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Thursday 28 June - Trek day 3 - Oukaimeden Ski Resort to Tacherdit via Jebel Oukaimeden |
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| The ascent of Jebel
Oukaimeden (3262m/10601ft) was optional, with both groups meeting at the
Tizi n’ou Addi.(2960m/9620ft). Lee and I, along with Anna, Helen, Mike,
Matt opted for bagging Jebel Oukaimeden. Neil accompanied the other group
to the Tizi n’ou Addi, while Amoud, our Berber guide, came with us. (photo: Group self-timer photo halfway to the top of Jebel Oukaimeden) |
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| So, at about 7:30am
the ‘bagging’ group set out to start the trek to the summit of Jebel
Oukaimeden. The remainder had a more leisurely start. We headed south east
along the road, then a right turn started us up the mountain side. It was
steep, hot and loose under foot making it rather hard work. Also, the body
was quite tired, so the effort to keep going was quite something. After
about an hour the muscles had started to loosen, so the ascent became more
bearable. After many watering stops and photo opportunities, we were soon
approaching the top. (photo: The final 3 approach the summit) |
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| A much needed rest
was taken before we started our descent along the ridge to Tizi n’ou
Addi. This turned out to be rather ‘exciting’ ..... if that is the
correct term! We soon found ourselves scrambling, followed by the
occasional traversing of rock walls, as we descended slowly across
gullies. There was also the odd steep scree section to cross, with a
rather ‘scary’ drop if things went wrong. (photo: Our guide, Amoud, near the ridge we descend) |
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| The way down was
slow and painful, knees banged on rocks, scratches and slips. It was a
welcome sight when we reached the final drop to the Tizi and saw the
remainder of our group. It was now 1:30pm. (photo: Jebl Toubkal range from Jebel Oukaimeden) |
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| After a snack of
sardines and cheese, we were on the move again down to our next camp close
to the small village of Tachedirt (2600m/8450ft). Again, the descent was
on a steep dusty, rocky path, eventually leveling out as we approached the
village. We could see the camp site across the valley, looking closer than
it actually was. We had to follow the footpath around the village that led
us to the camp. Today had been a long hard day, so mint tea and biscuits
were very welcome on our arrival. (photo: A tricky rock section to traverse) |
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| The evening routine
followed the usual pattern that had developed - foot, leg and/or back
massage for some, followed by dinner, trek briefing then generally bed.
(The ‘massage saga’ was started by Anna and Angie (I think), initially
with the feet, then extended to backs and legs. Most of us gave and
received one at various times throughout the trek. It was my first
experience of a massage, really, .......... and how relaxing I found it
after a tough day trekking!) (photo: View down the valley we have to travel) |
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| Introduction | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 4 | Day 5 | |
| Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | My Thoughts |
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