Day 67 - 26/9/11 - Monday - Dades Gorge - Merzouga

Onward and onward and onward they rode. The sun set, and light faded, until they could no longer see the camel footprints in the desert sand. They had yet to reach their destination where they would camp for the night, so despite lethargy and sore groins, the caravan must push on. This was not a Broome Beach 30 minute joy ride, or a 45 minute you know the next day you've riden a camel experience- this was a 75 minute tourist boot camp.

The novelty of camel riding lasts perhaps those first 30 minutes, and then it progressively becomes more of an ordeal. Riding in a camel chain of 8-10 camels at least requires the camels to all follow each other, rather than letting them decide individually when they would walk, stop to eat, or brush up against a shrub, regardless of the fact that you are on the camel.

We arrived at the camp and stretched out our limbs and joints, knowing we must ride again in the morning. Not for the first time in Morocco we felt like it was beer o'clock, however there was no oasis bar at this camel camp.

The highlight of the night was no doubt the African drumming. Whilst this is most well known from Western Africa, Mohamed (number 37) owned the beat, and proceeded to play the 2 drums in a captivatingly impressive way. Conversely, several tourists tried to play the drums, which showed that it wasn't as easy as it looked.

Having seen Dades Gorge region the previous day, earlier today it was time to see Toudra gorge, which was even more impressive. Sheer cliff faces perhaps 60 metres high each side, with a moderate sized and paced river flowing between. Perhaps after the winter snow melts from the surrounding mountains the river gets stronger, however it still appears that it has taken many millions of years for this river to cut this gorge so deep. This region of Morocco seems a little like the Kimberley region of Australia, with such an old mountain range that has many rock ledge topped mountains, and scenic gorges and semi arid landscape nearby.