Tuesday 16 February

As we went to bed last night it started to rain. However it didn't amount to much although today as we headed north again there was evidence of quite heavy showers. We had decided on a couple of days at Essaouira, mainly for the huge beach for Jamie, but also to visit the town again and maybe have lunch out.

So after breakfast and servicing the van (no facilities at Essaouira) we took the pretty way back to the main road, despite warnings from other Funsters that it was “interesting”. But we enjoy a challenge and despite the slow going the scenery as the road clung to the cliff edge was worth the effort. At least the only truck we met was in the next village where we had room to manoeuvre.

Camels at Insouane

Then back onto the main road for, this time, a more relaxing drive to Essaouira, and calling at the Carrefour hypermarket for some bread – and inevitably a basket full of other things “we needed”! Carrefour is also one of the very few places you can buy alcohol in Morocco and even then it is sold in a separate, closed off section, probably to avoid offending the devout Muslims. Doesn't stop them buying it though! We didn't indulge by the way, having no use for the stuff.........

Derek and June had saved us a space on the guardian parking so we slotted in and had lunch. Afterwards it was down onto the beach to let Jamie have a good run after being tied up so long but unfortunately there were so many distractions for a young puppy, like camels, ponies, kite surfers, quad bikes and kids that we were reluctant to let him off the lead so he had to content himself with running round in big circles. He still doesn't like the sea though.

What's that Dad?

So back to the van for a (melted) ice-cream we got from Carrefour and a chat with another Funster parked up further along. Then tea before a quiet evening trying to get the blog published – we've got an excellent signal but no doubt someone is streaming a video or something and our internet connection is non-existent. But if you're reading this we've been successful sometime, somewhere.

Who you lookin' at?