MOROCCO ADVENTURE
Our "travellers" left today
(Tuesday 18 October)
Our "travellers" left today
(Tuesday 18 October)
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HAVE FUN YOU TWO
On a rather chilly but bright afternoon we wish our excited Cook and Navigator 'Bon Voage' as they pull out of Horsford on their way to Portsmouth and the Ferry crossing. Updates will appear as and when we hear from them en route.
DID YOU SEE THIS REPORT............
On a rather chilly but bright afternoon we wish our excited Cook and Navigator 'Bon Voage' as they pull out of Horsford on their way to Portsmouth and the Ferry crossing. Updates will appear as and when we hear from them en route.
DID YOU SEE THIS REPORT............
Communications could be patchy but we'll keep you posted as best we can, hopefully next from somewhere in Spain.
The NZC specially printed T-shirts worn by our travelling pair were spotted on the Ferry by a passenger from Lowestoft who recognised the name!
They've made it to Madrid thanks to that new invention called a Sat Nav who gave instructions DO A U TURN"....next stop, Malaga!
The NZC specially printed T-shirts worn by our travelling pair were spotted on the Ferry by a passenger from Lowestoft who recognised the name!
They've made it to Madrid thanks to that new invention called a Sat Nav who gave instructions DO A U TURN"....next stop, Malaga!
The "Terrible Two" have just reported in.......rest stop to stock up on supplies before crossing to North Africa. Seems rather a nice place for a "rest stop". The NZC name is travelling!!!!
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View from their room
Saturday 22nd -
Just heard tropical storm has hit Malaga. All roads around hotel now flooded and they head for North Africa tomorrow! Should make for a fun start..........
Team briefing complete. 7.15 am start tomorrow, for ferry to Ceuta, and onward to the Morocco border. Tomorrow's wilderness camp is in the middle of nowhere, but is near Volubilis where we will meet our Moroccon guide, 'Hassan'. We will then head over the Atlas mountains and camp in the Cedar forests, and then head onward to the Sahara.
(Reader please note: we may lose them for a few days from now on...will update as, and when).
Now camped at 7,000 feet in the Cedar forest. Had to avoid monkeys on the road heading towards the camp site and it's raining!
The Middle Atlas Range, as such boasts of 237 endemic plant species and troupes of Barbary Apes which are some of the highlights of Morocco wildlife. The Barbary Apes are generally found feeding along the forest margins in the vast cedar forest. They are shy tail-less breed of monkeys and one of the best known Old World monkey species. Although this species is commonly referred to as the Barbary ape, it is a true monkey and not an ape. It is to be noted regarding their behavior that, excessive intrusion into their land may send them to the utmost top branches of the cedar forest due to their shy nature. It is the presence of this rare species of monkeys that makes Cedar Forest Wildlife, Morocco, one of the Morocco popular destinations.
Tuesday 25th - latest...
We stopped at a School that is deep in the forest and delivered the pack of paper, pens, pencils and notebooks
to the school, who were delighted with our donations. The night in the ceder forest was ......cold..... and wet !!!!! Torrential rain the whole night, so we were all drowned rats by the morning! Thankfully we are now much further
south at Tinghir, and its much , much warmer, so tents and sleeping bags now drying out! We are now getting prepared for our desert crossing, so are stocking up with water and supplies and will head deep into the desert
tomorrow.
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They're now deep in the Sahara (Erg Chebbie), doing a bit of star gazing under the skies. Says the scene is unbelieveable. Neither have ever seen a night sky like it. Sounds as if they're enjoying themselves!
Today it took a 3 hour drive to cover 30 km due to the terrain for delivery of clothes to the Berbers. Two lucky Berbers are now proud owners of Zipper Club sweatshirts! The Landrover is getting lighter! Next........some light hearted relief by dune bashing with quad bikes!!!!
Saturday 29th....They're not lost as suspected. After an all night sandstorm which left them with sand in every orifice!! just heard back in phone signal range and still travelling in the sand along the Algerian border. Headed to Zagora tonight. A well known sign at the town border states "Tombouctou 52 days", the supposed time it takes to get to Timbuktu, Mali on foot or camel (await excited update).
Today it took a 3 hour drive to cover 30 km due to the terrain for delivery of clothes to the Berbers. Two lucky Berbers are now proud owners of Zipper Club sweatshirts! The Landrover is getting lighter! Next........some light hearted relief by dune bashing with quad bikes!!!!
