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

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After what seemed like driving for ever trying to find camping Ferdaous I gave up and paid a taxi driver to lead us to it
We ended up at Le Relais ,
Knacked now so we will come looking for you in the morning

Chris..
As stated we will be at Feradous tomorrow afternoon... It's more a stop over for us on route back to Spain. Plan to have 2 nights as dont want to be travelling on my Birthday, so can have a drink or two.. :thumb:

It is VERY close to where you are, get back on the main road and head for the motorway, the campsite will be over on the left just before a big garage. You need to go past and do a u turn at the roundabout....

We getting ready to de-camp in the morning then hit the road over the mountains...
 
I just headed out of Tafraout following signs for Agadir. Looking at the map it would have been the R105. (The R104 goes to Tisnit and part of it was closed recently.) The R105 goes through Ait-Baja and Biougra, both big towns as well as several villages.


Heading to Agadir on this road tomorrow,Hope it,s not to bad !!
 
Not all bad at Agadir

Cathryn made it quite clear that under no circumstances would we be in Mustapha's yard on the 14th Feb. she had told me so as soon as I had suggested we return to Agadir from Tafraout to get some work done on the van. I had explained to those at Tafraout that for this reason we could not stay for even one more night. :Sad:

On our arrival at his "garage" on the 11th Mustapha advised that he could not fit us in the following day and we should return on the 13th. :Doh:

Ok I thought, that's no problem, as although we may have to stay overnight we would still be on our way before Valentines night. We arrived in good time on the morning of the 13th. We parked as directed close to the wall and waited for "the workers" to arrive. They had started to arrive by the crack of 10.30 and soon paintwork on the front of the van was being prepared. I explained that as the following day was St Valentines day we must leave early because although his yard was a secure and safe place it lacked a certain something on the "romance" front. (Note to Eddie - talking romance again mate.) This was not lost on Mustapha who was quite aware of the significance of old Valentine on the love front. Indeed he could be heard on several occasions throughout the day encouraging the workforce (one older guy and a couple of spotties - not really, just young) with references to said Valentine.

The following morning neither I nor Cathryn could believe it when Mustapha presented her with a beautiful bunch of sweet smelling roses. Ah I thought he has got the message we will be out of here in no time. - yeah you are ahead of me aren't you?

It was about an hour later, mid morning on the 14th that things seemed to loose any sense of urgency. Work was still being done but apparently without the co-ordination of the previous day. Work was done in what seemed to be a non-systematic way. I couldn't put my finger on but all was not right of that I was certain. At about 15.30 I pointed out that there was still quite a lot of work still to be done. This was acknowledged with an "Ah yes but there is no problem, we have had a delivery of the paint."

Now had I known that paint was not in abundance at this spray shop I would not have been so blasé about the time things were taking nor have so easily and frequently assured Cathryn that we would shortly be on our way. As it was I was now likely to be on the receiving end of Cathryn's wrath and I felt a complete twat.

Mustapha is a truly amazing guy. Sensing that all was not well on our domestic front - Cathryn has an array of facial expressions suitable for all occasions & I must have looked like shit - he calmly suggests that as he does not want his men to rush (fat f#ckin chance of that) and spoil the job we could stay another night and he could transport us to a very nice restaurant for a romantic (there's that word again Eddie) meal for two.

I could not believe my luck. Cathryn thought it a great idea. We got ready and were whisked off to a row of inexpensive restaurants with courteous staff inviting people the enter their establishments. Not at all reminiscent of Marrakech square or lively summer holiday resorts. We were told that to one end was fish and to the other lamb tagine. We ate at the one in the middle. I had a fish soup to start, we had different turkey dishes to follow and finished with a very enjoyable nougat ice cream.

We returned to our van in the yard and although not entirely forgiven I did not have to spend the night on the scooter rack.

All jobs completed we eventually left early this afternoon. Following the obligatory stop at Marjane (they do fantastic cooked ham on the deli counter) we arrived back at Camping Tazerzite south off Tiznit on almost the same pitch as last time. On this occasion we are a bit closer to the wall in the hope of a bit of shelter from the expected winds tomorrow.

Goodnight Jonboy, night Mom, night Jim Bob, night Sue Ellen zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Pictures at Mustapha's
 

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Valentine's Flowers

Cathryn's gift from Mustapha
 

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I think all the funsters 2013 n 2014 would agree with you ,

We found the sites varied imensely as do the prices , we rarely use the leccy as it usually around 195volts and is on n off all the time :RollEyes:

The state of some of the sites we gave visited have been very poor , yet it dosent seem to bother the french at all , [HI]i wonder what their homes are like[/HI]:Eeek:

we thought that the last occupants of some of the sites were the french foreign legion:Rofl1:
regards suggy

If you take the trouble to visit them you may find out...
 
