Morocco

[Spacemutt]

We are thinking of putting on a trip to Morocco sometimes next year. My dad used to run tours down to the desert, so he is experienced in this sort of thing. It would involved a drive to Portsmouth, where we'd probably get the ferry to Spain, then to Algeseries (sp??) then a ferry over to Ceuta, then into Morocco. We'd try to avoid the bad tourist bits and head to Fez where we'd recover for a day or so. From there we'd head south into the edge of the desert. Most of it is stoney track, but there is sand and dunes that are accesible. We'd pretend to Lawrence or Arabia for a bit, then head back up the coast, back over the ferry, and go and have a shop in the airconditioned Safeways in Gibraltar. What a shock that is! :p The trip would be run early (about April/May) or later (October/November) in the year to avoid the heat. Cost's haven't been worked out, but it would just be ferry/fuel/food etc (i.e. you'd pay for your own expencese, we wouldn't make a profit). We would camp, or use hotels. Caravans would survive down to Fez, but would fall to bits after that. :D

What do you think? Would anyone be interested in joining us? We'd have a 110 and a Range Rover (both V8's).

[Lighting90]

Wish I could come with yer Stephen, but since I can't, can you get me a hat from Fez... :buck:

[Otter]

Possibly,

Will chat with you when we next see you!:dunno1:

[andyb]

It's only been about 18 months since I was there last, but have wanted to go back ever since.

If you go for the later date Sept/Oct time then I'd be interested in tagging along as well.

Have fun :)

[Hot-herps]

I was in Morocco about 3 years ago catching snakes…. very hard work but I enjoyed it. We hired a small car and I did all of the driving, 5,500 miles in 2 weeks. Went into the Western Sahara. You would drive for hours and not see anyone else, and then in the middle of nowhere there would be a camel herder. One really hard day was spent working in the desert for six hours and also driving 500 miles in the same day. :snarl:

[Astbury]

Yep book us in! if you can work out the dates for next year as early as possible then were on for it!

Would drive over from Switzerland so may get another ferry and meet up.

Do you have a web site with any details of previous trips?

Christopher

[Hubber]

quite fancy this idea. have taken the truck to france and spain many times in the past however never anything further.
how about fuel? is it easy enough to get supplies over there ?

[Spacemutt]

Hi there. We don't have a web site for my dad's trips, as they were all done in the early 70's. :p But here are some pics.

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20035306539841719620236.jpg
Todra gorge

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20035305308214646293678.jpg

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20035303952717097142578.jpg

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20035301753178324395865.jpg

Fuel is readily available, although unleaded may be hard to find. But it's only the newer V8's that might have trouble. We plan to load a few jerry can's on, but the only reason for that is to take advantace of the tax free fuel in Ceuta. :D

My dad will write up an itineray and work out rough prices for ferrys etc, and post it here soon. :)

[Astbury]

Well now that has wet my lips, we are 100% on for this trip. Do you know what Visa's if any are required? I am British and my wife is Polish.

If you can give me some Idea how much fuel we will need to carry I can make sure we have enough tanks fitted, being a 110 double cab I dont want to use the space in the pickup with jerry cans. Probably see if I can get some sort of on board water tank fitted if anyone knows anybody that does this please let me know.

Also what is the lengh of this trip? 3 or 4 weeks? 4 weeks might be pushing it a bit for us so this is also important information that we need to know as early as possible.

Do you have others that are interested other than the people that have shown interest in this forum?

Christopher

[Spacemutt]

It would probably be a 3 week trip. Although we will be going into the sand, we won't be going deep desert. A jerry can of water should be ok, and a spare can or two of fuel should be enough (but my dad's the one who's done it, I'll check with him). We got down to Fez in our Volvo a few years ago. The only reason we didn't go any further was we ran out of time.

My sister and her family said they might come, but they would spread out between my 110 and my dads Range Rover. There is also another chap we know local to us (Mick with a 3.9 110) who said he'd be up for it. :)

Not sure about Visa's myself, but they should be easy to get.

We'll get the map out and work out a rough route which will take in the Todra gorge (even though it's been tarmaced most of the way up :snarl:.) :)

[Astbury]

Thanks,

Keep us posted with as much information as you can.

Christopher

[fost]

Would a 1984 S3 be able to cope with this????

Any real rough ideas of funds required for fuel, food and grub (I mean are talking hundreds of pounds here?)