Saturday 29th....They're not lost as suspected. After an all night sandstorm which left them with sand in every orifice!! just heard back in phone signal range and still travelling in the sand along the Algerian border. Headed to Zagora tonight. A well known sign at the town border states "Tombouctou 52 days", the supposed time it takes to get to Timbuktu, Mali on foot or camel (await excited update).
a few shots from their latest very hard hot days...
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The Navigator continues to issue out welcome supplies along the route
(and remarkably still smiling!)
8 years ago today (31 October)
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Wednesday 2nd - latest via MOB. "spent last two days fighting our way through dunes, river beds and salt flats. Heading west tomorrow. Drove through the disputed Western Sahara. Navigator tired and hot but is coping very well. He even had a drive himself across some of the sections while sitting on my knee! Stopping at a hotel on his Birthday tomorrow, don't know name but place called Taroudant.......more later".
Taroudant (Arabic: تارودانت) is a Moroccon city located in the Sous Valley in the southern part of the country. It is situated east of Agadir on the road to Ouarzazate and the Sahara desert and south of Marrakech. It is called the "Grandmother of Marrakech" because it looks like a smaller Marrakech with its surrounding ramparts. In the sixteenth century the Saadians briefly used Taroudant as a capital, before they moved onwards to Marrakech. Today it has the feel of a small fortified market town on a caravan route.
(what a lovely name GRANDMOTHER of Marrakech!)
Unlike Marrakech, almost the entire city of Taroudant is located inside its walls. A new part of the city is being developed outside the city walls around the campus of a faculty of the Ibn Zohr University of Agadir.
The Birthday Day 3 November 2011
Still no internet available so communications scarce. Apparently we should have seen where they stayed last night! They were lucky to have electricity in the hotel. They have made it to Essaouira.
(what a lovely name GRANDMOTHER of Marrakech!)
Unlike Marrakech, almost the entire city of Taroudant is located inside its walls. A new part of the city is being developed outside the city walls around the campus of a faculty of the Ibn Zohr University of Agadir.
The Birthday Day 3 November 2011
Still no internet available so communications scarce. Apparently we should have seen where they stayed last night! They were lucky to have electricity in the hotel. They have made it to Essaouira.
Essaouira is a city in the western Morrocan economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, on the Atlantic coast. Since the 16th century, the city has also been known by its Portuguese name of Mogador or Mogadore. The Berber name means the wall, a reference to the fortress walls that originally enclosed the city.
Just in.... (part)
"We are now in Essaouira!! Afer leaving Zagora we had every imaginable terrain to negotiate and were truly far from any civilization.
At Lac Iriki things then got very interesting. At the morning briefing we were told the only way to cross Lac Iriki was to be flat out with your foot to the floor, as there are patches of soft salty mud. As I sped across the salt planes at 65 mph I heard a shout from our leader over the CB that simply said "wet patch, floor it…!!!". All of a sudden I went from 65 mph to 25mph in about 3 seconds, and mud was flying everywhere. I quickly dropped it down a gear and did exactly what our leader said and floored the accelerator pedal. With all wheels spinning and engine revving hard we slipped and slid all over the place with mud flying everywhere and eventually found hard ground again and got traction back! A quick wipe of the brow and we were up doing 65 mph again.
After regrouping we were then told that we must now continue in convoy and keep within the track markers, as we were going to be driving through a minefield..!!!! WWII land mines laid in 1995 were still in the area but there was a route through the minefiel and we would be fine as long as we stuck to the correct track! I elected to stay near the back of the convoy during this section for obvious reasons…!! Since we were getting near to the end of the off road route I let the navigator sit on my lap and steer through the minefield section for about 20 mins. I don’t think there are many 9 year olds who can say they have driven through a minefield in the Sahara!!
The navigator has now turned 10 years old, and he took the driver for a coke at a souk in Tanoudant to celebrate saying goodbye to his last 9 years and him turning 10 years old. He opened cards from his family and everyone on the expedition signed a card for him too, so he has Happy Birthday written in his card in English, Dutch and Arabic!
We have now handed out all the donated items to all the children and families in the remote areas of the Sahara which have all been gratefully received and the warm welcome from everyone in Morocco has just been incredible. No matter where we go everyone run from their houses and villages to wave and greet us.
The mountain coastal roads are very twisty and in the space of 80 KM we spotted 3 crashes so care must be taken especially if it rains! To drive in the busy areas of Morocco you need to have nerves of steel as rules of the road are rather different than in the UK!"
Just in.... (part)
"We are now in Essaouira!! Afer leaving Zagora we had every imaginable terrain to negotiate and were truly far from any civilization.
