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

[Carol]

Hi Carol
Are you still in Cassablanca ?.
Can you put the GPS of the parking on a post , Please :thumb:

Hi Suggy, no we are now at Moulay Bousselham camped for a couple of days.

When we were in Casablannca we had no co ordinate you just head for the Hassan 2nd Mosque which is right next to the sea, so you do need to get down to the coast road running by the sea. The traffic in the centre of Casablanca is manic.

There is 2 lots of guardian parking by the mosque but the one in the side street parallel with the mosque is best.

Where I was saying parking by the Palace and Royal golf course was in Mekness it was very good and we just followed the instructions in the Vacarious Books Morocco instructions.

 

[Carol]

We are now getting near the end of our Morrocan adventure, but I would say to any of the travellers still in Morocco, if you have not all ready been to Valubalis it is about 12 miles from Mekness, the remain and scenery are stunning. It is only 10 dirums each to get in but well worth paying a guide 150 dirums for a hour and half tour, for any one with a interest in history and architecture .

I was not over bothered but Eddie wanted to see it, I am so glad even though we have visited it before it was so interesting and simply stunning views.

 

[tony_g]

Been into town (Tafroute) tonight and went to the famous chicken restaurant near where the big coaches depart for Casablanca, Rabat and other major cities. We had a hearty thick soup to start, then chicken breast, fries, lentils, dates and Morrocan salad washed down with water. Cost just over £8 for two.

Two Moroccan soldiers in civvies who play football for the army sat next to us and gave us some of their rolled up pancake which had honey and butter on. We had a good natter with them. Their vacated table was then taken by three women, two French and one Moroccan. The Moroccan lady spoke excellent English and we had another enjoyable chat.

From their we crossed town to the Almond Festival stage and watched a troupe of girls all in white who wore one long continuous veil and who all sang in a monotone pitch. They must have sung several songs but they all sounded the same.

The next turn was a more traditional Moroccan band accompanied by a singer, who could sing in tune, and four rotund ladies with glittery bits on their boobs and hips. They were very good and the audience were dancing in the square clapping and singing along.

Enjoyable evening but rather chilly

We were also down in the square last night and saw the two acts Suggy mentions. The girls singing under the single veil seems to be a thing because we saw another group do the same the night before. I have been keen on west and north African music for a few years. I find its joyful exuberance is infectious and hypnotic. This Tafraoute Festival may have been to celebrate the almond blossom but the number of Amizigh flags seems to suggest it was as much to do with reasserting Berber (Amazigh) culture and identity.
A good night out, anyway!

 

[marjohn]

Big thanks

Yes I realise that but you will find over time in the UK or wherever when it rains the box will gradually fill up with water which could then seep into your roof then BIG PROBLEM. Which is why I suggest you change it for a proper one ASAP.
I had the same problem in my house in France, I had a permanent fuse problem and finally found the previous owner had used one of those boxes which over time had filled up with water.
If it were me I wouldn't risk it.
Steve

Thanks for advice I can't do a lot till I get home but I shall get a expert to finish it of at more expense never mind hay marjohn:thumb:

 

[Peter & Elaine]

It's all gone quiet on here where is everybody
We are half way from essourira to safi
Looking for a campsite
No luck so far
We may end up in safi tonight

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[SUGGY]

Marjon

, if that is you driving round the wid camping area at Tafroute .... you have just passed us ,

look for the 5 meter high funster flag that you passed about 5 mins ago

we are at the very top if the area ,

cannot be that many Tag axle Hobby,s in Tafrote oh: can there ???

 

[Scattycat]

It's all gone quiet on here where is everybody
We are half way from essourira to safi
Looking for a campsite
No luck so far
We may end up in safi tonight

Last year we found a site near the centre of Safi. I can't remember the name but it was signposted to the right on a signpost just past the Marjal super market.

I warn you now though, wear earplugs when you go to bed 'cause the local Mullas start their chanting around five am and continue on and off until gone 8

 

[makems]

It Ain't Half Hot Mum!

