Nov 30 – A Camel Ride and a Couple of Scenic Gorges

First thing this morning we all headed out for the camels, except for Helen who opted to stay in camp and take a nature walk with one of the hosts. 

The intent was to see the sunrise from the dunes but we actually got better pictures of the sunrise before heading out on the camels.  The sunrise was not very vivid this morning.

However, we had a great time taking pictures...

of the sand dunes...

and the camels...

and our guides...

and each other.

At one point there was a session of tossing sand into the air.  Mainly the guides but Tara also got into it.

Then it was back to camp...

where we had a breakfast of eggs and lots of types of breads and a bit of fruit.

We decided that one of the hosts must be Morgan Freeman's brother.  Or at least cousin.

By mid-morning it was time hit the road again as we have a very long day of driving ahead of us.  

We drove back to Merzouga, stopping for more photos along the way.  In Merzouga we picked up our bus and headed to the local fossil factory.  There is a very large quarry nearby that has many fossils in the rocks.  They showed us the large saw that is used to cut slabs...

and the big machine that is used to polish the stone to a shine.  It uses lots of water to keep from overheating.

They make many items from the rocks.  Some pieces are cut into slabs for counter and table tops.  

Others are cut into smaller pieces for decorative items.  Some specimens are carved out so that the slabs have the fossils in three dimension.  The work is very beautiful.

Then it was on the road again to the town of Todra (which we viewed from across the valley.  It was really magical.  Felt like we were really in the Morocco that many of us had envisioned.

We also had a walk along the river that runs through Todra Gorge.  Very narrow and really gorgeous.

There were a number of vendors set up along the walk (duty free shopping!!)

We then drove further on to Dade Gorge for another walk high along the gorge wall. 

We arrived at our hotel in Skoura well after dark.  We were all tired and a bit cranky but we perked right up upon arrival.  The L’Ma Lodge is a real gem.  Our group occupies the entire seven rooms of the lodge.  And the local cats kept trying to make themselves at home in everyone’s rooms.  

We are all looking forward to exploring the lodge in the morning when it is light but in the meantime we are looking forward to going to bed.