First half of Day 1 - Mount Toubkal Hike

After we finished breakfast at eight am, with the snow covered mountains in sight, we drove from Asni to our starting point in Imlil (1680m) to meet our mules and guide. There is one Chief in each village, he manages the workload schedule of every mule used for mountain treks.

Looking and feelin' happy!

The people were always very nice, main language, arabic, Berber in these parts, french as a second language with some english words here and there.

Off and trekking we go. Our guide was most amazing. (His contact details to follow)

Our friends, Lara and Remy joined us.

We had 12 miles ahead of us and 2000m of altitude to gain.

On the initial ascent there are many stores and convincing salesmen, if we stopped every at each one or bought every item we liked we would have never made it out of the gate! There are shops from Imlil to the last one about 2200m.

We stopped for tea at, what i used as a land mark, "white mosque village". Look at the solar panels!!!

Pre hike prepping...

After a long day of traveling, flight from JFK to Madrid, Madrid to Marrakech (9 hours) and 1 hour drive from Marrakech airport we arrived at Kasbah Tamadot, a welcomed luxury!

Next few pix - donkeys, camels and storks oh my...lots of flora and fauna en route to Asni via Marrakech.

Met with our guide...hmmm look ma' there's still snow! So much for hiking daddy's sources!!! 7am start tomorrow.

Packing Up for Mt. Toubkal

Up, up and away! Hiking Mama taking off on another adventure, this time dragging Hiking Daddy along for the ride...

Destination: Mt. Toubkal (4167m) It is the highest mountain in North Africa. The trek to the summit is challenging but non technical. We drive to Imlil a remote High Atlas village to begin.

 

 

Gear: Confused about what to pack...Doesn't seem to be as strenuous as the Haute Route, certainly not as long. Snow has melted, as of two days ago. Weather forecast high 80s by day, lows 60s in the evening. So far have boots, 2 pairs of socks, blister repair shop, sunscreen, hat, poles, water pouch and toothbrush...contemplating gloves, hat and rain gear...still can't bring myself to even look at trail mix since the july haute route hike!

 

Stay tuned to see what I packed, for daily updates and pics!