Page 1 of 13 1234567891011 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 160

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    South Wales UK
    Posts
    1,901

    Default Morocco Overland Number III (Winter 2014-15)

    Overland to Morocco.
    Winter 2014-2015


    Preview

    As this is not our first time overland to Morocco, then maybe when we get there we will pluck up the courage if we can find a nice one, to have a ride on a Camel!
    So all I can say is ‘Stay Tuned’ and see if we are lucky or not!

    Meanwhile as we will be passing through a couple of countries in Europe here are the flags of those for our way Out & Return….



    While from a GPS Program, here is the route we will be taking firstly to get to Morocco, which to be honest is virtually the same as our previous trip…



    Then after we get across the Mediterranean Sea is our route in Morocco that was modified a short time before we set off and added another 400+ miles as we hope to get down to the Western Sahara!



    While after that we come back across the Mediterranean Sea for the route back up to the UK which is slightly different to our route down…



    So now all that remains to be said as we make sure all the things we need are packed & after a last 72 frustrating hours of sorting out little niggling ‘problems’ with the ‘Tin Tent’ we can finally prepare for the ‘Off’ and say…..

    A warm ‘Welcome’ to new and previous ‘Travellers in the Third Seat’ which we hope you will find comfortable in ‘Flamenco Red’ (That’s the Swedish ‘Tug’) and enjoy the tour as we haul the ‘Tin Tent’ (That’s the Caravan) across Europe and South to maybe get on a nice Camel for a ride!

    Next Stop is Eurotunnel and then France, so let’s hope that the section of the M25 Motorway that collapsed & was reported by ‘Auntie BBC’ yesterday has been plugged otherwise this first leg is going to be a very long trip!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Calgary, Alberta
    Posts
    614

    Default

    Looks like another epic journey.

    Are the red markers all overnight stops or points of interest?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    South Wales UK
    Posts
    1,901

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ssicarman View Post
    Looks like another epic journey.

    Are the red markers all overnight stops or points of interest?
    Hi 'ssicarman' and 'Third Seat' Folks!

    Apologies for no update, we have had no Internet for updating over the last few days but now we are OK.

    The red markers on the maps are both overnight stops/campsites and waypoints but for Morocco they are all campsites.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    South Wales UK
    Posts
    1,901

    Default

    Overland to Morocco.
    Winter 2014-2015


    Cáceres, a day in camp!

    As we have a full day here before we head off again tomorrow, it meant we could sort out the small amount of washing as we didn’t want to waste the 20C of Sunshine with a warm breeze to dry things off.

    After that it was a bit of shopping and a Power Wash for ‘Flamenco Red’ which I had to do twice as the Power Wash in Carrfour was absolutely useless in removing the dirt from the bodywork let alone the wheels, so out came the good old bucket & sponge for a much better job!

    While back on the campsite, this ‘TinTent’ on the opposite side of the roadway to us had its Awning erected while also under the green Sun Canopy which we could not understand?
    The Awning is the Grey bit attached to the top of the ‘TinTent’



    As I have had a couple of requests via email asking what the facilities are like on this campsite I decided to take a couple of pictures of the ‘Parcela’ which you get as it includes your own Private Hygiene Cabin, which contains Shower, Washbasin & WC!





    Next up is the ‘Culprit’ that was causing the No Charging of the Battery as we were travelling which as you hopefully will see has parts on the pins where the chrome has worn off and the brass is clearly showing through….







    Taking a stroll after some lunch we saw this novel way of stopping your Satellite Dish from being blown over…..



    While up on the Pedestrian Bridge over the main road by the campsite are these pictures, the first is looking towards the town centre of Caceres….



    While the next is of the Football Stadium which is next door to the campsite…



    Then after a rather lazy remainder of an afternoon with a couple of minor repairs to the BBQ it was time for evening meal which was taken in the campsite restaurant having a ‘Special Menu’ 3 course meal including bread and a Beer or soft drink for €15/Each person…

    First course was a delicious Salad….



    Second course was either Chicken Breast pieces with Chips…



    Or Pork Tenderloin in a special sauce and Chips…



    While the Dessert was so good I forgot to take a picture! Sorry!

    But we thought the whole thing was very good value for money.

    That’s it for today, and if I don’t get any Internet access tomorrow night which is doubtful then the next update will be on Monday, so enjoy your Weekend Folks!

    Buenos Noches!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    South Wales UK
    Posts
    1,901

    Default

    Overland to Morocco.
    Winter 2014-2015


    El Jadida to Essouaria

    Woke this morning to a bright but cloudy sky with patches of blue, along with white and black clouds, so we decided to move on via a different road to our last couple of trips that would take us to a new campsite for us which is around 9 miles outside of the town of Essouaria .

    In the short time that it took to have breakfast and pack up ready for the off, the weather had changed to very overcast with rain showers, while that was going to be the ‘theme’ for this leg of the trip….



