We tried to make an early start but Phil (Intercooler Band member) and girlfriend Dian came over for a chat as they were moving on as well. Of course Adrian had to say farewell to Rodney and Blacky.

By the time we said our goodbyes it was 1.00pm before we left Camp Amazigh. Tuah was given a good scrub by the boys at the local garage while we had our lunch of omelet. Left Azrou at 2.00pm.

We took the road to Errachida but had to pay toll to these two characters that refused to budge from the middle of the road. Knowing that we were blinding oncoming cars at night, I tried to fix the headlamp converters but just couldn’t figure out which of the diagrams apply to Tuah as he is not on the list provided. We nearly lost one which was left on the bonnet, as I was dying to go to the loo and had to drive off in a hurry.

By 4.00pm we were in Midelt, just before making the climb on the lower side of High Atlas. Snow was visible on the peaks but we were not anywhere near it as the road peaked at only 1907 mtrs. The road meanders alongside the Ziz gorge and villages could be seen alongside the river below the road.

Got into Merzouga in darkness and Ali was waiting with dinner and Adrian soon made himself at home.