DAY 09. Mon 12/02, Algeciras (ESP) to Chefchoun (MOR). Camping Azilan. 109 kms. Total 1735 kms

As we were parked at the shopping centre made the most of the opportunity by stocking up on some groceries and camping supplies at Lidl & Decathlon. Made it to ferry port N36°07.789’ W5°26.449’ just before 12 aiming for the 1pm ferry, which unfortunately had been cancelled so it was a bit of a wait for the 2pm ferry. Fast ferry, 35mins, over to Cueta (Spanish enclave) where we were hoping to fill up with cheap fuel/duty free. Didn’t turn out to be cheaper than Morocco anymore so we just went straight on towards the border which caught us a bit by surprise. We were accosted by helpers/translators/palm-greasers but they were really nice, friendly genuine chaps so we went with them even though fairly simple process and in hindsight could have done it on our own. But it was probably well worth the small tip to use these guys, especially as we got through on our “dodgy” green card insurance certificate which saved us a few bob. All in all through in less than an hour and we weren’t searched at all. Headed straight up to Chefchoun in the Riff Mountains following some navigational “issues” in Tetaouan on the way. (Thank goodness for gps & Tracks4Africa maps) Very chilled out campsite with a few “new-age” travelers/hippies about as well as the European motorhomes. Bit of a sing song last night around the camp fire (no doubt with a bit of kiff being smoked) but we didn’t join in. (Dave, Mark & Sven on the other hand – our camp fire guitar stalwarts, would have loved it!)

DAY 10. Tues 13/02, Chefchoun, Camping Azilan. 0 kms. Total 1735 kms

Woke to good views and our warmest morning so far on the trip. Lay with the tent open for a bit reading and savouring being warm. It was definitely going to be a T-shirt day.

Hit the Medina and markets of the town and came away with a carpet as you do! Fair play to the guy Abdul – he could sell sand to the Saharans. As if we didn’t have enough stuff in the Landy we now have a Moroccon carpet too! (But it was a good price…. Ja, sure) Although Inga did actually want one were not planning on buying one on our 1st full day in Morocco. Seriously, if any of you ever come here I challenge you NOT to by a carpet from this guy. Find him. Try and then tell us how you got on as we would love to hear. In fact he will probably find you first. Great guy though, mint tea, life story, family history, the whole works…. I’m sure you know the drill…. Book filled will comments and testimonials from all those travelers who have come to his shop – although in fairness only about 75 to 80% bought something from him but that’s really quite good. Look in the book, you will now find us there too. But he really pulled out all the stops when he brought out the personalized, signed photo of Mel Gibson on the set of Braveheart! Who he had apparently met in Morocco & accompanied them to Fez as a “tour guide”. I kid you not.

Bit of lunch, food shopping, internet then back to campsite. Chatted to a few other travelers near us round the fire, 2 of whom we had met on the way down to town this morning, who have been cycling round Morocco.

Off to Fez tomorrow. Looking forward to it. Meant to be amazing. So far Morocco has been brilliant and its only been 2 days.