Most Inspirational Moment
To start with; the company of my fellow trekkers - we were a diverse group, but we got on really well. We laughed, we encouraged each other and shared every experience. Priceless! This trip was also important for me as I'd last been to Marrakesh, the High Atlas, Neltner Refuge and Mt. Toubkal 30years ago as an 18 year old student. I wanted to revisit my memories of that time, and brought some of my old photos with me for comparison. Not unsurprisingly, much has changed over the years thanks to tourism, much of it positive, but there were still wonderful echoes of that journey to be found - for example; at Neltner I met the Grandson of the man who had managed the original Neltner Refuge back in 1988, when it was just a single stone 'hut'. Our guide, Hassan, had also worked there as a student, and it is possible that we had coincided 30 years ago! Amazing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Hassan guided us with a firm but gentle hand throughout the trek. Trying to organise 16 people can't have been easy, but he remained unruffled in all situations. Thank you, Hassan, for your organisational skills, gentle humour and insights into the history and culture of the mountains! I would also like to thank the rest of the Moroccan staff, who fed us royally (sometimes under difficult circumstances) and made sure the camp was ready at the end of each day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
As advised in the trip notes, I would strongly recommend you come prepared with dry-bags to pack your kit into, especially your sleeping bag. We got caught in a storm on the second morning, and a couple of the group ended up with wet sleeping bags - not good!