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

[Snowbird]

Hi Dave, he is quite some artist think he has more work tomorrow on another funster van. Don't know why but a few of us seem to be having trouble loading photos to fun, yet they go easily on to FB , could be that we are using smart phones for cameras instead of proper cameras.

We are off to Trafout for the Almond Blossom festival in mid February, any advice.

You can spot his style a mile off. He must be the second wealthiest Moroccan after the king now, as he must have painted thousands of Argan trees. The first photo one my old Rockwood was done by him in 2000. I prefer the other side done by another lesser know artist from Tagazout though. The drive over to Tafrout is a little hairy but spectacular when the blossom is out and I know you will enjoy the festival. Its one of my favourite places in Morocco and quite wealthy as most work abroad and send money home. There used to be a huge wild camping area with all facilities including water delivery with no charge, but things change so quickly out there maybe its not there now.

 

[Theonlysue]

morocco

Part 3 Morocco 2014 – Sidi Ifni

Sidi Ifni is a city located in southwest Morocco, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of 20,000 people. The economic base of the city is fishing.

Click HERE

great music.great film. Cant wait for the next episode ))

 

[Peter & Elaine]

Well we are at wassay beach it looks a nice place but I think we may in trouble when we arived last night the wind did blow blow and the sea did roar roar
A rather small pretty Philippino lady stuck her head out a window and called me a soggy for bringing bad weather
Oh well you cant please everyone

 

[Bebe]

great music.great film. Cant wait for the next episode ))

Me too. It's a long time since we were there, but would have loved to have joined you all there, but we too had commitments making it impossible. Love the music, so have downloaded it and just watch your videos and just sit with teddy bear and pretend I'm there. :Cool:

 

[SUGGY]

Hi Guys,

Got back to Essaouira just before 10pm, bit slow in the dark with my defensive driving, but I am careful, and we stopped en-route to stock up on sprite. Also managed to secure a metal tagine for 30dh, didn't bother haggling with that.

Thanks to everyone at Taghazoute for making it so enjoyable and particular thanks to Dai, for putting up with me being "a pain in the ass" and charging my laptop every day for me, along with lending me any tool I needed, fixing my bed, laying under my bed (because frankly I can never get a man to get in it! ) Can't say he offered to empty my toilet cassette for me, but another brave funster did it for me (just to piss off the german who stupidly camped at the top of the walkway down to the emptying hole, then shouted at everyone going past!) He was also extremely kind, so thank you to him too!

It was lovely to meet you all and I wish you all happy and safe travels. Wish we had gone further south but time didn't permit it, so next time definitely!

Oh and another thing - I love Morocco! Want longer here next time. :thumb:

All the Best on your travels Pinkie n Poppy ,
Hope you can make it to a few Funster meetings in the Uk ,

Blow Blow, Roar Roar, :Cool:

Graham n Rosie

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[tonka]

And the 5 became three..
Safe travels to TerryL and Portland as they head inland to Tafroute...

Mrmotorhome, Champers and ourselves are off overland to Zagora...:thumb:

 

[makems]

Free At Last!

Our van is no longer up to its axles in Tagazoute sand!
Ken was leaving this morning at nine to get some work done by Mustafa and I knew if we had a problem digging ourselves out that quick tug from Ken in his twin rear wheel Concorde would soon have us out.
So last night I dug (and dug) the buried wheel out in front and behind so we could go in either direction. I was just going to dig out in front but our resident expert (kiwi Coss) assured me it would be better to reverse out. I am good at taking advice because I know that I know eff all about such things. I lined the trench I had dug with rocks and stones as the sand was astonishingly soft. Just like soft builders sand.
This morning we set the alarm and got up early (for us) at 8:15 and we tried driving it out forwards. No go.
Then we tried Kiwis method and put it in reverse and it pretty much shot out. Gwen had to brake hard to avoid the van immediately behind us.
Now we are parked on hard level ground from where we can make an easy exit tomorrow when we head for Mustafas workshop in convoy with the two Colin's.
Depending on what time we get finished there we will head to Wassay beach or come back here.
Although no harm has come to Pinkie driving in the dark, it's not something we are very keen to try.

 

[TerryL]

And the 5 became three..
Safe travels to TerryL and Portland as they head inland to Tafroute...

Mrmotorhome, Champers and ourselves are off overland to Zagora...:thumb:

We're safely esconced at Tafroute, Trois Palmiers. Parked outside the walls (the Germans have taken over inside!) and they're putting in new electricity points, just for us.

That was an interesting drive. Once round Tiznit the views just got better and better as we climbed up into the mountains - I'll post some piccies later. We filled the data card on one camera and flattened the battery of the second!

