Sunday - 6 November 2022 -
We woke up early to travel to the top of Dades Gorge - a very windy trip.
The Dades River
established its course millions of years ago, and the flowing water began to erode away the porous
sedimentary rock of the mountains. For the majority of the year, the Dades have a relatively weak flow, owing
to the dryness of the area's climate. However, during the storm season, enormous quantities of water can be
forced into the river at once, creating raging torrents with enormous erosive power.
Rock exposed along the road.
A Amazigh cemetery near Tinghir. Interesting in that the headstones have no markings and appear to be simple
markers.
Ait Benhaddou is a ksar - a fortified village - along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh.
The site of the ksar has been fortified since the 11th century during the Almoravid period The site's
strategic importance was due to its location in the Ounila Valley along one of the main trans-Saharan trade
routes.
The current buildings are believed to date after the 17th century, but they were likely built with the same
construction methods and designs as had been used for centuries before.
After the hike up to the city's highest point and back Cal enjoys a glass of mint tea.
Ounila Valley - created by the Ounila River is a series of towns and agriculture.
A herd of black goats along the Ounila River.
As the river gorge narrows the homes are pushed up the rocks - but farming still goes on below.
The colors of the High Atlas mountains as we drive toward Marrakesh.
A small tree - probably Juniper - hangs onto a perch in the rocks.
The drive was so beautiful that at times it reminded us of the Sedona red rocks - must be a lot of iron in the
ground.
We are at Tizi n'Tichka pass at an elevation of 7,257 feet. Tizi n'Tichka means "difficult mountain pasture" in
Amazigh.
The road was full of curves - recently the road was straightened a bit and repaved, making the ride
pleasant - also fun to see the old road still going around the various ridges.
On the Marrakesh side headed down still enjoying the beautiful colors of the High Atlas.
We would roll
into Marrakesh after dark and spend a nice evening there - a beautiful riad.