Morocco: Tichka Pass
After lunch we started the long drive to Marrakech via the scenic Tichka Pass. Tichka Pass is a mountain pass in the Atlas Mountains rising to an elevation of 2,260 meters (7,410 ft) above sea level. The pass is comprised of hairpin turns and scary narrow lane. Construction was under way at that time, which made the drive a little slower.
Truth be told I love long drives, especially scenic ones, although there were parts of this trip that made me anxious. We were driving too close to the edge of the mountain in some stretches. In order to divert my nervous energy about the windy uphill climb, I listened intently to plans of next adventure. Funny how we had somehow managed to feel like we all could take another trip together. It's just fun to dream of new adventure while you're still on one.
The drive up the mountain is breathtaking. At one point, we stopped at a view point to gaze at the sweeping vista.
At the highest point, there is a cafe/restaurant and souvenir shop.
Once we were back to near sea level altitude, we made the needed pit stop. Naturally, it was at a roadside snack shack/gift shop combo with pretty views from the back balcony.
It was here that our new friend made a new furriend.
From here, it was another several hours to Marrakech. Again, I spent the time watching the passing scenery.
We arrived in Marrakech in late afternoon. The desert and the pastoral way of life that we enjoyed the past few days had come to an end. The city promises to give us a wonderful taste of urban culture.
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Truth be told I love long drives, especially scenic ones, although there were parts of this trip that made me anxious. We were driving too close to the edge of the mountain in some stretches. In order to divert my nervous energy about the windy uphill climb, I listened intently to plans of next adventure. Funny how we had somehow managed to feel like we all could take another trip together. It's just fun to dream of new adventure while you're still on one.
The drive up the mountain is breathtaking. At one point, we stopped at a view point to gaze at the sweeping vista.
At the highest point, there is a cafe/restaurant and souvenir shop.
Once we were back to near sea level altitude, we made the needed pit stop. Naturally, it was at a roadside snack shack/gift shop combo with pretty views from the back balcony.
It was here that our new friend made a new furriend.
From here, it was another several hours to Marrakech. Again, I spent the time watching the passing scenery.
We arrived in Marrakech in late afternoon. The desert and the pastoral way of life that we enjoyed the past few days had come to an end. The city promises to give us a wonderful taste of urban culture.
SKYWATCH is a weekly gathering of sky lovers and sky watchers. Join us.
Beautiful views and photos! I hope we'll get to visit Morocco in the near future too.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I thought Morocco was only desert.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing journey. Very interesting. So glad you allowed us to travel with you. Never see any other way.
ReplyDeleteIncredible scenery. That winding mountain road would make me nervous too (and probably car sick!).
ReplyDeleteYou've got a nice steady hand getting these sharp images from the bus!! Ahhh, those hairpins; you captured them quite well. My daredevil wife loved sitting in the seat behind the driver....I hid in the middle of the bus on that portion of the trip [2016[.
ReplyDeleteWonderful place. Great pics.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been by your blog in a while with so much going on in life. But I'm glad I did because it relaxed my mind with your vividly gorgeous pictures of Morocco. :)
ReplyDeleteHello, your trip photos are just amazing. I love your header photo too. My favorites are the sheep, the views of the crooked road and the furfriend. Happy Friday, enjoy your day and weekend.
ReplyDeleteWonderful series of pictures. What a stunning landscape!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend!
love those winding road
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely. The road looks very good - I've driven much worse in my local area (my little Corolla has been above 14,000 feet several times).
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!! The scenery reminds a little bit of New Mexico and Arizona.
ReplyDeleteWhoa! That must have been an unforgettable drive.
ReplyDeleteSuperb shots!!
strange to see the green fields on the orange dirt. Looks kind of nice.
ReplyDelete