Monday 6 February 2017

Tiznit to Tafraout - 73 miles

We're moving on today so an earlier start. After breakfast etc. we said our goodbyes to Derek and June who are staying on the coast while we head inland.

First stop to refuel – we've got plenty but the rule is not to let the tank get below halfway – then go in search of a supermarket and internet recharge. Spotted a teleboutique on the big roundabout in Tiznit so worked our way back to there, did the business then around the corner saw a supermarket across the road from the guardian parking and municipal campsite. Again worked our way round to it (we always seem to be heading in the wrong direction) and restocked the larder, although no fresh fruit, veg or butchery. And of course Derek & June were there too!

All errands completed – we'll get fresh produce in Tafraout – we hit the road, noticing there is still no railway to the Gare de Routiers, then realised it's probably going to be a bus station and a very posh one at that! The R104 is a pretty good road and not at all busy, even less so the further from Tisnit. We've travelled it several times before but still enjoy the scenery as we head up into the Anti-Atlas mountains, only slowing for the odd road repair waiting to be done, usually a rebuilt bridge.

A beautiful clear sunny day, it's only a couple of hours to Tafraout and we did not rush. About 20km to go the road becomes single track with rough hard shoulders to allow vehicles to pass but with now very little traffic it was no bother. Entering Tafraout we noticed the campsites were pretty full although there did seem to be some spaces left, but here we use the guardian parking, a huge piece of land behind the new technical college. A short drive around the site and we found, firstly the couple we met at Tiznit then another group of Funsters including two couples we travelled with last year. We found a suitable spot close by, a brief chat then a late lunch before setting up properly.

Later in the afternoon we joined in the traditional Funster “beer o'clock” get together and enjoyed a good chinwag and a drink as the sun went down, calling for warmer clothes as it cooled off. Then return to the van where, unfortunately for him, we'd had to lock up Jamie because he was misbehaving quite badly. Evening meal then try to get the internet setup – as I write this I'm not having much success but if you're reading it, I've got it sorted.

Now for a few days relaxing in our favourite location, hoping that the weather holds up.