Good morning ATLAS - Sitting at 1800m, today would be our hiking tour. The staff at our abode had doubted we would be awake for a 9am hike - never mind an 8am breakfast - but there we were, geared up and energized for a day in the cool mountain air.
History and culture lessons along the way (small villages, shops, mosques, home construction, cemeteries), electricity in this region only just arrived at the turn of the 21st century. Life's simplicity and simple plan is both calming yet somehow disturbing: trying to imagine a secluded quaint existence is difficult once acquainted with the age of technology. Passing fields of walnut trees along the way. We meandered across a river and trekked up the mountain side.
...Our hiking continued (as I continued to pretend my food poisoning was not bothersome - photos show otherwise). We approached a neighboring mountain village near 2026m in elevation.
Hiking along the river bed.
Walking along a dry river bed beneath the snow capped mountain peaks we passed a futbol field - its reddish hue discernable amongst the gray river rocks without hesitation, and goal posts like artificial plinths in this plane.
Futbol field.
We continued hiking yet a bit further up the mountain side, now eye level with clouds blowing into the valley and temporarily surrounding us, yet withering away as quickly as they arrived - precipitation would hold off until the end.
View from our lunch top perch.
At lunch I asked Lachen about the life of young people: so they stay to continue lives of past generations or do they move on?
• education
• medical
• family/cultural beliefs vs. modern/assimilation with the world
• gov't programs / expectations / equality
While the sun attempted to get through, the shade and cold wind made single digit temperature known. Our hike back along this winding road was picturesque, breathtaking, and brisk! Fall foliage colors across the valley were unexpected and scenic.
Arriving back as it began to rain, it quickly turned to hail - bouncing off the glass windows. But sitting fireside laying on blankets and pillows where candles abound, we settled in (and I slept) and graciously awaited our next Moroccan meal.
Followed by more merriment, horse play, and humor, what a fun group: the excitement and carefree attitude of old friends - or perhaps lowered boundaries, comfort, and enjoyment - thank goodness our hosts did not understand english. Lahcen on the other hand, had the full picture!
Settling in for the night, a morning hike awaited us.