Yesterday in Zagora it was 30 in the shade and the same here in Agdz today. Too hot to sit in the sun so we have had to put the awning out and strap it down because there's a bit of a breeze. Not much of a help though as it's blowing up from the Sahara so it's like sitting in front of a hair drier.
We set off this morning to go to Foum ZGuid but just outside Zagora the road was closed and we were redirected onto a piste road. After our travails on piste last week we decided to give it up after a few km and head to Agdz instead.
Got pitched up nicely but a big bump coming down the ramp has bent our dolly wheels so I may return to Mustafa to get them fixed. Or I may just find a local chap who does welding and get home to sort them out for a few dirhams Anyway that's another scrape less on the chassis thanks to the dolly wheels.
After Agdz it's looking like Marrakesh via Ourzazate and the Tiz N Tichka pass.
Then who knows?
As usual we will play it by ear and make it up as we go along.
Plans? Who needs them?

 

[SueBaz]

Yesterday in Zagora it was 30 in the shade and the same here in Agdz today. Too hot to sit in the sun"...............?

Here at Chefchaouen it's finally stopped raining and the temperature is in the low teens! :Sad:

And to think a few weeks ago I was grumbling about dust..........

Have Fun


Barry and Sue

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Yes I realise that but you will find over time in the UK or wherever when it rains the box will gradually fill up with water which could then seep into your roof then BIG PROBLEM. Which is why I suggest you change it for a proper one ASAP.
I had the same problem in my house in France, I had a permanent fuse problem and finally found the previous owner had used one of those boxes which over time had filled up with water.
If it were me I wouldn't risk it.
Steve

When he fitted mine, the box was stuffed full of adhesive. I had a devil of a job to get it off to let me put my camera cable through the same place. He had sealed around the the cable very well.

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[marjohn]

Hope to be in taghfroute ties

Hello there suggy and ken hope to be in tagfrout Tuesday we are staying at tisnot just left taghout sandstorm and wind hope to catch up with you all tomorrow marjohn

 

[marjohn]

Hope to see you all tomorrow

Hello suggy and ken we are staying in tisnet we hope to see all to
Morrow we just left the sandstorm and winds at taghout marjohn
m

 

[canopus]

Hello there suggy and ken hope to be in tagfrout Tuesday we are staying at tisnot just left taghout sandstorm and wind hope to catch up with you all tomorrow marjohn

John

When you get into Tafroute you need to head for Camping Le Trois Palmiers. Just beyond the camp site on the right they are building a new Technical College. The entrance to the wild camping is on the right just after the mobile crane rig parked at the edge of the road.

See you tomoz

K & L
xx

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

the project

So what do a dustbin, a set of old camping table legs and some curtains have in common. Well they are all important components utilised for this year's project.

With the number of other things I had promised Cathryn I would finish off first it wasn't until we got to Tafraout a while back that the whole thing came to fruition.

So can you guess what it is yet?

 

[JockandRita]

So what do a dustbin, a set of old camping table legs and some curtains have in common. Well they are all important components utilised for this year's project.

With the number of other things I had promised Cathryn I would finish off first it wasn't until we got to Tafraout a while back that the whole thing came to fruition.

So can you guess what it is yet?

Hi Malcolm & Cathryn,

I'd say it has all the makings of a solar shower, but still minus the curtain, hose, and shower head. However, with a shower unit already installed in your MH, maybe it's not that after all. oh:

Cheers,

Jock.

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[SueBaz]

So what do a dustbin, a set of old camping table legs and some curtains have in common...........So can you guess what it is yet?

My thoughts immediately leapt to the serious matter of beer production :thumb: ............. but then my thoughts often leap to the consideration of beer production........ :Blush:..........

Not a clue!. Have Fun with it whatever it is


Barry and Sue

 

[Dergrowler]

Malcolm's Project

Sorry I have got to reply to this, first I agree it has the makings of a solar shower and looks very ingenious. But where do you store all this gear when not in use especially the dustbin.

I think your name is Merlin not Malcolm

Love to you both and happy showering

David:thumb:

 

[CherryPirate]

So what do a dustbin, a set of old camping table legs and some curtains have in common. Well they are all important components utilised for this year's project.

