Small World

All day the ground has been steadily climbing and the temperature dropping. The grape vines around Meknes gave way to fields of onions and then to Cedar forests. No sign of the local Barbary Ape population who are by all accounts quite a shy lot. This area also boasts some ski lifts.....but I will pass on that one if this example is anything to go by.


In 1929, the French built a little 'Poche de France' amongst the Cedar forests at a place called Ifrane. It takes you a while to come to terms with the fact you are not in a French Alpine town but in the Atlas mountains. The town is very clean & proper with manicured gardens, tree lined avenues and expensive homes with red tiled pitch roofs. Nothing like the rest of Morocco that I have seen and apparently quite popular with the Government set. The current King has a grand royal palace and there is plenty of security around to remind you. Like everywhere so far, people are interested and very friendly though mostly, they want to sell you something. All this man wanted was if he could have his picture taken with his daughter on my bike.


It is turning out to be a small world indeed. I pulled into a lay-by to admire the view and who should be there but Nigel Swaby (Bignose) that I met on the first day south of Santander....and again we decided to ride together for a while. Went further south and crossed the Middle Atlas at the Col Du Zad (2200M). Some lying snow on the north facing slopes and a little rain....and chilly 2C. On the descent, there is a great view of the High Atlas in the distance and worryingly, they are pretty well covered in snow. Staying tonight at an Auberge at the foot of the mountains with 36 rooms and we are the only guests. Very friendly place and the owner says there will be no problem crossing as the road is in good condition and anyway, there are plenty of snow ploughs. Beyond them is the Sahara and warmer weather.