But a warning to anyone using that road. From Tiffermit to Tahal the R104 is just compacted gravel, passable but very slow. There is another route shown at Tiffermit giving Tafraoute as 60km. Take it, it's got to be quicker! I think this was posted on another thread but of course until we were past the point of no return I'd forgotten. I've now got to wash Dereks van down for him!

Our sincere thanks to Tonka, MrMotorhome and all the others who gave us the confidence to firstly come to Morocco but also to be happy to go off on our own. And of course the company of all the funsters we've met, and are still to meet, which has really put the icing on the (Cristmas ) cake. Safe journey to you all.

 

[tonka]

Set up at Akka on the N12 on route overland to Zagora.
Parked at what seems to be an almost brand new guardian area... Very big area with more electric points then I have ever seen. New toiletblock with sit down toilets and hot showers. only downside is the damn flies.....

Still having issues with loading up pics.. Can only load one up at a time...

 

[tonka]

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[tony garvin]

Plenty of space!! Looks amazing, just wish we were with youNothing but rain here in Wales:Angry:

 

[canopus]

Left Tagazhoute this morning at 9am en route for Mustaphas garage in Agadir. Had my free issue million decibel horn fitted for £22.72 - three men for one hour well chuffed. Thanks to Mike Makems for the introduction and please thank Mustapha again when you see him tomorrow Mike. :thumb:

The fault with the Control Panel seems to have cleared up. Suspect I've disturbed an offending earth somewhere whilst rummaging in the rats nest of cable.


Now at Sidi Ifni (El Barco) one other Funster still here thinks its Andeb. Missed Tonkas Trio - they left this morning.

Lynda has finally succumbed to antibiotics to shift this damned bug she's had for almost three weeks. She said 'bugger any side effect/allergic reaction'

Weather cloudier and cooler today but brightened as the day closes.

TTFN

Ken, Lynda & Jess

 

[Dazzlin]

update

Sorry we did not see many before we scarpered off to Mustafa this morning. Late up after a heavy night!
Had a fab job done on bodywork, you would never know I tried to cross breed a dethleffs with a tree.
Now on road outside Agadir campsite, with Sue and Steve, which we knew would be full but it's a bit of stealth wildcamping for free.
Had a great day round the souk and now enjoying some of our olives (1 1/4 kilos for 15 dh) before tucking into home (van) cooked goat and garlic.
Looking forward to another day round Agadir tomorrow before moving south again.
We will be bumping into folks again en route I am sure and hope you all continue to enjoy travels in Maroc.
It is growing on us in a pleasant way.
Darren and Lynne
Ps great book thanks Dai. I WILL get it back to you somehow when I have finished it.

 

[canopus]

With Lynda being a bit under the weather and not feeling like cooking I picked up a fish tagine for my tea from the site restaurant. It cost £7.57 including two baguettes and would have easily fed four (dip yer bread in). I just about managed two pieces of the meaty fish, along with the potatoes and vegetables. Fish was possibly pilchard or similar, so guess what Jess will be having for breakfast dinner and tea for a day or two

PS No washing up either

 

[tonka]

The ladies would like to say. CHEERS. !!!!! :thumb:

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[Arnica]

And the 5 became three..
Safe travels to TerryL and Portland as they head inland to Tafroute...

Mrmotorhome, Champers and ourselves are off overland to Zagora...:thumb:

Guess you guys going to Zagora by Akka & Tata , wondering how the roads are after Foum-Zguid. Will watch your progress with interest as hoping go that way. Safe travels & gotta be safer than surfing Carol

All those who wander are not lost

 

[tonka]

Guess you guys going to Zagora by Akka & Tata , wondering how the roads are after Foum-Zguid. Will watch your progress with interest as hoping go that way. Safe travels & gotta be safer than surfing Carol

All those who wander are not lost

Carol, from all we have read (most recent Nov 2013) that section is being upgraded to a Tarmac surface BUT not due to be completed till Summer 2014. Will try and get first hand info nearer the decision point at Foum...
So far road to here has been ok, Tarmac / concrete just wider that single track with gravel edges to pull over onto when passing oncoming. Not much traffic and only 1 police check point so far... Fuel garages, not seen any yet so make sure you have plenty..

 

[stevebill]

Upholstery - get (re) stuffed....

