Day 29 - Close to heaven

Mountain-side village

Shepherd and his flock

Yes, it is a snake and lucky I have a zoom lens!!

Sir Richard's place

Stunning landscape including blossom trees and snow capped mountains

Colourful doors on village homes

Tour leader and me

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I noticed that although my intention was to write brief descriptions of my day, this is turning into a book.  Oh well…hopefully you get a sense of this place and I have a great record to assist my declining memory in later life.

Off at 9am in a mini-van for a 2 hour drive to Imlil which is located in the high Atlas Mountains.  Cherry blossom and purple orchids are out and I can’t believe the site of the fields of white blossom in contrast to the mountain – so pleased am here in spring to witness this.

Bet you didn;t know that Sir Richard Branson has a house up here, actually it is a hotel and his parents found it whilst he was hot air ballooning.  Anyway, it is lovely and only photos will do it justice.  The staff say he is lovely but I bet he pays them mega bucks.

We left our big packs in the town then trekked to our accommodation for the night – 25 minute walk up steep paths but you couldn’t help stopping for photos.  It is warm – mid to late 20s but we are so close to the snow covered mountains that it is bizarre.

Our accommodation is a big 3 level home in a tiny village. It is lovely.  The family provided a salad and egg and vegetable tagine for lunch, then we had the option of “chillaxing’ time in the afternoon or a 4 hour hike to a shrine.  Although the hike sounded brilliant, I am so tired and really need some quiet time.  Therefore, I lazed on the roof top terrace listening to music before having a nap – first decent period of quiet time since I left Olly’s house!

It is 6pm and the walking group are back. I am updating my diary whilst listening to Radiohead.  Ahead of me are the mountains, snow and blue sky. We have had a snack of mint tea (i am addicted) and deep fried bread that resembles a tasty square potato cake.

We have had  harira soup and a lamb tagine for dinner – all lovely and locally grown and raised.  We played cards and told stories around a fire before an early night. Mountain air  has made us all very sleepy.  It is really cold outside now so I am thankful for the big woolly blankets.