    Oops! Windscreen wiper got in the way….



    While out of the city the fields look even greener today and certainly more so than last year…..



    With a passing Rainbow, but no pot of gold…..



    As we then pass a number of roadside stalls selling brightly coloured bags made from reeds…



    While drivers over here do not slow down when passing a vehicle which has moved over to the side of the road, they just indicate, if you are lucky, and cross over into your side of the road causing you to brake or force you onto the ‘hard shoulder’…..



    A lot of the ‘local transport’ was by Horse or Donkey & Cart….



    While ‘Delivery Drivers’ used Three Wheeled Mini Trucks…



    New business premises with upstairs accommodation….





    Bit like ‘Wagon Train’ with all the Uncovered Wagons of Horse/Donkey and Carts making their way into town and the market….









    More new accommodation and business premises…..



    After effects of some of the recent rainfall….



    With plenty of Mud which turned the ‘Tin Tent’ a nice shade of brown and completely covered the white side lights on the front as we travelled along….



    More rainwater effects….



    While construction is underway for laying a new fresh water main….





    On the other side of these pipes is a rather deep channel into which the pipes are laid, and sealed before the soil is put back in place over them with mechanical diggers…..



    Lots of new housing construction as we pass along the main N1 road….









    Some protection from the rain with the plastic cover over the hay bales as the load is transported to market, while we saw a lot of hay ricks in the fields alongside the road covered in large plastic sheets to protect them from the deluges of rain that have been coming in…..







    Lunch time for horses & donkeys who were given a nose bag to feed out of while their owners went off to the local café….



    Nicely coloured junior school, closed for the rest of the day as all lessons had finished….



    While there was a considerable number of small businesses as we travelled along who were processing Olives to extract the oil, this one had the largest mounds of Olives waiting to be processed…..





    Now time for a bit of ‘hill climbing’ while the rain continues to fall….













    ‘Town gates’ or might have been a ‘District Boundary’ but as they had been damaged we could not tell…..



    Nice house….









    While up ahead on the right hand side we see one of the many Argan Oil Co-operatives in the area which are mainly run by enterprising ladies….



    Road side Pottery Stall….



    As we got past the Pottery Stall and over the hill we turned right onto a Piste Road which was not quite smooth, for just under 2 miles to our next campsite….



    While just a bit further on the right hand side were the entrance gates, but more of them tomorrow as we dodge the showers that seem to be following each other at the moment…..



    While having arrived we understand that we will need to ‘Batten Down the Hatches’ for the next 48 Hours as the weather forecast is for much more very heavy rain to come!
    While as I put this together and hope to get it uploaded the rain has started and the mobile 3G signal is also rather slow!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    South Wales UK
    Posts
    1,901

    Default

    Overland to Morocco.
    Winter 2014-2015


    Terre de Ocean. Laundry first then a 'shortened' walk from the campsite….

    With a bright blue sky, a stiff Northerly wind and a temperature of 20C it was time to get the laundry done, and after it was, it was dry in less than 90 minutes, while after a bit of lunch we set off on a walk from the campsite going up into the hills surrounding the campsite on a pisted road which for reasons below did not last very long….

    Our little ‘patch’ as we are overlooked on the right by a 14 Tonne ‘Camper’ which we affectionately call a ‘Truck with Beds’ while this one ‘spits out’ a Smart Car which is behind ‘Flamenco Red’ from the ‘Garage’ at the back!



    As we set off on our walk we climb above the campsite…..







    As we then get a bit further along the pisted track we spot this Mobile Comms Mast way up above us….



    While I nearly trod on this little fella which we think is a Dung Beetle….







    We had maybe gone about a mile when we see the first ‘effect’ of the storm on this little used pisted road as the rubble should have gone right across, but the rain washed the middle away along with a large section of the hillside, while there is still just enough room left to drive a small vehicle across, but some of the remaining soil is very soft and moves even when you just step on it…..



    Then a short distance further along we come to the second place where the hillside has gone along with a section of the pisted roadway…..



    While around 800 yards further along we reach the point at which you can go no further with a vehicle as the piste has completely gone….



    While just to the left of the chasm is the remains of a large pool of water from the rainstorm that took out the piste….



    Had we been able to walk the complete pisted road we would have eventually got to this beach as the piste went around the hill and down to this beach,



    But it was not to be as we did not feel safe even just walking across the chasm as you could feel the soil moving under your feet, so it was an about turn and head back along the road to the campsite…..

    Tomorrow we are planning to get into Agadir for a look around…

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    South Wales UK
    Posts
    1,901

    Default

    Overland to Morocco.
    Winter 2014-2015


    El Ouatia… Continuing the ‘Lazy Days’

    As we will be here in El Ouatia until possibly the 29th of December we continue to enjoy the relaxing time even though it can be at times very windy but remains nice and warm….

