We keep to the main roads today as time is chasing us. The roads are clear but snow lies along side them, another reason for sticking to the main roads. The scenery changes to one of cedar forest, then we find ourselves in the most un Moroccan of towns; western style houses, with familiar slated, apex roofs; housing estates, even a park with a duck pond and neatly clipped shrubs. Had we been beamed here, we would have no idea what country we were in! Then we see Ifrane has a royal residence.
Arriving in Fez by late afternoon, we pass a real supermarket, the like of which we haven't seen since last we were in Northern Morocco. There is much difference between the north and the south. It is as we return to Fay, from the supermarket, that Richard notices a problem - grease where there shouldn't be grease! Fay has split one of her boots! Oh Fay, not here, you've done so, so well. Is this a protest at the thought of going home? Are you not wanting to stop playing? Or are you trying to tell us that yes, it is time to go home, you are getting tired?
We find a camp site and before we have even pulled in the gate, we are approached by a faux guide! Once inside we are then approached by an " official" guide, wanting to give us a tour around the city. This guy even seeks us out later. At about 8.30pm, there is knock on our door, the guide again, to see if he can interest us in a tour tomorrow. We tell him we have maintenance to do tomorrow; miraculously, he knows just the right mechanic!!!! Guess the old man,up the mountain, didn't cure my cynicism after all.
After phone calls home, for technical advice the decision is for Richard to bodge it as best he can and nurse her into Spain. Whether our doubts are founded or not, we will not know. I just feel sad that we have them. Morocco, your hasslers do you no favours!
Wed 7th Jan
Sightseeing in Fez is abandoned. Fay is our priority this morning. There are times, when Richard is mending things that I can usefully pass him bits, even offer support and words of encouragement; then there are the times when keeping a low profile is much more appropriate. As he settles down, armed with duck tape and cable ties, I disappear to have a very long shower!! Say no more!
And so it is, with an old water bottle, duck tape and cable ties in situ that we leave Fez, fingers crossed. Our route and potential lunch stop sites are heavily curtailed as we keep strictly to good roads and level parking places. We will not reach Tangier tonight so stop at Chefchouan, whether or not we get to look about this blue and white town remains to be seen.
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