We beat the heat again today, with another 5am start. To reach to col that would take us over to the Toubkal Refuge, we had to ascend some 600m via some 84 zig-zags. Thankfully, it was all in the shade and we barely sweated on the way up. From the col, we made a short scramble to the northern peak, which gave some great views of the next valley. Far away, we could see Imlil and Around, where our expedition had started from and where, all being well, we’ll be resting tomorrow night. In the other direction, was the bulk of Jebel Toubkal - the highest point in North Africa and our objective for tomorrow. On the way down to the Toubkal Refuge, we had a ridiculously big lunch, served on a rocky out crop above the valley. The concept of a packed lunch has not arrived in Morocco, but then again, why have a squashed cheese sandwich, when you could have hot pasta, fish, salad, veggies, beans and bread. Washed down with Mint Tea and a slice of melon to finish. And of course a quick sun bath to aid digestion. This mountaineering lark can be really tough at times! Ha!
The Toubkal Refuge/Basecamp was as expected. Teeming with people, mules, cooks, tents and guides. Our guide was very proud to announce that showers and luxury was available here, but I had a much nicer experience in the sun kissed waterfall yesterday compared to the dark cold and pretty skanky feeling hut shower. The water was ice cold but it was still nice to freshen up.
Tea, biscuits and some good chat preluded dinner. Then bed at 20:00 ready for an alpine 02:30am breakfast.....
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