Gone Troppo!

Wednesday 15^th June 201 - Having finally departed Marrakech for the final time, we motored to Rabat. At the invitation of the Mauritanian Ambassador (he could very well have been the parking attendant) we set up home kerbside outside the visa office. 36 hours later with a stamp in the passport, we headed south over the Atlas.

We were enthusiastic about leaving the wind and rain of the past few weeks in Marrakech behind, and finally getting some sunshine. Be careful what you wish you for however, as we motored down the mountain into an unyielding wall of 45-degree heat with not a whisper of wind.  Too hot to do anything by day, too hot to sleep at night… with no ice for the gin… Carruthers has gone troppo! Not a pretty sight.

Fortunately we happened upon our own personal oasis complete with salt-water cascade just north of Tissint. We set up camp to stay for 2 nights in what would normally be an idyllic campsite. However, with the sun hitting 45 degrees at 10am and not abating until gone 8pm… it’s rather hard to concentrate on the game of cards.

The following morning Carruthers awoke determined to drink cold coco-cola… so he set off to town on his bicycle. 2 hours later a dishevelled sweating ruin returned clutching an array of cold drinks. With the refrigerator gone to the dogs, we had been drinking hot water for the past 24 hours… Carruthers’ mission was well appreciated. Our faithful hound simply dug a hole and laid in it for 48 hours… clever chap!

Currently en route to Tata; the gateway to the Draa Valley…. We will see how long we can last before we flee to the coast.