3 hrs, 6.0 kms



I've still got another day before I need to get back to work, but I’m done with the Agadir Region—I’m not going to spend the day there . Instead I hop on a bus to Marrakech, where I’ve still got unfinished work. Even though I already finished a Superhike here stretching from Marrakech all the way to Setti Fatna in the mountains, I’ve still got my eyes set on a grander scheme: to hike from Marrakech all the way to Toubkal, the highest point in North Africa. This hike shouldn’t be done all in one stretch: the lowland parts should be done in the winter to avoid the scorching summer heat, the higher parts should be done in the summer after the snow melts. I’ve got just another day or two of hiking in the lowlands, so now’s the best chance to do that.

So in Marrakech, I hop on a bus once again to Ourika, and this time I head southwest, with mountains to my left and the plains of Marrakech to my right. My goal for today is Tahannout, which I visited back in 2009 on my first failed attempt to reach Toubkal. It’s already mid afternoon when I reach Ourika—I got a late start today, but I think I should be able to manage OK.

It’s actually quite a nice hike . I have the Marrakech Plains to my right and the foothills of the Atlas to my left, with dark clouds brewing, giving a bit up suspense to my hike. The road has little through traffic—but a lot of locals—farmers, schoolkids etc going back and forth—with a scattering of houses everywhere. The culture here has a distinct feel—not quite like the plains, but not quite like the life in the hills either. People are friendly. An older fellow in front of a shop asks me where I’m going.



"Tahanaout"

“You can take the collective taxi, you know—it’s still a longs ways away” he tells me

“No, I want to walk and enjoy the scenery” my response draws a smile.

I decide to count the third scattering of houses as a “new town” and am told that it’s called Zraibi. I head up to a ridge covered with lush green wheat, with a great view of the village, and the hills behind. Nearby a couple of families, dressed in conservative attire are also out enjoying the fresh evening air. As I sit down to play my official Zraibi concert, a couple of fellows on a scooter stop, and pretend that they are walking past. I guess correctly that they just want to hear my music but are to shy to stop close to me. Finally, they come back. If I were closer to the city, I’d be worried, but not here… here the air is clean and fresh and the people are trustworthy…