Ahansal Valley

Our trip to France is coming up in less than a month.  And since Ember will have to spend most of her time in the backpack carrier for the trek, we thought it might be a good idea for her to get adjusted to it.  Robbie and I also realized we should probably practice carrying Ember since she's no longer a tiny, lightweight baby.

Zaouiat Ahansal is located in the Central High Atlas and is only beginning to be discovered by adventure seekers, mainly climbers.  We like the idea that it's an area less traveled and that it hasn't been spoiled by mass tourism.  Electricity was only introduced to the area just last year.  Our guide told us that the people are really enjoying watching TV, especially world news.

Our lovely gite, Dar Ahansal.

After we spent a very relaxing night at Dar Ahansal, we went on a 4 hour hike to the next gite which was very modest and basic.  The scenery was absolutely stunning, so it's hard to believe that more people aren't visiting this place.  But maybe that's not such a bad thing.

An old kasbah near Dar Ahansal.

Ahansal Valley did not disappoint. The warm hospitality of the Berber people, the dramatic landscape, and the feeling of remoteness was more than we could ask for.

The start of our 4 hour hike to the next gite.

Who knew mackerel and cheese sandwiches could
taste so good?

It's fun at first but the kids realized that it's actually much
more comfortable to walk than to ride a donkey.

Can you spot the climbers?

Cooling off!

Snack time!