.

Hey you two, good decision I think!

Lovely to meet you both too! We have booked a lux apartment by the ramparts with massive seaview for 4 nights so no staying in garage thank goodness, as we have run out of water, toilet cassette full + plug sockets still not working!

A wise move methinks!

Enjoy and safe travels!

 

[Armytwowheels]

Hey you two, good decision I think!

Lovely to meet you both too! We have booked a lux apartment by the ramparts with massive seaview for 4 nights so no staying in garage thank goodness, as we have run out of water, toilet cassette full + plug sockets still not working!

A wise move methinks!

Enjoy and safe travels!

Pinkie, you are not saving up that toilet cassette again are you? Last time you did it it was in the cold of the UK, not the heat of the Morocco. I dread to think You might gas those poor filters working on your van!

Loving the updates on your adventure.

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[Malcolm Bolt]

Great update, thanks.

Would be very interested in the washing machines that you found, pictures, make etc. please. I could do a bit of research then to see if only available in Maroc.

In the meantime it sounds like you are having a great time, very jealous.

Will see what I can do tomorrow re pictures - it is still in the box at the moment. For now I can tell you it is a ROYAL. The logo looks just like on the ROYAL camping/caravan stuff we get back home. Model No RR30S. It is a singe tub washer only. 220 volt, 130W, capacity 3Kgs, net weight 6.5Kgs, dimensions 390 x 360 x 650.

I think it will be fine for here in Morocco but we would have got a twin tub like our old PYRAMID machine if we had found one. It was very similar to the one Peter of John's Cross mentioned. Ours cost the same as his when we got it about 14 years ago. It was still in good order when we sold it for twenty Euros last year to Itinerant Pete. Would have kept it but we simply did not have the room in this van. For anywhere other than Morocco I would certainly suggest you get the twin-tub. I don't like the idea of lettuce on my boxers either.

 

[MickyP]

Hi All
Two very important questions

Has anybody got an idea where we can get GPL on our way down from Alicante. So far either the petrol stations that are shown to have it are either shut or the pump is out of order.
Mo is considering staying up here for next week as Haley Cropper is likely to kick it by next Wednesday. So if you known of a web site that we can get the Street on I would appreciate knowing it so I can bring her with me willingly.

Richard & Mo

Los Barrios on dual carriageway repsol garage used it 14 Dec and 12 Jan no problem euro adaptor. About 10 mins from Mercadona car park which is at Jct 112 go south turn right towards Los Barrios.
Mick

 

[Armytwowheels]

Will see what I can do tomorrow re pictures - it is still in the box at the moment. For now I can tell you it is a ROYAL. The logo looks just like on the ROYAL camping/caravan stuff we get back home. Model No RR30S. It is a singe tub washer only. 220 volt, capacity 3Kgs, 130W, net weight 6.5Kgs, dimensions 390 x 360 x 650. I think it will be fine for here in Morocco but we would have got a twin tub like our old PYRAMID machine if we had found one.

Many thanks. Yes a twin tub will be needed as we will be using it in then UK too!

Thanks for the info though. Carry on enjoying yourselves and enjoy having clean smalls!

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Hi All

Mo is considering staying up here for next week as Haley Cropper is likely to kick it by next Wednesday. So if you known of a web site that we can get the Street on I would appreciate knowing it so I can bring her with me willingly.

Richard & Mo

Try Film On TV. It was free last time we used it - back end of last year and it is good. Can be a lot of buffering if your internet speed is slow. We tended to download and watch it a bit later.
Others are Expat TV and AD Telly. I know the last one charges a monthly fee but if you need regular injections of soaps it may be worth while.

 

[hilldweller]

capacity 3Kgs.

Huh ! One pair of wife's knickers at s time, useless.

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[Malcolm Bolt]

Auto-gas in Morocco - Cylinders not tanks

Spotted this place today. It is on the Safi road out of Marrakesh not far short of the Motorway to Agadir.
Co-ordinates 31.43'50''north, 08.05'42'' west

Spotted it set back from the road across open ground. There were more than 10 big trucks loaded with gas bottles parked up outside the compound. On the waste ground in front of it were half a dozen motorhomes with their gas locker doors open and bottles on the ground.

Rhubarb Rocks was wanting gas so we pulled in. He quickly removed his fitted bottle (gas-low type) and took it in through the main gate. The guy inside confirmed they would fill it and a lad was sent off with the bottle in a barrow. A short time later lad and filled bottle returned. Weight of gas 12 Kgs cost 156 Drms. The other vans had all different bottles and it seems this place will fill anything as long as you can take it in through the gates. The whole thing seemed just a bit safer than the 'fill empty bottle by connecting to a full bottle hanging in a tree' system employed at Taghazout. but I haven't heard any loud bangs so far.

