The scenic route

Rainy and miserable in Azrou: the waiter recommended taking the scenic mountain route towards Marrakesh via Ain leuh. "We did not need to worry about the snow, the cars from Ifrane had snow on the roofs, but Ain leuh was clear". We eagerly took the local advice, trusting that it was better that the meal we had just eaten.

Christmas trees 

We were soon treated to a view of pretty Christmas trees, just the thing for a Christmas holiday.

Onwards and upwards

The pretty Christmas trees were at 1200m and ahead of us was a 30km drive mostly around 1800m. the sprinkling of snow turned into a snow-lined route. 

..... then to narrow tracks along a road with no visible edges, and nowhere to turn around. I had low gear and 4WD engaged and rear diff lock most of the time and needed it as snow covered the road at bends and under trees:

We came to a small clearing on the road and I stopped for a much needed pee and a drink. Then from behind us came two vehicles:

Snow ploughs clearing the road we had just traveled along. The drivers made clear signs to turn around. But after five minutes of sign language it became clear that they were turning round at this administrative boundary and we could carry one . hoping that the road was cleared better. we then had a stunning drive through the woods where a family of barbery apes (monkeys really) crossed the road in front of us

The road had been cleared better; scenery was breathtaking and we passed Berber settlements. Knee deep snow at the sides of the road but the local still stepped aside and stood on the verges, with little more than sandals,smiling at us.

The day ended near the Oum er Ribia sources after crossing a fragile looking bridge. Unlike many others this one seems to have survived the floods.

Boulder in the road

Oum er Ribia sources

 The next day, we continued the scenic route to Lake Aguelmane Azigza - certainly one of the most serene places visited.

Wow....