Hi everyone. After a successful and very reasonably priced gas system service at Mustafa's emporium in Agadir, we now need our upholstery redoing. We saw some fabrics in Agadir yesterday, but reminded us of harem scenes from "Carry on up the Khyber" with loud blues, golds and massive pom poms..
I was told by a lady we met in Spain that Taroudant was the place to go - can anyone else confirm this- or suggest another town they've come across.
Someone must have had it done!
cheers
Steve & Sue

 

[canopus]

Looks like Tonkas Trio took the sun when they left El Barco

We thought it was raining when we opened the blinds. Seems its spray off the sea. Reminiscent of Scarborough seafront at the back end of January :Sad:

Quandary - do we sit tight or keep heading sarf ? Will take Jess for her morning constitutional and then decide. Hard work this enjoying yourselves

 

[makems]

Currently sat at Mustafas workshop while electric points are added in kitchen. These guys know what they are doing.... I expected them to spend an hour crawling around trying to feed wire through some impossible gap in the cupboards somewhere. No - 2 minutes after starting work the sink is out and all the cables behind the cupboards exposed.
Easy when you know how!

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[makems]

Gwen wanted some jewellery repaired so asked Mustafa if he could recommend somewhere. No problem he says, and he organised a taxi for Gwen, Tina and Christina and his wife Fatima to go to the souk where Fatima would haggle with the jewellers and make sure the repairs were carried out properly using genuine silver etc.
service like nothing you have experienced before.

 

[canopus]

Just when we thought we were the only Brits in the village who should turn up?

Suggy and Rosie plus Pete and Elaine from Wassy Beach and Bob & Ellie plus Henri from Tiznit.

However they'd all nicely got pitched up and the rain started - its chucking it down now - the wet red shale pitch surface leaves lovely footprint marks in the van

message to Manda3000gt - just opened the crimbo biscuits - Lynda says they're yummy - she feels much better with a chocolate fix.

Off up into town later when its bated :thumb:

 

[TerryL]

If it's any consolation, a couple of light rain showers have gone through here at Tafraoute in the last few minutes - looks like the forecast weather has arrived.

Terry

 

[makems]

Carol I think you and Eddie were talking about visiting Guelmim for the camel market. From the Rough Guide review below I think you might be disappointed. Sounds like camels are the one thing the market lacks........

http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/africa/morocco/agadir-souss-anti-atlas/goulimine/

 

[pinkie]

Thanks Suggy, lovely to meet you both!

We had a night at Marrakech last night (not my thing!) Now stopped at Rabat virgin megastore and finally got laptop/car charger!

Now trying to get to Chefchaoun for tonight as out boat is checking in at 0430 hrs Friday morning from Tangier.

For all those in the South it has been pouring down since we left Marrakech!

Pinkie

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[Carol]

Well that's me staying put then a playfull wind but a warm sun79 deg inside so I am going for a walk along the beach, after my adventures at Banana market. Had my boots soled and heeled for £3 and the wanted £17 in UK probably would be a bit more professionally done but hey oh I am. Only walking in them, good heavens while I am typing this A lady in the opposite van is just bending over in small bikini bottoms, good job Eds talking to Di boy, would not have done him any good.
Bought kilos of oranges / tomatoes/ veg of every discription just wish I could get pictures on.

 

[tonka]

Rain ??? Wind ??????

Lovely hot and sunny here.. So much so it's now 3.30pm and I have had to come indoors.. PHEW.....

 

[canopus]

Rain ??? Wind ??????

Lovely hot and sunny here.. So much so it's now 3.30pm and I have had to come indoors.. PHEW.....

Steve make sure you have plenty of everything (especially fuel) if you are following the N12 as it appears to be unclassified on the map. Or do you intend following the R111, R108 then N9?

Suggy reckons the N12 from Foum-Zguid to Zagora is metalled when viewed on Google Earth but parts of the satellite view of the road are obscured by cloud. Im sure you'll get there ok

In-shallah

 

[tonka]

Steve make sure you have plenty of everything (especially fuel) if you are following the N12 as it appears to be unclassified on the map. Or do you intend following the R111, R108 then N9?

Suggy reckons the N12 from Foum-Zguid to Zagora is metalled when viewed on Google Earth but parts of the satellite view of the road are obscured by cloud. Im sure you'll get there ok

In-shallah

We will get local advise tomorrow on the rest of the N12, it is being tarmaced and done in places already but info off the web says not complete till summer this year.. If we go around then it's no issue as that was always the plan..
The old thing getting in short supply is the Bacon, we stopped for a buttie on route..:thumb:

 

[TerryL]

Carol I think you and Eddie were talking about visiting Guelmim for the camel market. From the Rough Guide review below I think you might be disappointed. Sounds like camels are the one thing the market lacks........

http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/africa/morocco/agadir-souss-anti-atlas/goulimine/

Not sure if it's related but on our way out of Sidi Ifni yesterday we encountered a large herd of camels being driven south i.e. towards Guelmin. On the way to market?

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