Friday 29 January

Having reconsidered our plans for this visit to Morocco, we've decided that as we've been here before we should move on in order that we can stay longer in places we haven't yet seen. So last night we packed away all that could be packed ready for a prompt start this morning. It was also prompted by a weather forecast which promised a cooler cloudy day, it being more pleasant to travel when it's not so hot.

So our earlyish start went well for a change and we were only 15 mins behind the lead group of 3 vans. Then the satnav decided not to play so we resorted to the old favourite, a MAP! But a full reset once the battery was recharged sorted it out although our route was to be the same as last year. Given the paucity of roads here in the mountains, once we were heading in the right direction it was not difficult to remember. Not too far into the journey Jamie forcefully reminded us that he hadn't been walked before setting off, so a quick “comfort stop” was necessary.

The weather forecast turned out to be a load of tosh and we enjoyed brilliant sunshine all day and our altitude meant it was not uncomfortably warm as we transited the fantastic landscape.

A steady pace meant we caught up with the first group at Igherm, a crossroads town where our route turned south, just setting off from a coffee and cake break. After a fuel stop for Derek, we followed, choosing to take our lunch break en route in the mountains. Thereafter the scenery got better and better – this was definitely THE drive of our trip, so much so that as this is written Terry is saving the dashcam files to turn into a video. Regretfully we can't post it here but will let you know if/when we've been successful in uploading it somewhere.

Last year the roads showed evidence of the havoc wreaked by the storms with bridges washed away and surfaces reduced to the bedrock. Obviously a great deal of time and money has been spent in making repairs as there are now only isolated stretches where work has yet to be completed and, apart from the hills and hairpin bends, usually together, it is an easy drive. Being Friday, the Muslim sabbath, the normally very light traffic was non-existent and at a guess only a dozen vehicles passed us going the other way all day.

Our destination was Tata, a small town with a couple of campsites (almost full) plus a guardian parking area outside the swimming pool complex, available because officially the pools were closed. You could swim if you wanted but it's French title, piscine, put ideas in your head when you looked at it................

The first group had arrived a little while before us and set up. There were only 2 other vans so there was plenty of room as well as electrical hookup, although as usual not a lot of amperage – we tripped the fuse at least twice. Being in the town it's a bit noisy and we can't leave stuff out, but it is convenient. Another reason for moving today was probably the big market here on Saturday, so we'll stay a couple of nights.