It's almost over.

We drove to Cap Spartel in the extreme north west, with it's long, sandy beaches pounded by the Atlantic surf. Then on to the Grottes d'Hercule where the sea has carved impressive caves out of the cliffs and finally to the lighthouse. This is where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet and the view is breathtaking.

From the north we drove through Tanger and south to  Tetouan before  joining the N16 along the zig zag coastal road of the Rif to Oued Laun.where we should have spent the night at the Municipal site. Unfortunately, due to the speed of construction, the site had been swallowed up by reinforced concrete and the foundations of a hotel. Despite the sounds of pile drivers,sheep still roamed the village streets! A car park guardian moved a barrier  so that we could access a Tarmac area, where we slept alongside a  French camper that had arrived earlier.

The six weeks has disappeared quicker than a bottle of wine with dinner and the thought of being on the ferry to Algeciras leaves us quite saddened. Perhaps it's a case of the more you see of this amazing country, the longer you want to stay and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and colours.
There have been so many changes, in just the twelve months, since we were last here. Roads, housing, tourism, piped water,sanitation and electricity are found in the remotest of locations ; children have to go to school and the there is less poverty in the countryside as agriculture provides both an income and a healthy diet.
The stereo typical picture of Morocco is fast disappearing but we are pleased to have been able to witness some of the traditions and charm, before it is swallowed up by the bland face of globalism.

Noah's Ark

As our time in Morocco draws to a close, and the sim card for the MiFi has almost expired, we thought that you might like to see the local "pets" that have visited the van. Hence, Noah;s Ark, although from your weather forecasts, it's you who are having the Flood!

This cat, was a kitten when we were here last year, and now she has three kittens of her own. She is a good mum and they do well from the milk bar.

The yoghurt carton was enjoyed but this one always got it stuck on her head.

Feed me please. This kitty used to sit in our washing up bowl waiting for a treat.

Mum and puppy were rather special and looked after the van if we went for a walk.

"Can I come with you?" say those eyes.

And then there was the horse that ate an avocado!! Actually, he stole it from the table. He usually pulls the vegetable cart around the site but on this particular day he was roaming free.

We also have a flock of sheep that are used to keep the grass short for the campers. Cheaper to run than a lawn mower!

Moroccan Moments

Back to say " Goodbye "

 

Our dear Dutch friends, with whom we travelled through Spain to Algeciras and then crossed together into Morocco, are leaving in the morning to head slowly back home to Harlem.
Although we have not spent the holiday together, we have met up on a couple of occasions. They sent an email to say that they were at Moulay Busselhem ,which is where our trip began at the end of April. We made a detour from our route so that we could meet up and say goodbye. Hello or goodbye always involves plenty of wine, when we are with Tom and Mariejan ,
Todays pics are of the journey from Ouezzane to the coast and our campsite by the lagoon.

How about this for a civilised start to the day? Sue has nipped off for the bread and left me in charge of the eggs.

Our site at Ouezzane was a motel, complete with swimming pool and flags to welcome us. Note, no Union Jack! We did let them know!!This is the main gateway in to the townThere have been very few places where road sweeping, done by men in uniform, have been visible this trip.We have however seen lots of thisand this, and every now and then, there are  huge craters where the burning of just about everything imaginable  takes  place.Moving swiftly on, there were much pleasanter and more interesting things to show you.

Chatting on a street corner, but the water melon is so heavy, one has to park it on the pavement. Can you see the kiosk decorated with flamingos and one of the millions of mopeds which have made city driving a nightmare.

These ladies are entering the weekly souk in search of fresh produce brought from the surrounding farms. A Moroccan version of our Farmers MarketsSunflowers and olives are the main crops of this region, and the oils are a major export.The mimosas are in full bloom, adding another shade of yellow to the fields and verges. .

Every now and then, we had to give way and ride the gravel on the hard shoulder.and sometimes, the donkeys gave way for us!!We passed hilltop cemeteries and the local substitute for a bus terminusHere, salt was being produced in shallow brine tanks and this chap decided that the only way to get his irrigation pipe home, was to drag it behind his car. Simple solutions. It's the Moroccan way.