At Lac Iriki things then got very interesting. At the morning briefing we were told the only way to cross Lac Iriki was to be flat out with your foot to the floor, as there are patches of soft salty mud. As I sped across the salt planes at 65 mph I heard a shout from our leader over the CB that simply said "wet patch, floor it…!!!". All of a sudden I went from 65 mph to 25mph in about 3 seconds, and mud was flying everywhere. I quickly dropped it down a gear and did exactly what our leader said and floored the accelerator pedal. With all wheels spinning and engine revving hard we slipped and slid all over the place with mud flying everywhere and eventually found hard ground again and got traction back! A quick wipe of the brow and we were up doing 65 mph again.
After regrouping we were then told that we must now continue in convoy and keep within the track markers, as we were going to be driving through a minefield..!!!! WWII land mines laid in 1995 were still in the area but there was a route through the minefiel and we would be fine as long as we stuck to the correct track! I elected to stay near the back of the convoy during this section for obvious reasons…!! Since we were getting near to the end of the off road route I let the navigator sit on my lap and steer through the minefield section for about 20 mins. I don’t think there are many 9 year olds who can say they have driven through a minefield in the Sahara!!
The navigator has now turned 10 years old, and he took the driver for a coke at a souk in Tanoudant to celebrate saying goodbye to his last 9 years and him turning 10 years old. He opened cards from his family and everyone on the expedition signed a card for him too, so he has Happy Birthday written in his card in English, Dutch and Arabic!
We have now handed out all the donated items to all the children and families in the remote areas of the Sahara which have all been gratefully received and the warm welcome from everyone in Morocco has just been incredible. No matter where we go everyone run from their houses and villages to wave and greet us.
The mountain coastal roads are very twisty and in the space of 80 KM we spotted 3 crashes so care must be taken especially if it rains! To drive in the busy areas of Morocco you need to have nerves of steel as rules of the road are rather different than in the UK!"
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...heading to Moulay Bousselham...
A brief telephone call to the Birthday Boy confirms, he is tired but happy but still enjoying it all. Think the word was "ace!". Asked how it felt to be 10 years old now, his answer "no different". Long day tomorrow an 8 hour drive!
Saturday 5 November
They’ve finally arrived back in Spain!!
Latest report (part)………”even though the coastal route was on 'tarmac' we had heavy storms the whole way up the coast which severely flooded some of the roads and also washed piles of mud onto the roads so it was an 'interesting' ride up to Moulay Bousselham.
The team had to pitch camp for the last night in tropical storm conditions and due to the long drive up to the border (and the ferry check in time) we had to pack camp up at 5.00 am! The navigator was excellent and didn't moan too much about being woken up so early and we both packed away the camp early in gale force winds and in pitch blackness but thankfully the rain had stopped by the time we packed camp.
Managed to get through the border without too much problem, although it still seems like organized chaos! Drove onto the ferry and arrived back into Spain at around lunchtime. 60 miles later and we arrived at the hotel where we will rest and relax and get ready for the long drive up through Spain to catch the Ferry back to UK.
Words from a very proud Dad…….
I have to say my navigator has been absolutely brilliant...! It has been hard going, very wet and cold one minute and then very hot, dusty and sandy the next. We have had long days driving over various terrain which has tested both navigator and vehicle! He has coped very well with the expedition, different culture, strange foods, and has not missed TV or his computer games but is looking forward to getting back to his new bike he got for his birthday before we left. Driver and navigator have already discussed the next adventure, so who knows where we might end up.................”
They’ve finally arrived back in Spain!!
Latest report (part)………”even though the coastal route was on 'tarmac' we had heavy storms the whole way up the coast which severely flooded some of the roads and also washed piles of mud onto the roads so it was an 'interesting' ride up to Moulay Bousselham.
The team had to pitch camp for the last night in tropical storm conditions and due to the long drive up to the border (and the ferry check in time) we had to pack camp up at 5.00 am! The navigator was excellent and didn't moan too much about being woken up so early and we both packed away the camp early in gale force winds and in pitch blackness but thankfully the rain had stopped by the time we packed camp.
Managed to get through the border without too much problem, although it still seems like organized chaos! Drove onto the ferry and arrived back into Spain at around lunchtime. 60 miles later and we arrived at the hotel where we will rest and relax and get ready for the long drive up through Spain to catch the Ferry back to UK.
Words from a very proud Dad…….
