HIKING THE AMELN VALLEY

A couple days after our mountain bike adventure you read about in the previous post, we traded handlebars for hiking boots as we set out to discover a few of the twenty-six Berber villages scattered through the Ameln Valley.

With a striking white mosque, and mud homes built into the side of the mountains, Oumesnat was the first Berber village we visited during our hike. What started as an incredibly dreary day began to look a bit brighter once we entered the village.

Two independent hikers, pleased to see more blue sky as the day progressed, pose for their camera in front of thirsty palms and the 12,000 foot mountains of the Anti-Atlas.

Each village we visited had at least one thing in common: the friendliness of the locals. We were warmly greeted village after village and received logistical assistance when needed. A visit to the local shop for a bottle of water resulted in an invitation for a glass of "berber whiskey" (mint tea), while a toothless man in a three piece suit on a bicycle escorted us to an unmarked trail over a mountain pass. A kid, kid and another kid: we were enthusiastically followed by this young barefoot boy as he flung his goats from their limbs in a playful manner.
My idea to climb this rock formation was so good...my brain popped out!
Descending the final pass, Rachel is ready for a cold drink and a good stretch once we return to the hotel.

The view from our hotel's rooftop terrace at dusk.

Our visit to the Anti-Atlas Mountains has definitely been a highlight during our time in Morocco. We spent time biking, hiking and throwing the frisbee under clear blue skies, while enjoying local cuisine and a very comfortable hotel. It was an excellent choice "off the beaten path" before we began our long journey through the disputed territory of Western Sahara in route to Mauritania. Be sure to visit back soon for an update on our Saharan crossing.