Back to the desert

En route in our Dacia Duster....

 

The long and winding road leading to the desert.....

Ooh, almost in M'hamid...where the road stops and the desert begins.......

Five signs in all on this road, each with a reminder to visitors that we are entering a unique place, so different to what has gone before.....

The road has ended....the dusty tracks begin...holding on tight as we are driven into the desert, the car slipping and sliding over the bumpy sand as it is driven so skilfully by our friend, Bobo, who has lived in the desert all his life and knows this place like the back of his hand...

After a two-hour drive through this barren landscape dotted with beautiful acacia and tamerisk trees we arrive at our private camp - just in time to scramble up the dune right in front of our tent, barefoot in the hot sand with a glass of wine, to welcome the sunset....

 

 

 There's nothing like the feeling of soft, warm, deep sand running between your toes...

The large golden ball in the sky....

As the sun sets, shadows on the dunes become more defined ....

 

The sky glows a deep burnt orange as daylight draws to a close....

Lamps are lit all around the camp, reflections glowing in the sand making beautiful patterns...a fire is made by Mohamed to keep us warm as we eat our dinner under the stars by candlelight...

 

Oops, didn't realise there's no electricity here...thankfully we are supplied with torches. Might it have been a good idea to unpack our stuff before darkness fell? Hmmmm....

Morning arrives all too soon - and with it the chance to do more exploration of the dunes....

Thirsty work all that climbing...time for a refreshing drink from the bar and some snacks....

Too nice to sit inside....

Seriously, lunch time already? We sit down to a starter of salad....How does Youssef manage to create such wonderful food in the middle of nowhere in a tent?

Need to walk it off...

 

Anyone for a camel trek?

Have cheche (turban), will travel...

Even the camel is amused at the sight of Martin in a cheche!

Whilst Martin goes for a lap of the dunes by camel, I decide to lounge at the camp and read a book. That's the plan anyway...until these two huge threatening creatures appear on top of the near dune...They are ravens - and they appear to be watching me as they circle overhead and re-settle on the dunes. Suddenly I feel a little exposed out here on my own and retire to my tent!

 

 I am glad to see Martin returning to camp a little later...

 

Sipping yet another drink from the 'bar' when Hrbat suddenly appears with something wriggling between his fingers...it's a Sandfish! Apparently these are so-called because of the way they suddenly 'dive' into the sand and appear to 'swim'. They have a pointed nose and a streamlined sleek body which enables them to do this. This little chappy looks very cute - and boy, he can't half move when Hrbat gently places him on the sand. Before we know it he has disappeared deep into the dune...

Eating breakfast outside the tent in the morning sunlight at the nicely-laid table complete with a white tablecloth is a lovely experience....fresh fruit salad, yoghurt, muesli, Berber omelette, bread with a variety of jams, msemen (a traditional pancake) and copious amounts of orange juice, tea and coffee. Even full-size chairs to sit on too! This is the life!

 

Hampered only by these scurrying scallywags, the Scarab beetles, who move so quickly across the sand, leaving paths of their tiny footprints...

After two lovely days and nights in this Private Camp, we intend to trek to the Main Camp. However, during the night the wind has come and the sand is blowing - we decide now to hitch a lift in the pick-up truck - along with Youssef the chef, Mohamed and another guy who has appeared from nowhere, as well as piles of 'goods' to be transported from one camp to another. My little legs just about make it into the truck as I haul myself up and off we go! Holding on tight we make our way over the sand, shaken but not stirred! 40 minutes later we arrive - nice to be on solid ground after the bumpy but fun ride!

Luxury awaits...full-sized bed with beautiful handira bedspread (traditional wedding blanket), Beni Ouarain rugs, full-length mirror, comfortable armchair, pouffe, his & hers babouches (slippers) - and even dressing gowns!

Not to mention the adjoining bathroom with its handwash basin, toilet, dressing table and shower area. Wonderfully-scented les sens de Marrakech toiletries are provided too. Beautiful!

When the wind comes, the best thing to do is lounge in the open-sided tent with a good book and lovely views across the camp...

...And maybe a drink or two from the fully-stocked bar...

Time for a walk...

The camels are waiting for any customers...

How I love the hammocks attached to the stumps of palm trees, swaying gently in the breeze, with me cocooned within...

 

The sound of music fills the air as the boys get together for an impromptu 'jam' around the camp fire...traditional music played on drums with much accompanied hand-clapping and harmonised singing. We join in, tapping feet, clapping hands and swaying to the music...

Our time here is at an end - but we'll be back...and soon.....

Many thanks to Bobo, Tine and the team for looking after us so well. Shukran bzaaf! :)