So the big day dawns for the ascent of Toubkal and we have to be up at 05.30. That isn't a problem as it happens, as sleeping in a dorm is no guarantee for a good night's sleep! Quite the opposite in fact; what with the lack of air, mobiles going off (alarms set wrongly!) and the noises, we don't get much sleep.
Hassan has breakfast ready for us and we are on our way by 06.30. The air is cool, but it is set to be a beautiful morning. There are other groups who are also starting early, and there is a general air of excitement and anticipation. The first challenge is crossing a fast flowing stream on a plank, then we start picking our way up the scree slope.
After a climb of about 500m we come to the first of the snow-fields. The snow is hard and icy and it is difficult getting enough grip while steadily climbing upwards. We are really grateful for the loan of Eva's poles that give us a little extra grip. There are 3 large snow-fields to cross at the moment.
Then we turn left and up another scree slope til it flattens out a bit and we eventually make it to the top 4167m!! A fantastic feeling of euphoria as we stand there looking at the views over the mountains, and not a little sense of achievement. Not least for Kevin who struggled with altitude sickness and vertigo most of the time we were in the Atlas mountains. We make it also thanks to our guide Abdellah who gives us constant support and encouragement.
Now we only have to get back down again! That actually goes better than expected though involves quite a bit of sliding on both scree and snow, which has now turned to slush.
Back at the refuge Hassan is waiting with a good lunch, and then we start the trek back to Imlil.
Our trip in the Atlas mountains (including our excellent guides) was arranged through Zbartravel: http://www.zbartravel.com
Hassan has breakfast ready for us and we are on our way by 06.30. The air is cool, but it is set to be a beautiful morning. There are other groups who are also starting early, and there is a general air of excitement and anticipation. The first challenge is crossing a fast flowing stream on a plank, then we start picking our way up the scree slope.
After a climb of about 500m we come to the first of the snow-fields. The snow is hard and icy and it is difficult getting enough grip while steadily climbing upwards. We are really grateful for the loan of Eva's poles that give us a little extra grip. There are 3 large snow-fields to cross at the moment.
Then we turn left and up another scree slope til it flattens out a bit and we eventually make it to the top 4167m!! A fantastic feeling of euphoria as we stand there looking at the views over the mountains, and not a little sense of achievement. Not least for Kevin who struggled with altitude sickness and vertigo most of the time we were in the Atlas mountains. We make it also thanks to our guide Abdellah who gives us constant support and encouragement.
Now we only have to get back down again! That actually goes better than expected though involves quite a bit of sliding on both scree and snow, which has now turned to slush.
Back at the refuge Hassan is waiting with a good lunch, and then we start the trek back to Imlil.
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