Morocco 2014

A drive through Dades Gorge, Morocco – Part 6

Mainly filmed using the Dash Cam.

[ame="http://youtu.be/CJPDVREKZFs"]Dades Gorge CLICK HERE[/ame]
 
That was worth coming back from Barcelona for! We had a brilliant 5 days with bright sun - hen we left if was neary 20C, coat free weather!

Catherine
 
come on Brian thats why you have your own facilities in your own motorhome :Smile:

fair doux is cheap 60d with leccy , le relaise is 90d without ,:Doh:

you pays yer money yer makes yer choice ......

welcome to morocco :Rofl1::Rofl1::Rofl1:
where do you get mapwithme thanks
Marjohn:BigGrin:
 
If you take the trouble to visit them you may find out...

The french that we have met in camping cars do not even wish to speak to us , let alone invite us to their homes ... :Smile:

my comments do not reflect on our friends in france , just aimed at the french that we have met over here , :Doh:
 
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Arrived in Taroudant a coupl of days ago to find both of the parking spots listed in the book jammed full.
A chap in a horse drawn Caleche told us to follow him and he took us about 400m further on to a big parking area with loads of space. The Guardien directed ourselves and Kiwi to a nice little spot to where we have plenty of space and privacy.
Colin needed water as he was empty and the Guardien directed him to a hose where he filled up. Guardien not too happy as it took a lot of water but there was no extra charge.
Colin has found a place to empty the cassette across the road in the grounds of some government building. Directly across the road thee is a phone box and to the right of that is a gate. Through the gate is a toilet where you can empty out. A young man hosed the toilet down afterwards and seemed overjoyed with Colin's generous tip of 5 dh.
I think this is a better spot than the ones in the book as there you are parked by the side of a busy road. Here you can put your carpet out, get the chairs out etc. we had a rather pleasant BBQ last night.
Coordinates N 30 deg 28.649. W 08 deg 52.146
The football stadium is just around the corner and there has been a big match on today with lots of singing, chanting and banging of drums.
 
The wind was getting up in the desert and we thought we'd retreat whilst we could see the road. Visibility was deteriorating so we upped sticks and left straight after our Sunday morn English breakfast.

So after leaving Mhamid, Suggy's squad are now back in Zagora at Camping L'Oasis Enchantee which is well out of town, even further out than where Team Tonka stayed :Rofl1:

Called first at Camping Sinibad and was directed to spare pitches by an operative, got pitched up, to then be told by the proprietor that they were reserved for arrivals tomorrow. He offered to squeeze 3 of us into one pitch but we told him to shove it and save it for his regulars who were arriving tomorrow.

Same story at Les Jardins de Zagora - no room at the inn :Rofl1:. So we headed out of town and found L'Oasis Enchantee. Only us here but the price is reasonable and the amenities seem clean. All on EHU for £3.50 per night and the wind has now bated here and the sun's out again.
Yippppppeeeeee:Cool::Cool::Cool:

PS Passed Andeb heading towards the Sahara and had a quick word window to window. Left Bob & Ellie at Hamada du Draaa

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The french that we have met in camping cars do not even wish to speak to us , let alone invite us to their homes ... :Smile:

my comments do not reflect on our friends in france , just aimed at the french that we have met over here , :Doh:

The point I'm trying to make is we don't know what and why people react the way they do, and can't really comment on peoples hygiene habits unless we know them.

In 12 years of living in France on and off, the general comments I would make on the people I have met is they are conservative in nature, reserved, stick with who they know around them and many are shy.

This may be a reason they don't appear openly affable and in particular if facing a larger group of sociable gregarious people?

One thing they do have in spade loads is a tolerance or lack of interest in outsiders, look at the way they allow so many campers to park up more or less anywhere if not causing a nuisance.

Maybe, just maybe the French are across the board more tolerant of a Third World country who haven't as yet reached European standards or how to maintain them even if installed?

Can you in your wildest dreams imagine the UK allowing any amount of free camping or an aire system that France and Germany have? Both countries share the freedom of their towns and countryside with all nationalities.

Back to the subject, is it fair to make a comment about people you don't really know?
 
If you re read , my original post , it was a view of the way the french conduct themselves here in morocco ,

On the campsites ,on the road , their attitude to other europeans even other french and more to the point to the host nation the Moroccans , :Sad:

End of posts as this is the 2014 tour of morocco forum .
 
Back on track...

We are now here at Feradous, Marrakech.. Parked right up the top on the right somewhere, halfway to Casablanca.. :Doh:

If the others are on site, come find us later.. Otherwise we will search you out in the morning.. We having a full English at 10am and my Birthday party starts at 5pm..:thumb:
 
How was the run up through the mountains ,

What has the weather been like today up north .?

Have a good Birthday Steve :Smile:
 
How was the run up through the mountains ,

What has the weather been like today up north .?

Have a good Birthday Steve :Smile:

Run was good...All the snow gone apart from some left in corners etc...
Low cloud in places so like driving in fog.. No rain seen but very overcast..
Cool now at Marrakech compared to the south...

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If you re read , my original post , it was a view of the way the french conduct themselves here in morocco ,

On the campsites ,on the road , their attitude to other europeans even other french and more to the point to the host nation the Moroccans , :Sad:

[HI]End of posts[/HI] as this is the 2014 tour of morocco forum .

I agree, we have both made our points.

Have a good rest of your Morocco tour, it's a unique beautiful country.
 
Tonkas Trio head north on their way out of Maroc, and Hilldweller arrives in Marrakech - what happens ???
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The bloody weather turns colder. :Rofl1::Rofl1::Rofl1:
 
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Update from Tafraoute, we have been here 10 nights, every day just seems different, there has been constant company of funsters coming and going most staying a week or more, we have had 14 of us cycling through the valley, walks to the blue rocks, beer o'clock most evenings and until today the temperature has been in the middle to high 20's.

Had two amazing evenings in the Tented Berber restaurant where on the second evening 18 Funsters sat down to a 3 course meal, Mike (Mechams) set up with guitar and sound system we had song / dance and laughs all evening, and I am sure none of us will forget. Joining us we had a local drummer who really could make his Drum talk, and much to Gwen's delight a deal was struck to buy the drum, after assurances that he had another drum.

Today the weather was cooler about 18deg. So Eddie and I set off exploring to find the local Berber village, a pleasant walk past Almond and Palm Trees and the Sheperds out with their goats and sheep got us there, the first thing we came across was a Berber lady drawing weather from a deep well and loading the bottles into a wheelbarrow. We came to the Berber houses some very smart and others quite tradional.

We were lucky and the Traditional Berber house was open, where we were invited to have mint tea, and given. Tour of the restored original house which was 500 years old and built into the rock, the guide spoke good English and it was well worth the visit.

As the weather further North has gone cold we may stay in this area a little longer before returning via Tagazout For a night or two then Essaouira for a little while then on to Meknes and Volubilis, two places we have been before but well worth a return visit.

The Almond Festival is on at the end of the month here in Trafoute, with preparations under way now with large marquees been errectid any one in this area then it's got to be worth a visit.
 
A drive through Dades Gorge, Morocco – Part 6

Mainly filmed using the Dash Cam.

Dades Gorge CLICK HERE
Sat here with a big box of popcorn and a large coke. :Laughing:

Great stuff once more Andrew. :thumb: That wee saunter through the gorge had Rita and I (virtually) hanging on. :Wink:

Looking forward to the Atlas Mountains episode. :Smile:

Stay safe everyone,

Jock & Rita.

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Funster Wheelers

As carol has mentioned a couple of days ago 14 funster wheelers at Tafraout took off for a bike ride along the Vallee d'Ameln, a scenic ride of aprox 32 km punctuated by the odd detour & refreshment stops All returned safely with no mishaps, punctures or flat batteries:thumb:
A good day followed by a great evening with excellent entertainment courtesy of the Makems.
Hope the photo ataches itself!
 

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Happy birthday steve

Run was good...All the snow gone apart from some left in corners etc...
Low cloud in places so like driving in fog.. No rain seen but very overcast..
Cool now at Marrakech compared to the south...
Happy birthday steve :BigGrin:marjohn
 
Birthday Greetings

You've surfed the sea and sand,:Rofl1::Rofl1::Rofl1:

For god's sake keep away from the SNOW. :Eeek:

Happy Birthday Steve :thumb:
 
Hi, I thought about starting a new thread but wanted feedback from you guy's down in Morocco so hope you don't mind me posting here.
I'm trying to get a handle on the costs of overwintering in Morocco as apposed to overwintering in Spain which I'm currently doing.

My understanding is that camp sites in Morocco are averaging about €10.00 a day but not sure on cost of supermarket food or it's quality and availability.

I was just wandering if after paying additional fuel cost to get down to the bottom of Spain and ferry crossing if one still paid a lot less over two the three months in Morocco as apposed to Spain.

I appreciate there are other factors that make Morocco a must visit place but I would be grateful if someone could give me a heads up on costs.

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