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Saturday
30 June - Trek day 5 - Azib Likemt to Amsouzerte (1800m/5850ft) |
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| Unfortunately,
today was when Andy had to leave the group and return to Marrakesh. A
lower back problem had developed which meant he was in some pain while
walking. Neil accompanied him to Marrakesh leaving Amoud as guide. Andy
would rejoin the group on our return to Marrakesh, while Neil planned to
rejoin in time for the ascent of Jebel Toubkal. (photo: Looking back to the start of the 'valley' ........) |
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| Although today’s
trek didn’t involve any serious ascent, the name given to it by Neil,
Valley of the Vultures, indicated it would be tough. How true! We left the
camp site and followed a path up a small incline and south into the start
of a very long valley. Good shade for the early part of the morning was a
blessing, but as the sun rose higher the heat became intense. (photo: ........ and a rest halfway through) |
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| The path followed
the course of a small river, which provided us with a much needed source
of drinking water. We had been unable to resupply with bottled water the
previous night, so the iodine and clearing tablets would come in useful
today. (photo: The final climb from the valley to Tizi n´Ououraïne) |
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| After about 3
hours, we reach the point where the path rose up the right side of the
valley to arrive at a Tizi n´Ououraïne. We regrouped at this point and
settled down for snacks, water and resting of weary legs. Yet again, we
had a long dusty, rocky descent to our next base, a Gité in the village
of Amsouzerte. (photo: The start of the descent) |
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| Once on the
outskirts of the village, we changed from shorts to trousers then followed
the path through the village to the Gité. Today’s trek had taken its
toll, particularly me ..... a rather large blister on my left big toe, one
on my right small toe and one on the right sole. It was a relief to get
the rucksack and boots off when we reached the Gité ..... the down side
was the ‘open plan’ rooms were swarming with flies. Their activity
became more intense as soon as lunch was placed on the small tables. (photo: The path leading back to Tizi n´Ououraïne) |
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| Lunch over, Anna
set up her ‘Mossy Net’ to provide a ‘ Fly Free Zone’, then for
those that needed ran a ‘blister clinic’. (photo: Green pastures in the valley below) |
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A quite evening followed, then bed soon after the evening meal. |
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| Introduction | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | |
| Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | My Thoughts |
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