Saturday 13 February

Up early to the promise of yet another hot one, although there are wisps of cloud hanging around which hadn't burned off by the time we left. Did most of the packing up before breakfast then a round of goodbyes before we followed Derek and June into town for some essentials – there are no shops within easy distance of our intended next stop.

We have come to love Tafraoute. Although there are three proper campsites, the guardian parking is perfectly adequate for our needs and the town is only a ten minute walk where there are plenty of shops, services and a variety of restaurants, some of which we've sampled during our stay. In fact we've probably eaten out far more often than ever before whilst here. The locals are all very friendly (especially when they're trying to sell you something – but that's Morocco!) and often pause to say hello. Of course tourism is very important to the economy and we probably bring a lot of money into the town – we estimate there being in excess of 200 motorhomes on the guardian parking alone. It has obviously replaced Taghazoute in the hearts of motor-homers of all nations and we know that all of the Funsters currently roaming the country have either already called in or are intending to visit. We look forward to returning – Inshallah!

Sunset at Tafraoute - We'll be back!

So onto the road back to Tiznit. Two years ago we came the other way on the R104 and for at least 30 miles it was just gravel, but that has all changed and although it is single track for around half of the distance it is now a good metalled road with just three river crossings left to be repaired. We made good time, catching up with June and Derek when they stopped for lunch, coincidentally at the same spot we stopped two years ago.

Then continue to Tiznit, descending carefully from the mountains as it is far too easy to overheat the brakes on the steep hills and tight bends. Through this modern town and then a short distance south to Camping Tazerzite, where we'd stopped a couple of weeks ago. The guy on reception remembered us and dug out the old registration forms to save time, before we got ourselves parked up. Quite a few more vans here this time and every one French! (Edit - there's a German RV in the far corner!)

A cuppa in the now increasingly hazy sunshine until at teatime, as expected, the increasing clouds produced a fine drizzle that drove us inside. As I write this drivel it doesn't seem to be getting any heavier but we, and the countryside no doubt, would appreciate some proper rain to wash away some of the accumulated dust. Poor old Bertie is absolutely filthy and we hope to maybe give him a wash down while we're here, although we're only planning a couple of days to finish the washing and have proper showers. At least we've got electricity so can save the gas, which is starting to look a tad too low for comfort.