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Monday 2 July - Trek day 7 -
Lac DŽifni to Neltner Refuge via Tizi nŽOuanoumss
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We were up at 6:00am and, after
breakfast, headed west over the boulder strewn floor from Lac DŽifni to
the narrow canyon that climbed steeply to Tizi nŽOuanoumss (height
approx. 3664m/12017ft). Once in the canyon, another relentless trek over
rocks confronted us, loose scree and steep zigzag paths.
(photo: Heading for the
gorge on the right ...... the start of the hardest day of the trek) |
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The thinner air
at altitude also had a tiring affect on me ....... it was a case of gentle
pace with many liquid stops. About halfway up, we discovered the
muleteers had left sardines, bread and cheese for a snack. A welcome break
for the legs too.
(photo: Approaching the
start of the ascent) |
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The uphill slog
continued, finally arriving at Tizi nŽOuanoumss. Superb views back down
the canyon, plus a glimpse of our route to the Neltner Refuge. I was glad
that particular section was over ..... probably the hardest day of the
trek so far.
(photo: Looking back down to
the footpath as we continue higher) |
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From Tizi nŽOuanoumss, we descended to the valley floor and followed the path
north. This led us past the Refuge to our camp site at the
foot of Jebel Toubkal.
(photo: Our destination is
where the arrow points to) |
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This is popular area with trekkers, primarily for the ascent of the big one of North Africa - Jebel Toubkal. The
down-side was the place is a tip with plastic bottles and other rubbish
scattered on the ground. No consideration with toilet habits i.e. little
effort at burying waste or disposal of paper by burning. Such a pity!
(photo: Anna and I .....
glad to be at the top) |
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Neil rejoined us
later that afternoon.
(photo: Looking back on our
way down to the Refuge) |
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The plan was for a
4:30am rise so most of us had an early night. The early start would,
hopefully, give us a little peace and quiet at the top before other
trekkers arrived.
(photo: The Refuge can now
be seen. Our camp site is just beyond
the Refuge) |
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