    New business premises waiting for occupants….



    One of the many Café/Restaurants in the town…



    The local Second-hand shop….



    One on the decorative sides of the Mosque in the town centre….



    Walking up the hill and looking back down the road towards the sea this is the view.....



    With a side street off to the right….



    Yesterday evening was Pizza Night with English, French & German people coming along, the starter was a soup dish which was bean based, nice and not very spicy, followed by your choice of topping on a 15 inch Pizza of (a) Fruits de mere’(b) ‘Bolognase’ or (c) Chicken which was tasty and filling, followed by Moroccan Tea, which for 2 persons was 90MAD (£6.50) or ($9) and very good value…..



    The following morning we set off to find another Market which we later found had been moved to a different location as well as a change of day as the land was now being developed, so we ended up going along some roads we had not been down with the following results…..



    Unless the business/shop has a sign over the top, you have no idea what is behind the majority of mainly ‘Blue Garage Doors’ unless the place is open and you can see inside, which makes looking for things or a specific business rather difficult…..



    As we get to the top of the street in this different part of the town we see this very large complex which looks like a holiday resort but totally deserted….



    While across the road is this new building under construction with its ‘Wooden Scaffolding’ and the 3 Front Doors gently slope down from Right to Left!….



    Then we see this very brightly coloured building in the distance which we think is a school….



    While close by to us is this ‘Sports Complex’ which has two 5 a Side Football Pitches inside the walls, but no swimming pool….



    Turn right and we are at the far end of the town….



    As we stroll along we see the ‘Before’ during construction….



    Then the ‘After’ as this same building next door was complete, which looked rather nice…



    Getting near to the campsite on one side of the road we see this grand looking house….



    While directly opposite on the other side of the road is this ‘House’ which is still lived in…..



    Back inside the campsite we then see these rather well ‘worn’ former Satellite Dishes ripe for re-cycling!



    Starts to make you think hard about the effects of ‘Salt Sea Spray’ and the fact that ‘Rust Never Sleeps’!

    Finishing off today with an International Game of Boules with a number of campers from France it made a nice day



    Today meanwhile has been 24C and no wind which has been really nice!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    South Wales UK
    Posts
    1,901

    Default

    Overland to Morocco.
    Winter 2014-2015


    UK to Eurotunnel & then Montreuil (France)

    Up quite early this morning while I guess part of it was the excitement of the departure day finally arriving after what seemed like a long wait!

    Looked out the window and was met with this rather nice Sunrise at 06:15 this morning….
    While I just hope that the ‘Red sky in the morning’ is not going to be a bad omen!



    Final preparations made and it’s time to hit the road, which as we approached the Second Severn Crossing that takes you from Wales into England we came into the early morning mist!…..



    Could not see the main uprights and cables of the bridge, while it was surprising to see so many drivers hammering along with NO lights turned on on their vehicles!



    After a steady run on the M4 then over to the M3 to the M25 which are all Motorways, we reach the Exit that was reported by ‘Auntie BBC News’ yesterday when a section in the middle of the road collapsed!

    The Grey Square in the middle of the picture is the repair, which caused up to 16 Miles of standing traffic!



    While it looked with the overhead signs that someone had forgotten to turn them off as the ‘problem’ with the collapsed section was now fixed!



    Next stop was the Entrance/Check in for the Tunnel Train….



    As we arrived the registration number was recognised and the details of our reservation came up on the screen along with the ‘offer’ to catch the next train out but that was going to cost an EXTRA £206! ($359) while the train after that even though it was still 2 hours before our reserved departure time was FREE.

    ‘No contest!’ We opted for the train one hour later.

    While waiting to board if you have a ‘Four Legged Friend’ who is travelling with you, there is an Exercise Area aptly called ‘Walkies’



    Where your ‘Friend’ can S T R E T C H out for a bit….

    But be careful if you use the facility as your ‘Four Legged Friend’ can end up like this guy……



    Part of the Tunnel Terminal building….



    Then as the embarkation notice appears we head off to get on board with a couple of pictures while waiting to drive onto the train….

    The first below is of one of the trains that carries Freight namely the Trucks/Lorries…



    Next is the ‘Down Ramp’ for loading of Cars, Caravans & Campers along with Coaches….



    While finally we saw the Horse outline on the hillside overlooking the terminal.



    When we subsequently arrived in France darkness had descended so that was it for anymore pictures!

    Next stop and overnight for tomorrow is Bonneval…..

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    South Wales UK
    Posts
    1,901

    Default

    Overland to Morocco.
    Winter 2014-2015


    Montreuil to Bonneval

    After an overnight stop at Montreuil – sur Mere on an Aires that allows ‘Tin Tents’ we set off at 07:00 to our next halt which is a town called Bonneval.

