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Sunday 1 July - Trek day 6 -
Amsouzerte to Lac D´ifni |
Today was a short trekking day,
about 4 hours. We left the Gité and headed westward through the lush
valley and out of the village. Our destination was Lac D´ifni, a glacial
lake amongst the mountains at 2300m/7475ft. We stopped at a Tea shop on
the outskirts of the village, for - yes - mint tea, and those that wanted
coffee. Another trekking group were at the Tea shop (Gerber company I
think.) ....... heading for the lake. Another group would also be at the
lake, making a total of 3 camp sites. (First time camping with another
group.)
(photo: Lush valley from the
Gite) |
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After the short break, we
proceeded to the head of the valley and started up the long zigzag path
leading to the lake. A steady pace eventually brought us to the top - and
to an ‘out-of-this-world’ view. The lake and surrounding mountains
were spectacular. It all looked so unreal, just like a scene from a James
Bond movie ...... expecting the water to open slowly allowing the launch
of a space craft. Needless to say many photographs were taken.
(photo: Looking west across
Lac D´ifni) |
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The excitement over, we proceeded
down a very rocky path to the shore ....... then disaster struck while we
were having a break. We heard an almighty shout from across the lake. On
looking up, we saw one of the mules hanging on the cliff side being held
by a Muleteer. The mule had slipped on the narrow path. It seemed like an
age, but sadly the mule fell about 35 feet to the ground below. We were
stunned! The mules had become part of the ‘team’ providing such a
vital service to every one of us. However, it was with some surprise that,
eventually, we saw the mule on it’s feet. Even at this point everyone
thought there would be broken bones, but no such thing. A little bruised,
yes, and a cut to the left knee, but walking with no limp. We can only
assume that the pack on the back cushioned the landing, acting like a
rather large mattress.
(photo: Descending the east
side to the shore path.) |
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| The final trek to the camp site
was a little subdued, although once there, the mule got lots of TLC from
everyone. |
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Anyway, the incident behind us, we
all settled down for a relaxing afternoon. I had a swim in the Lake, as
did Anna, Angie and Helen. Lee and Nigel became more adventurous and swam
across to some rocks. They proceeded to ‘rock climb’ from the water
then dive in. The noise indicated they were having a ‘ball’. I had a
more sedate paddle nearer to the steep boulder strewn shoreline.
(photo: Traversing the north
side to reach the camping area) |
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After dinner we were entertained,
again, by a Berber ‘Jam’ music session. This was accompanied by Anna,
Matt, Mike, Lee and Angie. I think the other two trekking groups were
rather envious of the ‘fun times’ we were having. I had a bit of a ‘gippy’
tummy, so I was in my bag listening to all the activity.
(photo: Our camp ..... with
a rather prominent toilet tent!)
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