1108 The Draa Valley Hike, Part 2 (Mor 350)
Trip Start
Aug 15, 2011
1
66
89
Trip End
Ongoing
Aït Hamou ou Saïd, Souss-Massa-Drâa, Morocco
Monday, November 28, 2011
Less than two weeks after my South Desert adventure, I'm off on another 4 day adventure. And I know exactly what I want: I want to do another Superhike. Doing that Souss Valley Superhike felt really good, and I’m eager to a put another one under my belt. And where to? The Draa Valley of course! I spent two days exploring this fascinating, seemingly endless oasis valley, and I felt that I was just getting started. Now, I’ve got four days to reach the 100 km mark in a region drenched with fascinating castles, ruins, and stunning views.
I arrive in Agdz, and eventually find a van to Tufila, where I stopped my hike last time. This time I stock up on edibles, knowing that there isn’t a whole lot of food in these parts.
From Tufila, the paved road becomes a dirt path, as I pass a peaceful, area with no villages. No problem, it feels good to be out in the peaceful, safe desert once again after the din and sin of Casablanca. I did check Google Maps earlier, so I know there are more villages on this side of the river.
Sure enough, I wind around a barren hill and see Ait Hamou ou Said, a stunner of a village. A small but well maintained old mud village, with high walls and a beautiful, recently restored castle overlooking the river. I also notice something distinct about this town. The doors are look ornately decorated with shiny grid shaped designed… but on closer look, I find out that they’re covered with flattened sardine cans! Still think they’re beautiful though.
