Marrakesh to Taroudant

Marrakesh to Taroudant (the quick way)

This was our first day with Zoe, and it turned out to be one of the best, well it would wouldn't it? w had picked Zoe up on Saturday evening at the airport and drove off in the dark towards the motorway, the plan was to stop at a service station, sleep easily and be that bit closer the next day. well that worked, it was a bit further to the motorway than I had realised - that meant driving in the dark on ordinary roads, which is a bit risky with unseen potholes and cyclists. The toll motorways have a reliably good rood surface, less traffic and the bonus of hassle free overnight stopping places.

Breakfast at a service station.

The only "breakdown" on the entire trip. 

The exhaust downpipe had come undone at the manifold end. The bracket was still in place, so it just needed bolting back on. As usual help was at hand, rather more adept than me.

Goats in argan trees 

well ... we saw these camels grazing first.

Goats in argan trees, and contrary to some stories they were not tied in place for tourists.

Zoe with a pet

Thorns like this and we still not get any punctures.

yes really! that was on our tick list, done on first day together.

Roadside tagine

tranquil garden away from the road.

delicious, cheap tranquil garden. Another item on our to-do list

Taroudant

Parked next to city walls with snow capped mountains in the background.

A formal shady park

parking right next to the walls of the medina, And just opposite a park - the best place in town.

Late afternoon wander round the town

That's a nice tea pot ... we'll have that.

man playing with his instrument in the market square..

They had a teapot too.

Coucous

Rather male dominated town square!

And finaly ...  cosy in bed. 

Well, actually that was the next morning. Spot the teapot