Most Inspirational Moment
Each day seemed to offer something special , Even the short 1.5 hr is trip from Marrakech was exciting as the White, Snow covered Atlas mountains could easily be be seen on the horizon as we drove through Marrakech down the fantastic Avenue Mohammed VI roadway despite the group enjoying the warmth of the Winter Sun. The adventure and highlights needless to say racked up when we arrived in the Mountains, where we were met with lots of smiling faces and copious amounts of Sweet Mint Tea. This was also our first insight to the wonderful Mountain food that would keep us fuelled for the next few days ( and a few days more!). Indeed every activity seemed to be punctuated by fresh food and tea!.The first morning we trekked up from the Gite to the Refuge and enjoyed lunch before we had our first “crampon” walk up to a wonderful ridge (some groups seem to do this on the last day but I think our option was best – it filled the afternoon and made the last day more enjoyable) . The Next day the plan was to Summit Jebel Toubkal 4167m /Toubkal West 4030m .. just in case the weather closed in .. which it didn’t ! ….. This was paced by our wonderful guide just perfect … and it seemed , like every other day he had ordered the whole mountain to ourselves ! We had wondered what the next day would bring, and felt rather odd that the key summit had already been conquered but in reality the trek to Timesguida Ouanoukrim 4089m and Ras Ouanoukrim 4083m was even more interesting and varied – involving a small amount of safe ( but exciting for those that hadn’t done any ) scrambling in crampons followed by a wonderful decent down a steep gully in deep snow.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our Group Leader , The Mountain Guide and our Chef ( who provides all the food at both the Gite and Refuge) were a great team and made us all very welcome. They had the experience and expertise to spot a loose crampon at 100m and when to stop and drink some more tea! They were wonderful characters who were a credit to a wonderful Country –The country, its lifestyle and its people were so much better than I had ever expected.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trip isnt that hard - if you can do Snowdon ( not via the train ) Nevis etc then you should cope with the trip - Altidude isnt much of an issue as you dont stay high for very long ( albeit you might huff and puff a bit more at the top than you would otherwise do)Take Wet Wipes !! - You would have to be very brave to Shower at the refuge! They are also useful close to the nose when visiting the basic toilet area.Take a book /ipod etc and a warm sleeping bag ( though our room actually got quite warm at night with 8 people warming it up !! ) which reminds me - EAR PLUGS !! I didnt hire any kit but those that did - the quality was good ( indeed NEW I think) Dont miss the opprtunity of the local Hammam after the trek - A highlight and much fun! We took a long route back to Marrachech - I would suggest you insist the same - wonderful views and peaceful!