Its hard to be frosty in the desert, but I'd try!

[Spacemutt]

No problems with the SIII. My dad took 109's (as pictured) from London down to the desert with 12 people on board! Your SIII is a year younger than my 110! :p You would need to make sure it was well serviced (and I mean everything, all oil points, greese points, engine, gearbox, axles, swivels, etc) and a few spares would be needed, but nothing major.

We will look at ferry prices etc and try to come up with a price. When we did it in the Volvo we covered almost exactly 5000 miles. Fuel is cheaper in Spain and Morocco (very cheap in Ceuta). Some of the 109's my dad ran were the 2.6 six cylinders.

[McCalmont]

count me in.

[Spacemutt]

Excelent. :) There will be a few spare seat going in the 110 and the Range Rover. You'd be more than welcome to come along. Do you think Simon would come? :D

[McCalmont]

I should say count me in if you end up going in october/november.
I would hopefully be bringing Jay and I dont know if Si and his girlfriend would go. He probably would but may not be able if its for 3 weeks cause of work. I'll have to pass it along to him.
Please let me know when you get some figures together for costs so I can start saving up.
Have you made reservations for Scotland Yet? I have been looking for a cottage that may be less expensive than altnaharra but in the same area. DO you know any other than durness?

[copey]

Hi McCalmont.found you .sounds pretty good to me..October would be good,also need a rough costs guide please

[Otter]

October would be good for us as well Mr. C, speak to you in the Lakes!

[OldFart]

Originally posted by Otter
speak to you in the Lakes!


I did'nt know Stephen was taking his diving gear too :D




Hmmmmm Morocco eh.....


Hmmmmm :scratchCh

[Spacemutt]

You know you want to. :D




Figures and prices will come soon. When he gets a chance, my dad will do a quick write-up about it giving you some idea of costs and what's involved. :)

[copey]

Hi Otter..refOctober would be good for us as well Mr. C, speak to you in the Lakes! ...?do I know something I dont know:buck:

[Spacemutt]

Hehehe....see the greenlaning section. ;)

[copey]

Im gettin totally confused now..Lakes this year..yeah
Morocco next year..?
I`m away from early Oct to Mid Nov.(this year)..Motoring down to Spain in the Rangie
dontcha know..so unless The Lakes do is after that,i`m a no-go...but Morocco Oct next year sounds very ..very interesting,I could join in from Spain as i shall be there again at that time...its a bore i know but........:buck:

Hasta la vista baby, or something like that...

[Spacemutt]

Good stuff.

The Lakes is not this weekend, but the next. :D

[landyandy]

Arr--------- thee Surgeon Barber will be on hand in case ye scallywags need any info on dire disorders or preventative salves , I hear Lickyend and nubbins chaffing are a particular risk as well as scurvey dog runny ar$e - the old favorite !!--- oops thats tomorrow !


Seriously any med info at all - med pac stuff etc

Wish I could go with you

Cheers

Andy

[copey]

sorry cant make that one Stephen,hope you all have a good "do".....:yay:

[Otter]

Landyandy,

Much appreciated, will chin you nearer the time. We will have the Otter Pup with us who will be just over 2 at the time.

[landyandy]

Otter pup is gonna have a ball - Morrocco is very squeeker friendly
will research needs nearer departure , just email to remind me .

Cheers

Andy

[rarms]

I would be well up for Morocco, please keep me updated as I dont live local to any of you so I cant get to your meets :s Assuming you dont mind a Southerner tagging along, I should have my 110 V8 sorted by then if not I could bring the Disco, do you know what Diesel availability is like down there?

Kyle

[Spacemutt]

Good oh. Fuel is readily available there.

More info to come soon when we get a bit of stability with the PC.

[rarms]

great :)
maybe you could set up a mailing list or just keep this thread going :) Look forward to an update

[McCalmont]

dont worry rarms..i'm a southern yank and they dont mind me...lolol

[petergg]

Hi All
I'm off to Morocco on Sat 11th Oct, I help run the LROAC it's great to see you all so keen on doing your self. Don't take to much fuel through Ceuta/ border as you will be taxed on it if found and they do look. What you gain by tacking fuel in cans you loose by taking extra weight. Water is available most places by bottle so you won't need to carry all that weight either, travel light is what i am saying. Fuel is a bit cheaper in Ceuta but not that much now.