I have to say my navigator has been absolutely brilliant...! It has been hard going, very wet and cold one minute and then very hot, dusty and sandy the next. We have had long days driving over various terrain which has tested both navigator and vehicle! He has coped very well with the expedition, different culture, strange foods, and has not missed TV or his computer games but is looking forward to getting back to his new bike he got for his birthday before we left. Driver and navigator have already discussed the next adventure, so who knows where we might end up.................”
thankfully our Zipper sign has now been cleaned!
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...Bye Morocco!
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Sunday 6 November
Another few miles under their belts as they have overnight stop just north of Madrid and tomorrow only 200 miles onwards to Bilbao!!
Another few miles under their belts as they have overnight stop just north of Madrid and tomorrow only 200 miles onwards to Bilbao!!
Monday 7 November
They're on the last leg now. Chilling out in Bilbao and went for a "McDonalds" for lunch to which the Navigator thought was Heaven! Ready for the ferry crossing tomorrow. Due to the magic of Skype, they both still look very happy and both continue to smile and laugh a lot. When asked the Navigator "which was the best bit of the trip" his answer was "EVERYTHING WAS AWESOME!"..........Can't wait to see them and hear first hand all about the trip. Will not have much time though, as Scott arrives back here Wednesday and, leaves for India, on Thursday!
Tuesday 8 November
They're making the long ferry crossing to UK. Navigator is beating the driver at 'Beat the parents' game. His expedition diary has been updated, school homework is almost completed. Scheduled to dock at Portsmouth at 09.30 tomorrow, and then a 4 hour drive back to Norwich
It is a flat clam sea, sun is shining so nice crossing so far. They had to turn the Land Rover heater on this morning before getting on the ferry and got an eye full of Sahara sand which had built up in the heater system!
Navigator looking forward to riding his bike and driver is just hoping to get his clothes washed in time before heading back out to work in India for the next few weeks!
They're on the last leg now. Chilling out in Bilbao and went for a "McDonalds" for lunch to which the Navigator thought was Heaven! Ready for the ferry crossing tomorrow. Due to the magic of Skype, they both still look very happy and both continue to smile and laugh a lot. When asked the Navigator "which was the best bit of the trip" his answer was "EVERYTHING WAS AWESOME!"..........Can't wait to see them and hear first hand all about the trip. Will not have much time though, as Scott arrives back here Wednesday and, leaves for India, on Thursday!
Tuesday 8 November
They're making the long ferry crossing to UK. Navigator is beating the driver at 'Beat the parents' game. His expedition diary has been updated, school homework is almost completed. Scheduled to dock at Portsmouth at 09.30 tomorrow, and then a 4 hour drive back to Norwich
It is a flat clam sea, sun is shining so nice crossing so far. They had to turn the Land Rover heater on this morning before getting on the ferry and got an eye full of Sahara sand which had built up in the heater system!
Navigator looking forward to riding his bike and driver is just hoping to get his clothes washed in time before heading back out to work in India for the next few weeks!
THEY ARE HOME
Wednesday 9 November
The trusty Landrover (much to everyone's surprise) pulled back into Horsford all in one piece with only a couple of bits missing, still covered in the Sahara sand and carrying two beaming faces! After a journey of over 3,000 miles that is some feat!.
Returning home was all a bit manic as the Landrover was unpacked with what seemed endless packages, dirty clothes, gifts for family (wrapped in newspaper), remains from the fridge AND TWO TREASURED BOTTLES OF SAND!!!! Washing machine on - last minute photographs taken....................
The trusty Landrover (much to everyone's surprise) pulled back into Horsford all in one piece with only a couple of bits missing, still covered in the Sahara sand and carrying two beaming faces! After a journey of over 3,000 miles that is some feat!.
Returning home was all a bit manic as the Landrover was unpacked with what seemed endless packages, dirty clothes, gifts for family (wrapped in newspaper), remains from the fridge AND TWO TREASURED BOTTLES OF SAND!!!! Washing machine on - last minute photographs taken....................
....WHAT A JOURNEY....WHAT MEMORIES.....
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...opening belated Birthday present! oooooops wrong size, back to the shop!
THE RESULTS OF THIS "ADVENTURE" HAS BEEN A REMARKABLE. THE NORFOLK ZIPPER CLUB WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS A HUGE THANK YOU BOTH TO THE DRIVER AND HIS NAVIGATOR FOR A WONDERFUL ACHIEVMENT.
...and on 4 April 2012, Markus, Scott, Grandad, Robin (Chairman) along with Wendy, his wife, went down to Papworth and were given a personal conducted tour of the hospital, and shown some of the equipment that their monies raised helped buy. It was a long day but Papworth did our Moroccon Travellers proud and young Markus felt very much a VIP!!
