// Trip Reports  

Report name	Stonar and George Ward School - Morocco 2004
Date submitted	Jan-04

Following on from the success of last year’s adventurous expedition to Ecuador with Adventureworks, Stonar School embarked on a new venture this Easter, joining with George Ward School on a trekking expedition to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

After a brief visit to Marrakech the group headed up into the mountains to begin seven days of trekking through the spectacular foothills of the Atlas Mountains, culminating in the ascent of Mount Toubkal (4200 metres), the highest mountain in North Africa. Crampons and ice axes were needed to reach the summit of this snow - capped mountain, although the descent, sledging on bottoms, was certainly quicker and less exhausting.

Rest and recuperation was required after the trials of mountain trekking so the group headed to Essaouira to soak up some sun and culture in this ancient fishing port – and to change their mules for camels for the final few days of trekking through sand dunes.

The last few days were spent in Marrakech learning the art of haggling for a variety of Moroccan artefacts and trying to negotiate the maze of stalls in the Souks, the only time on the trek that the tour leader Guy Jarvis needed his compass!

The group experienced a full Moroccan experience, from traditional Moroccan food and mint tea to snake charming and Souks in Marrakech. Stonar School and George Ward pupils made lasting friendships and it is hoped that more joint expeditions will take place in the future.