50% Tarmac can be found from Rich to Todra, if you go Rissani to Merzuga that is now all tarmac one long road. If I can help in any way please PM me or mail me. I might even join you if you allowed.

Expect it to cost £1400 plus for ferry uk to Spain, fuel, food, ferry Spain to Ceuta and back. April and October are good months to go hence thats when we go.

Peter

[Spacemutt]

Good point about the fuel from Ceuta. I heard the road through Todra had been tarmaced. :( My dad was one of the first tour groups to go all the way through Torda and up the steam at the top end. :) You'd be most welcome to join us, the more the merrier. :D Plus it would be good to have someone who has been there recently.

[K281rrn]

I would love to go and have no problem with the dates.

My only question is, would anyone be taking their familes with them? Mine would love this, but the kids are 3,5,7 and 9. I've got no problem taking them, but does anyone think there would be a problem?

Cheers,

Marky

[McCalmont]

kids are great. and a trip to the sahara would be a blast for them. Very hot but fun.
can they take the heat?

[Otter]

We are hoping to go as well and shall be taking the Otter Pup who will be just over 2 at the time.

[K281rrn]

We'll all probably melt with the heat, but tha the hell - we could do with loosing a few pounds!

If we can get enough vehicles to go, we should be able to get a discount on the ferry??

[Spacemutt]

That's why we're going later in the year. :) The temperature in the desert will still be pretty hot, but not as bad as mid-summer. There will probably be snow on top of the Atlas mountains that time of year. :icecube:

Families won't be a problem. :) We might be taking my sister and her tribe. :D

Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about the trip. :D Just having lots of computer trouble at the moment so we can't write up a plan. But we've got it all planned out in our heads.

Good idea about ferry tickets, that's something worth looking at. :)

[McCalmont]

in your head......thats scary....
hey any news on new years yet? any major decisions yet?

[OldFart]

Originally posted by McCalmont

hey any news on new years yet? any major decisions yet?

See other thread in PD :)

[McCalmont]

ya'll havnt posted any news thats why i'm asking......
at least i havnt got any e-mails that anything has been posted.
S

[OldFart]

Mac its in public discussion honey :)

Did'nt Stephen email you ?

[Spacemutt]

It's on my to do list! Honest! I'm currently on a test run of the new hard drive with XP and so far all's going well. :)

[McCalmont]

sorry i'm a little hung over today...no didnt get any e-mails with details but i did see your post. thanks!

[ROB 110 HICAP]

I wish I was coming too! Being a teacher October is out. Iwent in 1994 & 1996 on dirtbikes and although a lot had been tarmaced between big towns, the old 'piste' would run alongside to have fun on. There are also still many unmade tracks through the Atlas and around Zagora etc.

Further to some questions raised earlier: 150 miles is the longest stretch I remember between fuel, so I guess Landy tanks are up to that. You don't need a Visa if you're a UK citizen. Most insurance green cards cover Europe and countries bordering the Mediteranean. Nothing required as far as jabs, but seek current GP advice.

You have to fill out a temporary import form for your vehicle and show it when you leave. The first time customs at Ceuta took 5 hours, less the second trip.

I want to go back with my 110 someday soon and take the dirtbike on the back and ride the best bits. Good luck to everyone going, it is the greatest experience you can have in this fabulous country. My favourites are the dunes at Erg Chebbi and the dirt track passes through the High Atlas.

[Spacemutt]

We are planning the route out at the moment, and have some good treats for everyone. ;) Including a 2 day jaunt into the desert to an oasis. :D Then possibly another 2 days after that. :D So jerry can's will be needed. :)

The trick to get through Ceuta is to leave a nice little gift for the border officials inside your passport. If you don't, you'll be there for hours.

[McCalmont]

I CANT wait!
I am soo on board for this one....
yipeee!!!!!

[Spacemutt]

Originally posted by ROB 109" HICAP
. Nothing required as far as jabs, but seek current GP advice.



Thanks for your comments. :)

I had to get a few shots before I went. You don't need jabs, but as said, speak to your GP. We will post what is reconmended.

My dad used to do the route you mentioned every 3 weeks for 5 years. :p He's not heard of the tracks over the High Atlas though. Where are they?

