Daily Archives: October 18, 2010

Rest day in Fez before we head off to the Sahara – Mark

Morocco 2010

Great day with everyone today. We spent a lazy morning talking about plans for the trip and then hired a guide to look around Fez… well worth the time and money.

We all enjoyed the cultural immersion, the sights and sounds of the busy old city (Medina) and some fantastic Moroccan food at lunch time.

Now we are sitting around the dinner table at the camp site, anxiously awaiting our final sleep in Fez before we head out in the morning. With luck we will catch a stage or two of the Shamrook Rally, a full Saharan Rally Raid similar to the Dakar.

Here are a couple of pics form the day for you to enjoy.

Getting to know Fez

Morocco 2010

6.30pm. Base camp. Fez.

What a great first day. While the guys serviced the bikes Mark, Jackie and I took a trip into Fez. This place is amazing. It’s a very ancient city and remains mostly traditional and very atmospheric. There are lots of stories to tell from our day out and Mark has just managed to get his laptop on line so I’m going to stop trying to do all this on my iPhone and let mark tell a few stories from today.
We break camp tomorrow at 7am and head south toward the middle atlas region. Long ride – happy boy!!

Base camp

Morocco 2010

Well – I’m here. I’m sat at base camp waiting for Mark and Jackie to arrive. It’s great to see everyone here (and the bikes).
My tent had been set up for me and a glass of red was waiting on the table. Lovely.
I’ve heard lots of stories about the crazy journey getting the bikes and kit here and the riding the guys have already done. It’s going to be a thrilling couple of weeks, that’s for sure.
Base camp is at a pretty campsite on the outskirts of fez with our tents set up in a little orchard. As I write, oil lamps are burning in the trees and the hundred or so local dogs (and one rooster) are doing their best to make sure no one gets any sleep. Where did I put my ear plugs?
Exploring Fez tomorrow.
Tired now.
But happy!
Pete

Next morning…….
Everyone is here. Mark And Jackie arrived at about 1am. It’s now 9am and we are just tinkering around the camp. Some of the bikes need a bit of maintenance which will be done today. We leave base camp tomorrow.
Mark, Jackie and I are heading into fez in a while to have a look round. Photos to follow.