
First trip out to the Atlas Mountauns.
Had contacted a local ground handling team who had booked the accomodation, local guide and transport.
Day 1 we hiked from Imlil village to the refuge. On the way we chatted to locals and I learnt some more Berber and Arabic as we went. The local guide organised mules and muleteers to head up before us and we saw them briefly whilst on the trail. We passed a number of other hikers but as Dad began to struggle with altitude I slowed down and walked with him. In essence there is only one way up and down so wasn't worried about getting lost. I could tell that he had begun struggling mentally wih doubts so distracted him by talking about the geology of the area and potential climbs up the various mountains we were passing. As we moved past a small settlement I bought everyone, including Samir, a coke so that we could refuel and get some sugar in. As we headed up we reached the snowline and had some fun before making the refuge and eating a good mneal. In the refuge we packed for day after, played cards and learnt more berber whilst teaching Samir magic tricks.
Day 2 - not as early start as some but many of those staying had obviously not stayed in huts before as their hut etiquette was shocking. 3.30am they were up packing and shouting and in the end we told them to be quiet. WE were out the hut for around 6/7am and quickly began the ascent. Dad was worried about how quickly he struggled with altitude and fitness, Samir was impatient as in all honesty he did not have the right clothing or equipment for the trek. I remarked to Andy and Dad that if anything should happen it would be me doing the rescuing as I was more expereinced in winter conditions and mountains and better prepared. We steadily moved up and passed a number of people who were coming down due to altitude, some in really poor states. Around halfway up I started testing Dad on his symptoms of HAS and trold him if it gets above a 6/10 then we will head down. At 3900m it was above this but he refused. Following this I told him that if he won't go down I'll get him to the top but he will do everything I tell him to do as I took on a instructor role. He agreed and as we passed the more exposed areas I spotted, coached and held him to ensure he didn't become dizzy during this. THroughout this I kept him up to date with fluids and electrolytes to reduce the altitude sickness symptoms and to ensure he stayed hydrated. This was to the detriment of myself as through the sun and altitude I began to have it as we neared the top. We summited and began to hea down, towards the bottom I began to have sever headaches so stacked ice and snow on my head. At the refuge I went and lied down for half an hour after downing 2 bottles of electrolytes. We could then eat food and play games for the rest of the evening. Dad confided in me that he didn;t want to let me down which I said he never would have, and in the end, I don't much care if we get the summit as we had an amazing time.
Day 3 - we headed down the track and relaxed in Imlil which was a fantastic cultural experience that I thoroughly enjoyed!