With the number of other things I had promised Cathryn I would finish off first it wasn't until we got to Tafraout a while back that the whole thing came to fruition.

So can you guess what it is yet?

We saw the results of the finished product... what a sight to behold. Carol couldn't get over it for days lol

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Casablanca

Does anyone know which campsite it is where the boss will act as tour guide for a day in Casablanca at a reasonable price? We heard about it when we were at Tafraout. I think it was the chap who used my extension lead for his hair clippers who told us but don't know his name.

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

She just liked what she saw.

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[canopus]

Well we had an enlightening lunchtime yesterday. Lynda and I went with Steve and Sue to Chez Brahim in the hamlet of Hay Aday some 2kM out of Tafraoute on the Tiznit road. Steve had booked a meal the day before but they only open at lunchtimes. We went on our bikes and were greeted by Ibrahim outside his establishment.

Bikes were taken across the road so they were securely out of site in the walled garden of his house opposite. We were then taken back over the road to his Restaurant Le Couscoussier and led upstairs to the roof terrace to view the amazing rock formations looking like dolphins, rabbits, monkeys and all manner of other shapes and oddities.

Back down to the dining room which was laid out very elaborately with best china bowls and plates etc on tables with ornate cloths adorned with a vase of plastic flowers. The first ritual was washing of hands. Ibrahim brought in a metal bowl, a kettle, and a towel. We all had tepid water poured over our hands then we all dried them on the same towel

First course of vegetable soup followed accompanied by sweet dates - odd combination but delicious.
Second course was Chicken Tagine ( 2 x half chickens), Vegetable Tagine, Meat Couscous, and Royal Tagine which consisted of meat, prunes, peanuts and hard boiled eggs. All the dishes were excellent and we were over faced.

Sweet consisted of slices of orange sprinkled with cinnamon followed by five spice coffee.

After the tables had been cleared, we were all given Morrocan outfits to wear. Along with a group of Dutch people who were dining at the same time we all got dressed in authentic clothing. The women wore gowns and then over the top they had the black burkha type cloaks and veils. Men wore Jilabas and skull caps. We all took loads of photos and and a real good laugh.

We got back to the vans just after 4pm. The cost per couple for the whole after noon was just shy of £20. :thumb:

 

[Carol]

Does anyone know which campsite it is where the boss will act as tour guide for a day in Casablanca at a reasonable price? We heard about it when we were at Tafaout. I think it was the chap who used my extension lead for his hair clippers who told us but don't know his name.

.Malcolm I have looked through the thread when we went I am sure it's noted but I could not find it..

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Job done

Solar water heated shower and yes it works. Can be put through van shower for vent if required but outside give better pressure due to greater head of water.:thumb:

I liked the idea of a brewery though. I did explain to a French couple that although the Casablanca brew is good stuff it was a bit expensive for this old pensioner. They went away nodding after I had explained about using old bread and the fact that sugar was in plentiful supply.

Hi Carol, Cathryn has relented and says you can post any of those you took of us. :thumb:

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Sorry I have got to reply to this, first I agree it has the makings of a solar shower and looks very ingenious. But where do you store all this gear when not in use especially the dustbin.

I think your name is Merlin not Malcolm

Love to you both and happy showering

David:thumb:

Thanks Bro'
Love to all the family :thumb:

 

[makems]

Yet another vote for Moroccan mechanics!

We got to Agdz yesterday and going down the ramp really clobbered the back end as it grounded.
"That's the dolly wheels doing their job again" I thought, until I looked underneath later to find that they had been bent back at a 45degree angle. One more impact like that I thought and they are just going to snap off.
So this morning I went to reception and asked if they knew a workshop that could do some welding for me. "Yes"the lady said, "but your van is too long to get into his workshop. I will call him and he will be here in 10 minutes"
10 minutes later and sure enough a young man arrives and with the help of some sketches and a French dictionary I manage to describe what I want:
Remove the wheels (which requires removing the rear crossmember of the Alko chassis); straighten the upright which should be at 90degrees rather than 45; then weld a plate on the side so the horizontal and vertical plates are braced, bring it back and reassemble.
Once we were both confident that he understood what was required he set to work. He had to go and get a 19mm socket and long bar as the bolts on the chassis are done up really tight. It took home about 20 mins just to wrestle the bolts off in the direct sun. He was dressed in overalls over a sweater, t shirt and who knows what else but didn't have even a bead of perspiration on his brow. Whereas I was hailing sweat out in the 28degree heat in the shade of the awning!
Off he went and came back just an hour later with exactly what was required, all freshly painted too (still a bit sticky).
Another 20 minutes of wresting with the bolts in the sun and all was sorted.
We were still able to get on the road by 11:30am!
When I asked how much the bill would be I could see him thinking how much he could get away with so when he said 100 dirham (£8) I didn't quibble but just paid him in full for one of the best value jobs I will ever have done on the van.
Moroccan mechanics - doncha just luvvem?

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[makems]

After spending the morning getting the dolly wheels fixed at Agdz we drove up the N9 north over the mountains, through Ouarzazate to the site just by the turning to Ait Benhaddou. It's a dramatic drive and we stopped at the top of one of the passes to brew up and have lunch.
Kiwi and Christona had set off earlier and were pitched up with a spot next to them reserved for us.
After parking I went to get the chairs out and could smell beer in the garage. I had to unload most of the contents to find a beer can had been pierced somehow and leaked it's contents.
So I clean up and put things back by now sweating buckets as it's 30 in the shade.
Time to get the awning out I thought, so I start to wind it out and it jams after about a foot is wound out.
Now I have to unload the garage to find my ladder and when it's put up I find that the end cap seems to have come away, it is only held in place by a single self tapper
I now need three hands, two to force the end cap in place and one to replace the screw. Gwen had seen a French chap parked next door with a ladder so I went to see if I could borrow it. It was apparently at the back of his trailer and he'd just put his quad bike away, but he came over to have a look.
He had a similar awning on his van and spotted what needed doing so between him, Colin and me we managed to reassemble it. Except that as soon as I wind it out everything pings apart again.
After a couple more attempts I decided to wind it in and leave it until the van goes in for warranty work. One more job added to the list!
Gwen and I take shelter under Colin's awning and I sink a couple of beers to console myself.
Then to cap everything the hab door stay came adrift again:Angry:
Are all Burstners this flimsy?
It's still only four months old!

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Casablanca

Today we came north to Casablanca. We called in at the campsite in the guide but the guy had not heard of Ricks Bar so we did not stay. Drove right into town keeping as close to the sea as possible, as per Carol's instructions. Thanks Carol you were bang on. We arrived at Mosquee Hassan ll and needed to find somewhere to park up. Carol to the rescue once more and in no time we were parked up for the night. Hope to visit the Mosquee in the morning.

N 33 degrees 36' 19"
W. 7 degrees 38' 02"

Photos

1 We parked up.
2 View of the Grand Mosquee Hassan ll from the van.
3 The view from our van as we ate our meal this evening.
4 To find this spot drive around the traffic Island in front of the Mosquee and look beyond the small tourist information office. That is the glass box/kiosk to the left of the picture.

 

[canopus]

Has anyone any information on the state of the High Atlas road (the R203 Taroudant to Marrakech) which runs across the Tizi n Test pass towards Asni and eventually Marrakech. We are contemplating taking that road in a day or two's time. Please advise asap.


Ken & Lynda

 

[marjohn]

Hello cherry pilot

How do you store your favourite places on your tom tom just in case you would like to come back sorry it's a iPhone also any body got any ideas for Astra signal please we are at the moment in tagfroute it's about 37 degrees with Suggs ken and about six more couples marjohn

 

[tony_g]

Has anyone any information on the state of the High Atlas road (the R203 Taroudant to Marrakech) which runs across the Tizi n Test pass towards Asni and eventually Marrakech. We are contemplating taking that road in a day or two's time. Please advise asap.


Ken & Lynda[/QUOT

We would be interested in the answer, too!

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