I joined a mixed group of ML`s and novices on a trip organised by a mutual friend, Alan Ward, an IML who had mentored some of us during our preparation for the ML summer assessment and trained others on one of his first aid courses.
The aim for the 4 ML`s amongst us was to garner as much information and experience from Alan on how he runs a trip like this and to see first hand the area we hoped to work in in the future.
After flying in to Marrakech the night before and a good nights sleep at The Kasbah du Toubkal, we met our guide after a leisurely breakfast and readied to start our trek.
Our kit was carried by Mules as we made our way out of Imlil and started to work our way up through the valley. We stopped for lunch at Sidi Charamouch 2350m for a delicious lunch of salad, meatballs and the beautiful local bread. The first of many sumptuous meals we were unable to finish.
The snow line started just above the lunch stop so our bags went on via porters and we followed the icy but well trodden path up to our accomadation for the next few nights, Refuge Toubkal les Mouflons 3200m.
The weather changed as we ascended the valley, with clouds covering the peaks and the wind building bringing with it snow showers.
We reached our refuge which is a large stone building in a fantastic setting. The rooms were very damp and cold and I enjoyed my first cold shower since Peru.
The food was as sumptuous as every other meal and we had been upgraded to twin rooms with the family room for Alan and Keri which gave us a private lounge with a a log fire to try and warm up.
