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Published: April 14th 2014
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Well today went as well as yesterday, even if I feel like we pushed a bit too far at the end, it does mean we have gained another day. The morning started of ok and we started our accent of the Dades gorge in search of the off road crossing that goes between the two gorges. The first time I thought we had reached the turning, we came to a dead end within 200 meters. The turning didn't seem right when we took it, but because they were constructing a new road crossing, I just assumed this was the reason, not that it was wrong. Luckly a local guy had seen us and told us we hadn't reached the turning and that it was actually another 2km further up the road. This time it seemed more familiar and 500 meters in I recognised a few things, which assured me we were on the right track at last.
Now while going along the route as it crosses the dry river bed, in between the rocky cliff faces, all of a sudden I felt like i had had an epiphany moment, a great sense of freedom, a connection between man and machine,
as we traverse across rock and sand, going where only a few could. At which point I saw, what can only be described as, a newish looking transit minibus type thing driving down the same track towards me! "no matter" I told myself, "it must be one of those four wheel drive ones with all terrain tyres, yes you didn't see the tyres so they must have been massive all terrain tyres, yes". 5 miles down the track I move over to let pass what this time can only be described as a clapped out, rusty old, 2 wheel drive, Citreon mini van! All of a sudden that immense feeling of satisfaction i had while driving my 4x4 down a rocky track, deflated to zip. Now I just felt like I had worn full riot armour to a Sunday pub lunch, yes it might look good, but its not essential. Later when we stopped for a cuppa, Dad conveyed pretty much the same feeling when he saw what had passed us.
What was interesting was since I last visited lots of things have been built. Tinghir, at the bottom of the Todgra gorge is a good example, as there
are far more houses and perfect roads stretching out from the town than I remember, and there are construction works every where. Unfortunately this does have some disadvantages, as at the end of the Todgra gorge there were a lot of road works, with hilariously ineffective traffic guys, who didn't have a clue if it was clear to go or not, so just flagged you on any way.
With that all out of the way we headed for Boumalne, which is the town at the bottom of the Dades gorge, as this was to be our camp for the night. But as we got near it felt silly to stop so early, only to drive 80 miles, as half way stop for Marakesh tomorrow. So we decided to head for another campsite 50 miles down the road, which would make getting to Marakesh only a days drive of 150 miles. But with only 20 miles left to the campsight, I was already starting to get tired and hungry, due to the heat we had been driving in since we reached the beginning of the Todgra gorge. But no matter we arrived at the destination with plenty of time to
relax and have dinner, ready for our trip up to Marakesh, though, even that is now under discussion, as I spotted the waterfalls I believe Mark and his father in law visited on the last trip, so that might be the new destination.
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