Wednesday 4 July - Trek day 9 - Neltner Refuge to Aremd Gité
Today was the final trekking day .... and started at a leisurely pace, giving us ample time for breakfast and packing.  I even had time for a final visit to the Refuge to freshen up with a shave.
The path back to Aremd was a long gentle descent. A pleasant change from previous days. The popularity of the route to Jebel Toubkal also became apparent when we stopped to wait for other group members ...... a trader had established a ‘shop’ in the rocks selling a variety of trinkets, souvenirs refreshments etc. Tourism must be taken advantage of! (photo:  Departing from Neltner Refuge)
As we descended further, we arrived at a small village, again very ‘touristy’, where we stopped for refreshments in the shade.  Even the mules took advantage of the running water that was keeping bottled drinks cool.  The inevitable ‘two minutes’ was called, and we set of on the final leg back to Aremd. (photo:  Final view of to the foot of Toubkal)
The lead group had been going at a reasonable pace so far. In fact, Anna and Lee had been jogging on sections of the track, attempting to maintain contact with Amoud (our guide) and Larsen (the cook). Anna continued with the ‘speed’ theme as we departed the village.  I had intended to continue with my quick walking pace, however, my sporting competitiveness got the better of me and I too started to jog.  Couldn’t let the ‘speed merchant’ get too far ahead ....... and I managed to overhaul Anna and maintain close contact with Amoud and Larsen.  We eventually stopped to wait for the others on reaching the dry river bed below Aremd.  That section had been fun! (photo:  Dry river bed below Amred)
Once the remainder of the group had caught up, we changed into long trouser and continued our journey through Aremd to the Gité ........ where the trekking adventure had started 10 days earlier. (photo:  Passing along the river bed towards the village)
We spent early afternoon relaxing in a Berber style Turkish Bath ........ refreshing experience I must say ....... followed by lounging in the sun with a glass of wine at the Gité.
In the meantime, Neil had calculated the tips he felt we should pay to the Muleteers for providing such an excellent service. A presentation followed, with each Muleteer being thanked in traditional Berber style by a group member, followed by a hand shake to pass on his share. (photo:  Our muleteers, with the cook left, and our guide Neil centre)
That night was my last night sleeping under the stars.

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