Destination Dakar: Mahirija

Both Barry and I had run out of water in the baking heat, in the open piste, with too many kilometres to go. My legs were starting to shake and my mouth was dry, we left the group to search for fluids. 

Our group comprises three Danish, three French, four English and one Irish, we all left at 11am and didn't meet again as a full group until 10pm.

We'd met for the first time at 7am with all hands to the deck, working together to strip the trailer of its wares and prepare the bikes. 

Must admit the relief in the group when Barry turned up at 9pm last night was palpable. The trip was on!

Our route took use through a national park and then off road over the open piste. Start point was Fez, destination was Benyakoub Auberge. Total distance was circa 260km and took roughly six hours for Barry and I. 

Contrary to Morocco's normal sun burnt landscape, the national park was lush with plant life and punctuated by turquoise lakes. 

Like an oasis in the desert, oh, hold on, it is an actual oasis...

Quite a contrast to the stifling heat and barren rocks that we found ourselves in during our self imposed drought a little later. 

Many shops in Morroco are little more than shacks, with no obvious outward sign they're selling anything. It was at one of these shacks that a little girl, no more than 10yrs old, handed us ice cold fruit drinks and water.  Neither of us spoke a common language, but she knew, better than her father what we needed. 

We absorbed the drinks like dry sponges and laughed, relieved that we had found the shack. Leaving a  tip for the girl we continued onward , I love Morroco. 

...other things of note today; 

Jacob had an off on the road, but was OK.

Alan, of Covid test fame, flew back in and took a taxi for 260km to catch us up!

My room in the hotel was £16 and I had my first real meal in three days. 

Think I'm gonna struggle keeping up with the blog. The days are long and tiring, but so so rewarding.