Bad start to the day when two of the group decided the trek was not for them and headed back to Marrakech. A real pity to lose them and a slight thought as they went as to whether I should join them. It soon passed as we headed up river hoping over boulders and stepping stones as we went. We left the river and headed up, and up and up. 1100 meters up today and I felt every meter. It was worth it though, the views were tremendous. As we climbed we passed villages clinging to the sides of cliffs in places which are cut off by snow for two months each year. We had lunch in a charming oasis by a delightful brook and then climbed some more. Eventually made camp at the valley head by another stream. Some hardy souls went in and I washed my feet and head. The rest of me stayed dry.

Chilly in the morning until the sun cleared the hills. Several of the group heard a dog bark all night but I slept through it. Today was a long walk down the valley to a village at the bottom. 900m down which was hell on the knees. The village is popular with day trippers from Marrakech so was heaving. Well compared with what we have seen over the last couple of days. We camped near a river and some of the group stripped off for a wash in the river. Much to the interest of a couple of matronly women perched on the hillside watching.

Today began the big climb up into the mountains with a long long ascent up a winding path. Fantastic views as we climbed up passing villages clinging to dramatic hillsides. It was 900m up and boy was I glad when we reached the plateau for lunch. We stopped to view some neothlicic carvings and then after lunch it was another 2 hours until the camping place. A beautiful valley surrounded by rich ochre cliffs with gorgeous views in all directions. Rain in the evening so we fell asleep to the sounds of rain on the tent.

Breakfast in the hotel followed by two hour drive up towards the Atlas Mountains. Had a wonderful lunch sitting by the river before we joined the mules and the trekking began. The afternoon walk was described as a gentle three hour stroll. It certainly got the calf muscles working. Made camp in a gorge overlooking a tumbling river. Some went for a wash. Everyone knackered so we were all tucked up by 8.30. Fell asleep to the sound of the river bubbling below.

A nightmare journey to the airport, that will teach me to book a flight leaving Friday evening. Gridlock getting out of London. Just made the plane but it was touch and go. Arrived Marrakech at midnight so didn't see much last night. Spent today exploring the alleys and streets of the Medina. The main problem is dodging the scooters which fly through the winding lanes with merry abandon. People everywhere. Snake charmers, tattoists, painters the city has it all. And not to much hassling so far, much to my surprise as I have heard some horror stories. Of to the atlas mountains tomorrow so will be internet free for a couple of weeks. Scary.