It is a large 'Afriquia Gaz' distribution depot and is next to a petrol station with a huge forecourt. The company colours are clearly red but as the name is in Arabic I can't tell you what it is called. Safe cooking guys. :thumb:

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Moo Moo

Spotted this truck when we stopped for fuel on our way from Marrakech to Taghazout.

The chap at the back asked to be photographed with his truck of cattle of which he was very proud.

The van drew up after the cattle truck. Now I would not have done that. Have you seen how far cattle can shit from that height?

The cattle were separated by logs tied to the sides of the truck. One of the logs had obviously slipped and two of the cattle were on the floor. The lads were having a hell of a job trying to get them back on their feet :Sad:

Taghazout is really busy now. I think there must be more than twice the number that were here last year. We are very close to the entrance and I feel a 'bit out of it'. There are a few scattered places about but I did not see anywhere for a large group to park together. Also was put off a bit by a tall man and his colleague quickly telling me the rate was 20Drms per night to be paid NOW. I don't mind paying as they do keep the place very tidy but the approach left me unsettled. Felt much more comfortable discussing matters with Mohammed when he came round but he did not seem at all well. He said the other guys were family but I am not so sure. All in all I have a distinctly uneasy feeling but nothing I can put my finger on at the moment.

Rachid, the artist who painted the scenes on our van came by and has said he can make reparation to the damage I did when in an arguement with a Flot Bleu.

We hadn't been parked long when funsters already here were chatting with us and we felt at home and more comfortable. Hope to get to know you guys better tomorrow. I am never very good at remembering names and as it was getting dark I will probably have problems with recognising faces tomorrow. If I can't remember or recognise you it is due to my age or condition and not an intention to be rude.

And so to bed. No doubt things will appear much better in the morning. They did last year after one night at Assilah and one night at Atlantic park. :thumb:

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

enjoy having clean smalls!

SMALLS?? I haven't lost that much weight yet.

 

[Snowbird]

Am not sure I like the sound of Taghazout nowadays Malcolm :Sad:. Did the tall guy look like Lee Van Cleaf wearing a cowboy hat?. Great write-up as always :thumb:.

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Am not sure I like the sound of Taghazout nowadays Malcolm :Sad:. Did the tall guy look like Lee Van Cleaf wearing a cowboy hat?. Great write-up as always :thumb:.

No not at all he is tall and of smart appearance. I think I saw him last year but I cannot remember what he was doing. I was only aware of Mohammed collecting from us last year. This year there seems to be more and I cannot be sure what the pecking order is. I don't suppose it matters in the long run. It 's just that I like to think I know what the score is.

Anyway all round this morning. There was a bit of movement earlier and now we have got spots closer to the front. There is very little traffic noise up here and we can see the sea albeit between other vans. Unfortunately it is quite overcast but very little breeze so not cold. All in all Malcolm is in much better spirits today. :thumb:

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[Peter & Elaine]

No not at all he is tall and of smart appearance. I think I saw him last year but I cannot remember what he was doing. I was only aware of Mohammed collecting from us last year. This year there seems to be more and I cannot be sure what the pecking order is. I don't suppose it matters in the long run. It 's just that I like to think I know what the score is.

Anyway all round this morning. There was a bit of movement earlier and now we have got spots closer to the front. There is very little traffic noise up here and we can see the sea albeit between other vans. Unfortunately it is quite overcast but very little breeze so not cold. All in all Malcolm is in much better spirits today. :thumb:

I just peeked round and Malcom is actually smiling loudly
Nice

 

[Bebe]

Just wanted to say we are really enjoying all your posts. Wish we were with you, but this is enjoyable to read your posts and follow your travels. We can picture you all and would love to see you all gathered together. Have fun, keep safe, let the sun shine and keep the posts coming:thumb:

 

[AlanVal]

Nice meetin u both Peter and Elaine be over to pick your brains later. Lol x

 

[Dazzlin]

Yeehaaaa..
Got the mifi in action.
This may not mean much to lots of you but I was at the back of the queue and spent two hours in that @$#"&*ing shop.
And I was the last in the line.
I think the word is that we are hanging around asilah another night as we do not want to get washed off the road to mohamedia. No really the weather is great!

 

[Dazzlin]

Anyone else staying in the duckpond got internet yet?
I am not going out again til it slows down a bit, my clothes are all hung in the shower.
To those who arrived before yesterday-is it any better further down?
We are planning Tan tan asap!

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