And here is Krysia becoming one with the earth ! Mother Earth ?
So what's this blog all about then? Well some pictures to start with before going into the main theme, which is out and about on the motor bike ! So before I start, here's a sunset, just for its beauty.
So now on with the main topic , where our motor bike can take us. For starters, we'll go on a journey north through the Argan forest to Tafedna. A fishing village some way up a bumpy road. Along the way we stop for a picnic amongst the beautiful Argan trees.
Where I take some arty shots of Krysia relaxing after modest snack.
The view through this idyllic landscape is breathtaking. Wheat fields are being harvested while Argan trees are full of ripening fruit. April is a green and beautiful month here.
But enough of this waffling Ted, what about me and the bike ride? Let's get on with the bumpy road.
Your right Krysia, were nearly at Tafedna and we've another ride to talk about after this one. So we're at the beach and no port or jetties here! Straight in they come, on the surf! Tractors are waiting to pull the boats up the beach and boy does it smell here. Phew, fishy fish smell very strong.
Well what do we expect? It's a fishing village isn't it. Very pretty but it's not for tourism, it's a way of life and fish is the business. Strangely, Imsouane doesn't smell like this! Enough you winging tourist. It's a happening place and bikey has brought us safely here.
It's very busy and everyone is friendly. The tractors do their job well and it must be a huge relief for the fishermen not to have to manhandle the boats up the sand. Old the tractors are but they make light work of the task at hand.
But there is a good ride home and it's time to go. We'll take the main road back as it's much quicker, twenty miles of bumpy road takes its toll on ones body so well go for the smooth vroom vroom choice.
And now it's time to talk about the second journey out on the bike. The Tildi trip. It's an epic
Tildi is easily visible from Imsouane. It's just across the bay. To get to it, you have to go overland which we have tried once already. We turned back due to threatening clouds and a muddy piste. The valley leading to Tildi is really a deep gorge with a rough track hugging the high cliff until it breaks through to the sea and plummets down to ocean level in a series of muddy switchbacks.
Are we sure about this ? Krysia stands high above the gorge knowing that we have wanted to do this for a long time. And the weather is dry and sunny. So with concentration levels at their peek, we take the plunge and head for Tildi. No more photos from here on. Just hold your breath and imagine the ride. Breathtaking is an understatement.
At the bottom safely, we find a quiet village with a green and pleasant valley, full crops and as tranquil as you could imagine. A jewel in a modern world which seems hell bent on construction and tourism which is evidently taking a hold here too. Although how building materials are brought here will remain a mystery to us.
We relax from our decent in the warm sun. I am very relieved to have made it safely but I can't shake off the feeling that the return journey is our only way out. Be here now Ted! Enjoy the now.
And it is well worth enjoying. The river which is a trickle today, must flow as a torrent when in full flood. It is so peaceful today. Frogs a croaking, water gurgling.
Photo opportunities and time to reflect.
On the beach as in the valley, fossils are abundant. Krysia is mesmerised by the choices while I can't help but sense the mountains behind her. Up and over the top we have to go! This time we shall stop to take photos when we can. So come on girl. Let's go. You've got enough fossils now.
The Tildi pass. That's what I name it. A white knuckle ride, as demanding and as vital as any 10 foot wave. No room for error. The piste is tough and we're up for it. Encouraging me all the way, Krysia and Ted take this on together. Our wave ! And we make it. We have to. At the pass we stop, hug and shout for joy.
Can a photo show what we have achieved. Of course not but these snaps give an idea of the scale and beauty.
Mmm more fossils? The road Krysia, look at the road! Chill out Ted, we made it. You drove well as always. Look at this fossil ?!?
The panorama photo below at least includes the whole decent. From the Tildi pass to the sea. Ooh. I think I'll called it the Tizi 'n Tildi. Very Moroccan.
Another panoramic view. This time from the high road down to Tildi, with Imsouane in the distance. So close yet, at times today, so far away.
As this photo shows, Tildi in the foreground, Imsoune in the next bay. Not many visitors will have been to Tildi !
A cavernous waterfall at the top of the gorge. Wow, brave Krysia. Such a long drop below.
Yes Ted, although I don't feel quite so brave right next to such a long drop.
Long drop to the valley below.
So we did it. This fine shot of Krysia says it all really. We are very happy to have done this journey. It has been an epic. Krysia, you look amazing.
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