Today was a
non-motorcycling day. Almost. We say almost because we did put on about 10 km
as we rode into town, got some pop and snacks and hit an ATM. This is a small
town in comparison and other than the donkey/mule/horse drawn buggies and
bicycles on the road, it was very quiet. We did experience a Moroccan grocery
store. It had a big spice selection in bulk in the center then an array of
canned and packaged goods around. Again the people were very helpful offering
products we might want. Upon return we had a game of mini-golf on the roof of
the spa (Norma won) and then met the group at 1:30 for our chauffeured 4X4 trip
into the desert.
The Toyota Land
Cruiser first took us a pretty rough 4X4 road to a viewpoint above Erfoud where
we stopped for a few pictures. Next we visited a fossil dig site where
fantastic ammonites and trilobites were being excavated. We have noticed there
are fossil shops everywhere in this area. This was followed by a visit with a
Berber nomad family and their tent-like abode. The brown “tent” was made from
camel hair woven into huge panels. In the heat of the day the fibres open up a
bit to let air out but apparently at night or when it rains and it is cooler
the fibres tighten up making it warmer and virtually water proof. They have
recently been equipped with a solar panel behind the adobe. Norma presented the
lady of the house with some toiletries and the children with pens and toys. One
little boy quickly took the ball offered and rubbed it against his cheek. The
mother offered us mint tea but we had been advised not to accept as the water
they use is questionable. We did take a drive to see their communal well. While
there we could see more children running from another tent quite a distance
away. I guess when the spot tourists they go as fast as they can to see what we
will give them – more pens.
Finally the 4X4 made
its way further into the desert to the Saharan dunes of Erg Chebbi. There are a number of Kasbahs there, one of
which we stopped at for a break then 2 of the group boarded ATVs to play in the
dunes while the rest of us mounted camels to trek into the dunes. If you have
never ridden a camel you will be surprised with how sure footed and rhythmic
the ride can be. The hard part is getting on and off without being pitched off on
your nose. It was a relatively inexpensive experience costing just 150 dirham
which is equivalent to about $15US. By the time we returned in about 1.5 hours the sun was
lowering in the horizon giving some beautiful vistas of the dunes.
We arrived back at
our hotel just before 8 for some much needed dinner. Camel riding is strenuous.
Tomorrow we ride motorcycles instead of camels. Apparently we will have lunch
with a Berber family.
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