We left Marrakech and drove across through the Ourika Valley for 30 kms. The landscapes were beautiful. Very green and fertile with the soil and rock being red. There were lots of Berber villages dotted along the way where many  camels and mules were used for transportation to and from the villages.

 Where there is a good view for a photo stop on the way you can guarantee the hawkers will be there before you, offering camel rides, jewellery, ceramics and all kinds of trinkets.

 We followed the Ourika river for a long period and after heavy rain the night before there was a good flow.

 We stopped at at an old Berber grain mill where we were welcomed with the traditional Moroccan tea so the kettle was boiling ready to go.

 Tagine pots with their lids ready to be filled to cook lunch.

 The visitors room where we all sat and drank our tea.

 The kitchen had a water supply coming from a stream out side on the road side. ( just above the silver mugs)
No mod cons here.

 Pouring the tea.

 The door that fell short of fitting the frame.

 Outdoors the bridges across the streams, leading into the homes were all handmade from sticks and stones. Some looked safer than others.

Every bridge led into a small restaurant where plastic table and chairs of many different colours were set out beside the river. This area in the mountains is used by families on weekends and holidays when it is always crowded.

 Our lunch stop was at Ramuncho restaurant at the foot of the Atlas mountains. We had a magnificent view from our dining table and relaxed and enjoyed the scenery while we waited for lunch. Moroccans are never in a hurry so you just have to chill and go at their pace.

 A tiny Berber village a little way down the road from where we stopped for lunch.

 The Lye duo went exploring on the top level and found a way to amuse ourselves on the way down.

 Then it was on our way again and heading for Casablanca. One toilet stop on the way back. A guest house where we could also get a snack and more moroccan tea. Below.