Moroccan Adventure

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Sunday, 6 November 2022 - Woke up early, and traveled to the top of Dades Gorge with beautiful views of the eroded river canyon, then continued the scenic drive over the High Atlas mountains via Tizi n' Tichka pass down toward Marrakesh, enjoying dramatic landscapes, curving roads, and colorful mountain scenery before arriving in Marrakesh after dark to stay in a lovely riad.

morocco2022 — The Dades River established its course millions of years ago, and the flowing water began to erode away the porous sedimentary rock of the mountains. For the majority of the year, the Dades have a relatively weak flow, owing to the dryness of the area's climate. However, during the storm season, enormous quantities of water can be forced into the river at once, creating raging torrents with enormous erosive power.

morocco2022 — Rock exposed along the road.

morocco2022 — A Amazigh cemetery near Tinghir. Interesting in that the headstones have no markings and appear to be simple markers.

morocco2022 — Ait Benhaddou is a ksar - a fortified village - along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh.

The site of the ksar has been fortified since the 11th century during the Almoravid period The site's strategic importance was due to its location in the Ounila Valley along one of the main trans-Saharan trade routes.

morocco2022 — The current buildings are believed to date after the 17th century, but they were likely built with the same construction methods and designs as had been used for centuries before.

morocco2022 — After the hike up to the city's highest point and back Cal enjoys a glass of mint tea.

morocco2022 — Ounila Valley - created by the Ounila River is a series of towns and agriculture.

morocco2022 — A herd of black goats along the Ounila River.

morocco2022 — As the river gorge narrows the homes are pushed up the rocks - but farming still goes on below.

morocco2022 — The colors of the High Atlas mountains as we drive toward Marrakesh.

morocco2022 — A small tree - probably Juniper - hangs onto a perch in the rocks.

morocco2022 — The drive was so beautiful that at times it reminded us of the Sedona red rocks - must be a lot of iron in the ground.

morocco2022 — We are at Tizi n'Tichka pass at an elevation of 7,257 feet. Tizi n'Tichka means "difficult mountain pasture" in Amazigh.

The road was full of curves - recently the road was straightened a bit and repaved, making the ride pleasant - also fun to see the old road still going around the various ridges.

morocco2022 — On the Marrakesh side headed down still enjoying the beautiful colors of the High Atlas.

We would roll into Marrakesh after dark and spend a nice evening there - a beautiful riad.

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