Monday 1 February

February already – it doesn't seem that long since we crossed the Channel in the cold and wet – aahh, memories! And as I write this the news of a powerful storm affecting the north of the UK seems unreal.

First job today after breakfast was to relocate Bertie to a spot next to Colin and with hopefully a better electrical connection. Then join the rest of the group in a mass washing session, once again utilising Tina's washing machine. Soon there were linefuls of laundry drying very quickly in the hot sunshine and gentle breeze. By lunchtime it was all done and ready to be put away.

Then settle down to some proper sun worship. We had thought of walking into the village for lunch but it was really too hot, so much so that we even forwent lunch.

However, later the idea was resurrected and six of us took the five minute stroll into the centre of the village and the restaurant we tried last year. The same welcoming proprietor and we sat down to enjoy Moroccan salad then beef and chicken brochettes with piles of delicious french fries, all accompanied by warm fresh bread, dishes of olives. All washed down with water and then freshly squeezed orange juice. We finally finished off with cafe au lait and all for less than £6 a head.

Whilst enjoying our meal we were “serenaded” by the local Imam calling the faithful to prayer then continuing the “service” over his loudspeakers just across the road.

Then a slow stroll back to the site under a canopy of stars such as you will never see in the UK.