[fost]

Dear Auntie Helpline - My forum buddy is going on a great adventure to Morocco and I really want to go too. Thing is, my Landrover can just about do 50mph. Will I be able to keep up with them and pursue this most bodacious endeavour, or will I be left basking in their smoking exhaust fumes?

Oh I cant take the anguish! please, reply!

[Spacemutt]

Dear Anguised.

Don't worry about your V8 powered friends. Even though they are far superior engines to your little 4 cylinder job, you won't be much slower on the road. In Morocco they won't be going very fast. Plus one will be towing a trailer so he'll be restricted by that. And when going across the desert, you won't be going and faster than about 30-40, depending on corrigations.

Mind you, you could alway suprise your friends and stick a V8 in it. :D


Yours,

Auntie Helpline.

[fost]

Thanks Auntie, I feel much better now.

Now, about my relationship with a lovely little landy I recently met on a forecourt..........

Cheers Stephen, looks like I'll be early booking the hols at work then. How long d'ya think we'll be gone for?

[Spacemutt]

We're trying to squash it into 3 weeks. We might have to do a bit of trimming. Looks like Todra Gorge might get the chop, which is a pity as it's quite impressive. But, it has been tarmaced so it's not what it used to be. :(

[fost]

3 weeks= my entire holiday entitlement for the whole year! It's gonna be well spent, eh.

Looking forward to it already.

[McCalmont]

stephen do you think its possible for me+1 to be picked up in spain or morrocco?

[Spacemutt]

Hi Sussan. Not a problem, we can pick you up. :) Spain would be best for you as it would save an extra flight. You will probably go to Madrid, we can pick you up from there. There will be seats in the 110 or the Range Rover. :)

[OldFart]

Susan, go for the Rangey, its got air con :D

[Spacemutt]

But the 110 might have air con by then too. :D

[McCalmont]

lolol
hrmmm. i guess we will figure it out when the time comes..but madrid sounds great.
hey when is the runningof the bulls or the big tomatoe fight festival?

[OldFart]

Originally posted by McCalmont


hey when is the runningof the bulls or the big tomatoe fight festival?


Big tomatoe fights....lol that could be good at Aviemore if there's no snow :yay:

[McCalmont]

lolol
i'm sure the locals would really appreciate that..you can always blame it onthe crazy yank...
hey i found a house that sleeps 8 for next year and its in southerland...just outside of thurso...maybe a jaunt int he spring might be called for as well? Its already booked for the holidays.
but seriously..when and wher are the tomatoe fights and the running of the bulls?

[OldFart]

We're noting our interest in considering coming :yay:

[Spacemutt]

Duely noted. :D

[owen]

although, i won't be coming with u next year (money and holiday dictating here)
I am interested in going abroad with a landy, but am after some advice,
would it be wise to do it in a rag top, cause i can make a roofrack to fit for staorage, but would it be safe????,

[Spacemutt]

Where are you thinking of going?

[owen]

same places as u, (may even steal ur route, but it would
prob be year after next,

[OldFart]

Originally posted by owen
same places as u, (may even steal ur route, but it would
prob be year after next,

That'll be when were doing Timbuctoo then....:dunno1:

[Spacemutt]

99.9% of Moroccans was as honest as the day is long. But like all places you do sometimes get a few bad 'uns. You can put some chicken wire under the canopy to stop people putting a knife through it.

As o/f says, we are loosely thinking of going to Tibuctoo the year after next. Watch this space. ;)

[owen]

well maybe i will do that with u, but what do u think the score is with rag tops, as i am really not a fan of hard tops, and figure as long as everything is locked inside and the vehicle is un nickable (security stuff) then there shouldn't be a pob
right ?????????

[OldFart]

Originally posted by stephen cobby


As o/f says, we are loosely thinking of going to Tibuctoo the year after next. Watch this space. ;)


Woops Sorry Capn, thought that was public knowledge :blush:

[Spacemutt]

You can use the under seat box for security stuff (passports, money, etc) and put a lock on it. During the day when you park up, you hire a gaurd to sit and watch your car. They're good too. THey chase people away with big sticks. :D Normally about 10 Dirum (sp?) which is about a pound a day. Overnight isn't so good if you're leaving it outside. But then I'd rather leave it outside in Morocco than most of Glasgow. I'm also planning on towing a trailer for comunual spares/catering/stuff to stop the vehicles getting too cluttered or top heavy.

Don't worry o/f, Timbuctoo was about to be released to the world. :D

I wonder if we'll meet Buzzby.

[McCalmont]

count me in for timbucctoo....
:yay:

[owen]

Hi mate i was thinking 109" (or 88") (has to have leaves for reliabilty) rag top, with large roof rack , with the rear of the rack converted to a roof tent, so i would be sleeping on the vehicle, also have lots of lockable ammo boxes bolted into back for secure safe storage, think it is possible, really don't wanna do the chicken wire as kinda detracts form having a rag top

[Spacemutt]

Yeah, that sounds fine. As long as you don't mind your fillings and vehicle being shacked to bits by the leaf springs. :D

[McCalmont]

so do we have any dates and potential prices???

[Spacemutt]

Looks like it's going to be the last 2 weeks in September and the first week in October. Give or take a few days. :p But still to confirm. :)

[FTLOM]

Hi Stephen,

Only found out about your plans yesterday, sounds great! We were planning to go ourselves but were a bit held back by the huge costs of organised travel and a bit in the uncertain of going alone. This sounds like the break we were waiting for, if its still possible to join in???

If so we would be joining your group in the south of Spain or Morocco of course!

Grtz:boots:

[Spacemutt]

Yes, you would be most welcome to come along. We are working on group bookings on ferries to cut the cost down a bit. :) It looks like the last two weeks in Spetember and the first week in October.

More details to come soon. :)

[FTLOM]

Stephen,

Don't wanna rise hopes too much but as a transport company we (my employer) use quite a bit of ferries on a daily basis. If you could let me know the ones in question I can carefully approach my coleage to check the price we'ld be getting:blink:

Cheers,

[K281rrn]

What's the total number of vehicles going?

Marky

[K281rrn]

Are we still on for September? Could do with some preliminary dates so can start getting holiday forms into work..

[Spacemutt]

We've been working on it. :) Looks like the first 3 weeks in October. More details will come soon. :)

[K281rrn]

October is a better date for me anyway! Best start saving after paying for Christmas.

An idea I had the other day. On big journeys like these it's always prudent to bring some spares. If there is an idea of vehicles and spares required then maybe we could all agree on getting some of the spares, and sharing them if the worst happens, rather than all of us buying 10 CV joints for Defenders!

[Spacemutt]

Yeah, good idea. :) An e-mail will be going out to everyone that's shown an interest soon, so expect some activity on this thread soon. ;)

[AJC]

I don't know how many of you are going on the trip but I remember from my previous visits that there is a limit as to how many vehicles can drive in convoy. It only means that you have to break up the main group into smaller ones and meet at a pre determined location. CB radios are no no too.

[Spacemutt]

Never heard of that convoy rule. I'll need to look into it. CB's are allowed, if you can get a permit. That's the hard part though...

[McCalmont]

maybe check with peter g or vince cobly from lro to see what we may be overlooking or missing rules wise.

[kimbo4x4]

When I travelled to Morocco with Trailmasters a few years back we were advised to stash CB's and aerials before the border crossing - "dont make it obvious they are installed" We stashed then behind spare wheels on roof racks and in battery boxes.
I believe the authorities were worried they could fall into the hands of rebel forces !!

[NewBloke]

I've done the overland to Maroc trip twice now, once (1991) an organised trip in a mini bus with trailer and then again (1996) just 2 of us in an old VW Golf

Had a right old time, must admit the organised trip was less scary than the second one!

The locals were really friendly and welcoming, usually because they were trying to sell something. But seemed to take pride in the fact that we'd chosed to visit their country, even more so when they found out I'd been before and chosen to come again.

We called the place Marlboro Country, a couple of ciggies would get you out of most trouble - speeding fines, payment for repairs, passport formalities, some people were offered a pack rather than just one smoke... seemed to work.

Broke down once at late o clock when the headlight switch went, ended up with a police escort to the nearest town where the garage owner was woken up and ordered to fix it :-)

:cheering:

Spent a couple of fruitless hours trying to find Ricks Bar in Cassablanca, again the locals and cops were mad keen to help us tourists.

I'll see if I can dig out some photos - especially the one on the Golf stuck in sand Doh! :blush: And the Todra, goats in trees, snow, deserts, the madness of Marrakesh..

I'd be well up for the trip, landy purchase permitting..

[petergg]

Running in a large convoy is OK, I advise you to have a list of the following in convoy. Name, Vehicle Reg Number/Type, Nationality, have it ready to hand to Police when/if stoped so print out at least 20.

You will need a green card with Morocco on it, or you can buy insurance on the boarder about £35.00 for 10days 3rd party.

You can exchange cash at the bank at the boarder with ease CC cheques not so good if at all.

You will need your Vehicle log book or a letter from owner to give you permission of use.

CB radio's are banned and I have tried to get permission of use, took ages and still never got one. (So hide them away)

It took me 1hr40mins to get through boarder 2 weeks ago 1 car 3 people, giving them a back hander might speed things up by 5mins if you are lucky (Been there done that) they have one speed very sloowwww, if you try to hurry them they go even slower.

[swag298]

Me and the missus were thinking of a Morocco trip around sept/oct. We're just at the musing stage at the mo'.
I'm posted back to UK sometime around then. Possibly going to take a couple of months leave.
Note our interest will ya'?!
I fancy doing it in my S1 88", but probably easier with the RR or my newly bought V8110.

Excited already,

swag and Crystal. :cheesegri

[McCalmont]

Stephen,
how many people total are interested in going now?
and have you put together any more details for the trip?
And...:dunno1: are you ever gonna reply to my e-mail i sent...oh errr.... last month???
:p

[Spacemutt]

Hiya. I was planning to mail you this week some time. :D Honest. It was to find out what sort of tents, etc you would like. :)

[McCalmont]

oh you also need to let me know how much i can pitch in for the required spares and other such stuff so i can mail you some money.

[AJC]

Haven't heard much from you guys recently. Is the trip still on?

[Spacemutt]

Hi there. We've been pretty busy over the last few weeks, but the trip is still on. We've got most of the info, we just need to put it into a user friendly format. :p

[AJC]

We're driving down there at the begining of April for 3 weeks so if there's anything you want finding out or updating on let me know.

[Spacemutt]

Cool. I'm sure I'll think of something. What route are you taking?

[K281rrn]

Maybe we should draw up a 'master' list of spares that covers all the vehicles, and each vehicle picks a few items to buy on sale or return from Matt Savage. This way we have full parts coverage while not having to empty the piggy bank buying 10s of the same part.

[AJC]

Stephen,

Route is basically; Ceuta, down through Meknes, Marrakech to Zagora then accross to Merzouga before heading back up to Ceuta via Fes.

Last time started at Tangier all the way down the coast to Tiznit then worked our way inland and upwards to Marrakech, Fes the Tangier.

You most include Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), Todra Gorge and Dades Gorge (attacked from north or round route up one and down the other). We did these places the first time we went and it was the most memorable trip. Hope yours is.

[skyguy]

Hi people, im new to this forum if there is any space on your jaunt to morocco I would love to be included, Cheers Gary DEFENDER 110 CSW

[jonnyboy]

I went with the lroac last october. It was a fantastic trip, especially in a series 3 88 diesel (2.25 at the time).

With a group dicount we paid £500 for the feryy to spain and about £120 for the ferry to ceuta.

I would love to go there again, I just need someone to give me a job leading expeditions! Kind of miss doing stuff like that now I have a desk job!

I took a couple of jerry cans on top of the standard 88 fuel tank and never reallly needed them as we found fuel stops everywhere. I also took a 30L water can but could have just use bottled water.

Take lots of antiseptic wipes and use them every 30 mins. Keep every thing clean or you may end up with the ****s!

Its a shame that the todra gorge road is now tarmac but the route we took from rich over the mountains meant 3 hours of digging to get the convoy through. This was gtreat fun in the dark with lightening crashing down around us :lightning :cheesegri

We slept in the landy (I am 6'3", in a 88", you work it out), roof tents were common and a couple did use tents but for a few quid per night we found several places to stay in hotel type things.

Remeber that CB's are illegal in morocco. We hid ours in the vehicle and then fitted them after crossing the border. We got a lot of interest from the police in the north but as we headed south they left us alone.

I think a convoy of western vehicles stirred alot of interest. Aparently they are parranoid about terrorists.

I hope all who go enjoy them selves and I wish I could afford to go as well.

Jon

[McCalmont]

hey stephen,
so whats new about the trip? do we have any new details to share yet?
Pain ..arnt I?..lolol
:p

[Spacemutt]

:D

Nothing much new yet. We've made a contingecy plan in the very unlikely event Morocco gets a bit too unfriendly in the wake of Spanish events. There are desert areas to be found in Europe. Not quite as exciting as the Sahara though. :p

Not a pain, just keeping me on track. :D

[McCalmont]

oooo whats the contingency plan?? spain and protugal? they have great wine.... :yay:
e-me whats been going on and SHARE!!!!
Hey check it out! this was my 100th post..:band:

[K281rrn]

If Morroco does fall through (hope not!), then we could alway try the trans pyranees trek.

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pirineos.com%2Farticl e%2Farticleview%2F120%2F1%2F4%2F&langpair=es%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools

also

http://www.sobretodoterreno.com/Rutas_Tarifas/FotosTrans/

[petergg]

Hi, I have just come back from Morocco my 2nd trip this year, the Spanish problem has not had any effect over there, they are as nice as ever and very pleased to see people from the Uk and the USA. The King off Morocco is very keen on allowing us to see the fantastic country that Morocco has to offer. ( no he did not tell me but some one who know's him did);-)




Peter
www.offroadmasters.com

[K281rrn]

Any updates for the trip? I'm sure that all the people on the list wouldn't mind an update..

[OldFart]

Originally posted by K281rrn
Any updates for the trip? I'm sure that all the people on the list wouldn't mind an update..

I spoke to Stephen last Friday and he's currently not well plus he has/had pc probs, i'm sure he'll update things once he's better and back online :)

[K281rrn]

Okay.

[Hubber]

Originally posted by OldFart


I spoke to Stephen last Friday and he's currently not well plus he has/had pc probs, i'm sure he'll update things once he's better and back online :)

OLD FART
I'm sure all the people here would want you to wish stephen a quick recovery for both him and his computer :band:

[K281rrn]

Does anyone know how Steve is doing? Hope he's on the road to recovery.

[McCalmont]

maybe you might try to e-mail him.

[paul vp uk]

With a disco would a trailer be out of the Question.
Or would the money best be spent on a roof tent and real big roof rack
Paul vp uk Hereford



Disco 300 TDI 3 door white Bless here


Previous
3.9 V8 R/Rover SE
200 Tdi
Austin Champ

[petergg]

A trailer can be taken to Morocco, but the extra fuel used plus cost of ferry and the trailer has to a good one for off road use.

I would buy a good light weight roof rack.

Look close at what you are taken with you as most people take to much.

Peter

[McCalmont]

peter,
how would i hook up with the group you take down if i cant make the this trip in october? Especially since i have to fly in from the states. Do you organise with the lro adventure club and steven colby or another group?

[Astbury]

If anyone is interested we are going down to Morocco for 3 weeks at the start of September.


Our route will be down through Spain, then east along the northern coast, then south down to Figig, back west and over the Atlas returning back to spain along the west coast.

We will mostly be wild camping with a few hotel stay overs.

would be great if anyone would like to join us. Let me know and I will send you more details....

[McCalmont]

i'm going to costa rica at that time otherwise i would join you in a heartbeat.

[Astbury]

we are thinking of taking a few boxes of text books and other things for a shool close to the Algerian boarder and close to Fiugig.

Check out the video page on www.roamingyak.org (http://www.roamingyak.org) and see how the teachers are living, if that is the case what is the scool like?

Darrin from Roamingyak is a personal friend who has just done 6 months travel in the country, he is now in the throws of putting all the information on his web site.

Take a look!

[Astbury]

Here are some more details about the trip we would like to make. we will 100% be making this trip so anyone is free to join us!

dates august 28 leaving Switzerland to meet up with anyone that would like to join in Malaga or any other ferry port that would better suit a very small group.

Route:

Malaga to Melilla by ferry then take the P27 road to Berkane and onto Oujda. From Oujda we will take the P19 that runs though the huge Plateau Rekkam. This will probably be the first nights rough camp, turning off the road West and out into the middle of nothing but rocks and dust. A great opportunity to get a wonderful view of the stars at night with no light pollution. This area may be worth exploring for another day or so. We would also like to call in on a school located between Bouarfa and Figuig, between now and September I hope to collect a quantity of school supplies from various Swiss companies over here to deliver. The problems with schooling in Morocco I have learned is that text books are expensive, families have to pay a lot of money for the children to attend school, often the children are needed to attend to the family goats etc. so sending them to school and paying for the necessary is often forgotten about.

From Figuig the general direction would be to cross the high atlas to the west coast. I would like to agree this route with whoever would like to join us, my general idea, and very open to discussion would be to avoid all major roads and tourist routes and take to tracks and off road (this may include crossing the odd river when possible).

Once the Atlas have been navigated and we have all agreed upon how much time is required to return to the ferry port we can either split up to return home or continue onwards up the west coast and home via Spain.

The idea is that everyone pays for them selves. No one pays any fees to any clubs, we all have a good time, look after and look out for each other. We can split up when we want our own space and meet up later at agreed points. Easy going friendly trip though a wonderful country.

Mail me at christopher.astbury@arvinmeritor.com if you are interested in the trip. I can send you more details of the 3 week trip.

[McCalmont]

heres a quesion for you..do the school books have to be in french, spanish, arabic or a dialec of something eltse?

[Astbury]

the only contact we have with the school is the English teacher so anything in English would be great. While at the same time anything in the other languages you mention would be even better!

also lined writing books, pens, pencils, rulers..... anything that can be used in the classroom that does not take up too much room.

In September the school will be closed so we will deliver this to the head of the village or care taker. I hope that we will be able to meet some of the children of the town and give them something also.

I have some contacts here in Switzerland who donated about $15000 US worth of clothes, toys and other items a couple of years ago when I did a Christmas4Children project for an orphanage along the Ukraine boarder in southern Poland. I will be asking them for items that are easy to pack like T shirts, balls and stuff.

Are you thinking of joining the trip?

[McCalmont]

i cant , i'll be in costa rica.

[Spacemutt]

Hello all. Sorry I've not been about much, but I'm in the middle of moving out the house and don't have internet connection. Sadly it looks like the Morocco trip will have to be put off to next year as money is a bit low and I need a job. If I start a job, it wouldn't look very good if I take at least 3 weeks off in a couple of months. :p I've put too much work into the planning and preparation of vehicles not to do the trip, so I figure it's better to wait till I can afford it properly, that way I'll enjoy it more.

I hope to have some web spacew sorted soon, so I'll do a page or two in the preparation and the trip, so watch this space.

I'll let you know of any updates. :)

[Spotter]

Hi Stephen, Good luck with the move & the job hunt. Where you moving to? Are you still gonna be local?

Andy
www.landroverheaven.com

[Spacemutt]

Not sure where we're moving to. Wherever I find work. :p

[Astbury]

Does anyone know the location of this photo? it is taken from the Trailmasters website (sorry guy's) but I would very much like to find it on our trip...

Still have places if anyone is interested, mail me for more details.... 3 weeks in Morocco, no fees, just good fun!!!

Dates are August 29 for 3 weeks. We have a basic route that will pass though the Dades gorge but all is open and anyone on the trip will be able to decide on the direction of the trip. May even stay in one of the Riad's in Marrakesh would be good if we have enough people to book all rooms (3) see www.riadnoga.com for more details.

Christopher

[DiscoMatt]

Christopher, it sounds like a great trip. I'd love to join you but I go to the Nepal Himalaya for 4 weeks in Sep and I don't think the Management (either at home or at work) would wear any extra time away. If I spot any Landy's in Nepal (not too likely), I'll get a picture.

Matt

[ivisonm]

Sorry to hear about that Steve - must a be a real ****** at the moment. Moving house and finding a job!

Is there any chance of getting hold of the planning you have done so far for me to organise a trip?

If anyone else would like to join me in September/October? I've got 3 weeks from the 4th October booke, but I can shift them around fairly easily to suit others.

As for a route, I was thinking of following the routes in Chris Scott's book unless anyone can suggest any better routes/pistes. Camping under the stars will be the order of the day, with as few hotel stops as possible.

It have ben nice to go with Chrisopher, but it's too short notice for me - thanks mate.

I'll start another thread if anyone is interested in coming along..

[Spacemutt]

I'll try to make a web page with a route and info soon. :)

[FTLOM]

Fellow travellers,

If all plans hold together we'll be doing a trip to Libya this year (keep my fingers crossed very tightly). So Morocco is off for this year for us.

But I'm very interested in joining next years group!

Wish everybody a good trip!

And Steve good hunting!

Grtz,
Pieter