    So it was still dark but no one on the road but us which was nice, still it was Sunday!



    Traffic was virtually non existent as it got lighter….



    The we got to our ‘favourite’ City which is called Rouen and with no Trucks while all the road repairs have now been completed, we ended up on the other side of the river, which is where we should have been a few years ago if the bridge had not collapsed!
    So along this road was all new and very commercialised….



    Power Station with what looks like a ‘Cleopatra Needle’ but it was a chimney!



    Oops! Looks like ‘Farmer Giles’ has lost a few Cows, but these were all Plastic and just for decoration on the Traffic Island!



    This strange ‘sculpture’ was on the opposite side of the road to a sign that said Viking Remains were found in this area? Maybe they melted down their Armour to make the sculpture?









    I hope you can see the ‘Autumn Colours’ in the next couple of pictures as we were very surprised to see a vibrant mixture of Brown’s, Gold’s, Yellow’s & Green’s in the trees as we seem to think they this time last year all the leaves had gone!





    Our ‘Dry Run’ didn’t last long as the rain started up again!



    As we reached Bonneval with some ‘fun and games’ ahead as we negotiated the main street with cars parked on our right and only room for 1 vehicle to get past them, there was some reversing to be done as we got through!





    As we finally get to the onto ‘Aires’



    So after a bite to eat we set off in the rain for a look around the town…..
    The place is aptly called ‘Little Venice’ due to all the river/canal waterways with places to keep a small boat at the rear of your house….



    Rather imposing building which is in fact a Psychiatric Hospital, but previously was an Abbey…













    Interesting; After we have arrived the main road through town clears up! Was it something we said?



    Rather liked this re-covered chair!



    Part of the old Town Wall of which you can see other parts along stretches of the river/canals





    The main river…







    The other end of the town….







    OK! So where are the Cyclists, or are we a bit too late?







    After dinner we decided as the rain had stopped and we could see some ‘Special Lights’ to have a stroll back into town, and found the following nice sights….







    While the Christmas Lights were being installed around the town this shop was starting to arrange their window display and the lady who was doing it was making a wonderful job.
    The Slalom Ski Run is in the centre of the picture……



    Next stop tomorrow is Roullet!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    South Wales UK
    Posts
    1,901

    Default

    Overland to Morocco.
    Winter 2014-2015
    Cáceres to Palmones

    After a nice two day stop over at Caceres it’s time to get on the road again and continue South to Palmones where we hope to get our tickets for the crossing to Morocco!

    So it was up off and away at 08:00 as we wait for the Reception to Open to pay our bill and be on our way….



    Finally we get a rather dismal Sunrise as the temperature eventually climbs to 24C!



    As we get to the city of…..



    There was certainly someone else up possibly before us as we spot this Hot Air Balloon over the city…..



    As we then pass part of the city outskirts….



    While a bit further down the ‘Autovia’ we once again see the mist lying in the valley which is OK as we don’t have the mist on the road…..



    Couple of hours later we stopped for a coffee and comfort break and were joined by two guys from the UK driving these Trucks with Bentley Touring Car Racing Cars in.
    One Truck had both the cars inside and weighed between 35 & 36 Tonnes on the road while the other had all the spares as the cars were on their way to a Test Circuit in Portimao in Portugal, testing in the UK it seems is just too expensive!



    A field of Solar Panels which was interesting as all of them were pointing in the same and correct direction unlike some we have seen that have been pointing all over the place!



    The ‘Old Road’ on the left and the newer one (Autovia) on the right….



    Short tunnel up ahead as we get nearly to the top of the climb….



    As we then come to the outskirts of Sevilla….









    Nice weather for Palm Trees!



    Up over the river with the cargo cranes ready for work on the ships…..





    Olive tree plantations while the garages had so many litres on ‘Special Offer’ but we have no room to carry them!



    Off the Autovia which becomes an ‘Auto Piste’ which is basically a ‘Toll Road’ heading towards Cadiz so we get off and pass through a couple of villages….



    The get to……



    Passing this Church and Monastery as we go around a traffic island and down to the correct road….



    Getting to the top of the hills before the run down to Algeciras & Palmones we see literally hundreds of Wind Turbines which are all turning as the wind is quite strong, so strong in fact that I can feel ‘Flamenco Red’ & the ‘TinTent’ being buffeted quite hard, which makes me think that if maybe we were lighter and had wings we would not need to Ferry Ticket to Morocco!!!



    Still we would not get to see the last Spanish Bull on the hillside…..



    Or the ‘Bees Nest’ as we arrive in Palmones…..



    Get around to the ticket office and pick up our tickets for the ferry service tomorrow, but little did we realise what a very long day it was going to be to cover around 100 Miles and a short stretch of water!

    Buenos Noches!

Page 1 of 13 1234567891011 ... LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •