We left Chefchaouen this morning, no rush, meandered down towards Meknes. It’s due to be wet here tomorrow which is a shame, I’d hope to drive in to the Circuit de Jaffar as far as reasonably possible then back out but if it’s pissing down we won’t bother, do it on the way back north. Reports say the whole route is not possible in a 4wd after rain damage.
Nice hills leaving this morning then we stopped at a nice cafe for lunch, €3 each for some excellent food.
The whole day was driving through endless olive groves, harvesting in progress everywhere. It seems strange seeing the scale of olive farming here that we never see the oil in the UK, at least I haven’t. Perhaps a European protection thing?
Then, driving along and I saw a lad poised to run across the road, from the left side, big yellow van coming the other way. I’d virtually stopped expecting him to dash and he didn’t disappoint, unfortunately straight into the front of the yellow van and down he went.
We stopped, wondering what state he would be in and could Jennifer help but then he leapt up and suggested he was fine. The van stayed to make sure and we went on.
We had thought of going to a Carrefour in Meknes then a little further south to camp but decided we would be camping later than we wanted so we stopped just south of Moulay Idriss, inevitably surrounded by olive trees. It’s a campsite but quiet, nice spot.
So tomorrow we should visit Carrefour and head south, see where we get to. If it’s raining we will make some miles and get a cheap hotel. Whatever it is we will make a plan.
It’s interesting to be back here, it is at once exotic but very familiar. I enjoy driving through small towns and watching life, markets, people, animals. It’s a while since I’ve driven here or West Africa and I’m enjoying it. Long may that continue!


