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Tuesday 3 July - Trek day 8 -
Jebel Toubkal - the highest point of North Africa at 4167m/13670ft |
| After breakfast in
the cooks tent, we all prepared for the ultimate goal of the trek -
sitting on top of North Africa. We would be spending a second night at the
Refuge area so we didn’t have to worry about moving camp. Helen did not
ascend Toubkal as she had suffered on the ascent from Lac D´ifni the day
before. |
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We left camp at
about 5:00am - a cold start - I think the temperature was about 8deg C. We made
our way to the start of the ascent to the east of the Refuge - and what a
start! A very steep loose scree slope confronted us. It was two steps
forward then slip back one step ..... very slow and painful at that time
of morning. Eventually, we headed left across the scree, crossed some large boulders
then followed a path that brought us to the top of the scree.
(photo: Looking back down
the scree path) |
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The path continued
upwards, though not quite as steep, over boulders, rocks and very dusty.
(The Atlas Mountains is a very dusty place!) Although the total ascent to
reach Toubkal was less than previous days, the altitude made progress
slow. The path zigzagged ever upwards, until we reached the final incline
which brought the large steel triangular Peak marker into view. This
prompted a couple to start jogging to be the first to reach the top. I was
happy to reach the top at my normal pace. The time was 9:00am
(photo: 'The Group' (minus
Helen & Andy) on top of North Africa) |
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It was a feeling of
elation standing on top of Jebel Toubkal. We all hugged each other and
shook hands, the culmination of some tough days trekking. An Aussie guy,
whom we had spoken to at the Refuge, was already at the top, having passed
us earlier. He kindly became a David Bailey, and was soon in possession of
seven cameras taking photographs of our group. Fortunately, we finished
our photo session before another group arrived.
(photo: Lee & Mike
wanted to be that bit higher!) |
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The view of the
surrounding mountains were superb. Much of the route we had followed over
the previous days could be seen. Unfortunately, the heat haze obscured
views further afield of the Atlantic and Sahara desert.
(photo: My mate 'Tiger' was
pleased to have made the top) |
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| Although
photographs can record the scene for future memories, nothing could
capture the panoramic effect visible to the naked eye on top of Toubkal.
An awesome sight! |
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We relaxed and
enjoyed the tranquil setting for just over an hour, then it was ‘two
minutes’ from Neil and at 10:15am, we started our descent back to camp.
Not as tiring going down, although care was required on the, yet again,
loose steep scree. Neil suggested it would be easier on the bottom ..... I
opted for a little ‘scree running’ ..... much fun but potentially
dangerous. Fortunately, I remained upright throughout. At one of the rest
stops, Neil informed us that the temperature had risen by 20 deg C since
we started out, making it now a very pleasant 28 deg C.
(photo: Spectacular views
....) |
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Before long we were
back at the final steep section of scree. A little careful running ensured
I negotiated this section without too much stress, then it was past the
refuge to our tents. The return from Toubkal had been somewhat quicker
than the ascent, which, I suppose, was not too surprising.
(photo: ..... in all
directions) |
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So, that was the
top of North Africa, a major milestone in my walking life.
(photo: The 'fun' started on
the way down) |
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Lunch was early
afternoon. Then I settled down for a couple of hours in the sun, before
having an open-air shower under a near-by waterfall. Very cold, but so
refreshing.
(photo: Neltner Refuge can
now be seen) |
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Explorer trekking
group, the ones we had met on the first day of the trek, arrived late
afternoon. Their arrival generated lots of noise and ‘banter’ from us
..... particular Mike who proceeded to do a ‘war dance’ (including
something a little daring .. or baring!) on a large rock. For some reason,
Explorer kept their distance and looked at us a little bemused ...... not
sure why! It wasn’t long before they moved on to the Refuge where they
were spending the night.
(photo: A final look back at
the start of the scree path to Toubkal) |
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