Wednesday 27 June - Trek day 2 - Amsekrou to Oukaimeden Ski Resort
We left the Gite at 8:00am and followed the path north around the hill behind the village. (photo:  Breakfast at the Gite before we depart for day 2)
The path climbed slowly through small pine trees, eventually crossing a small mountain stream. This was a convenient place for a rest, drink and snacks. Today wasn’t a full trekking day, so it was planned to have lunch once we reached the camp site at Oukaimeden ski resort. (photo:  Backdrop of the Atlas mountains)
It was soon time for the now familiar call of ‘Two minutes’ from Neil - an indication to get on our feet, on packs and ready to move. We continued along the path from the stream where it soon became steeper, rockier and dusty. A few stops were made under the shade of trees before we reached the final scree climb to the Tizi ‘n’ Oukaimeden (2640m/8580ft). (photo:  Resting point at a mountain stream)
Initially it wasn’t too bad, but the final few 50 metres became increasingly steep, making the heart flutter that bit more. Once over the crest, we were confronted with the Ski Resort settlement. A collection of houses, a road to Marrakesh, and as we were to discover, a rather smart hotel. (photo:  The steep scree path leading to the col above the Ski resort)
From the Tizi ‘n’ Oukaimeden, we had the short drop down to the road, then a gentle walk to the hotel for a refreshing beer before lunch at our camp site. Once lunch was over, we returned to the hotel and took advantage of their indoor swimming pool for a couple of hours. It also gave us the opportunity to do some washing in the pool shower facilities, followed by a drying session on the patio wall. Excellent relaxing afternoon! (photo:  Looking back down the scree path)
The following day was bagging the peak of Jebel Oukaimeden, so it wasn’t long after dinner before I was in my sleeping bag and trying to sleep.

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