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Report name	Fairfield High School - Morocco 2005 (leader report)
Date submitted	Aug-05

Morocco 2005 - Jebel Toubkal(4,167m)

Fairfield High School, Herefordshire, achieve success in their journey through the High Atlas.

The Team: Emily, Becky, Chris, Paul, Lauren, Hannah 1, Jack, Mike, Hannah 2, Calum, Sky, Ben Jane, Ellen, Ezra, A.J., Sophie, Craig

The morning of 13 July 2005 saw the team come together at Fairfield High School, Peterchurch. Excitement and apprehension filled the air as the group embarked on the start of what was to become a successful and fulfilling journey through the High Atlas mountains of Morocco. Whilst ‘check in’ and the flight were very painless, for some it was a first, not having travelled by air before.

The team arrived at the Hotel, tired and overwhelmed after their first experiences of Marrakech and what seemed to have been a long day travelling. Nothing could have prepared them for what was to follow – a day’s exploration of the streets and souks (markets) of Marrakech. An experience not to be missed and a fitting part of the journey.

The excitement around the team appeared to grow as the journey continued. The trek was about to begin. Leaving Marrakech behind, the team headed south to Oukaimeden (2,610m) where camp was made, before completing a challenging acclimatisation return trek to Tizi-n-Eddi (2,900m) supported by the team’s Moroccan guide (Hassan), in a time of 3 hours. A group juggling session proved to be very entertaining.

Following the sampling of excellent Moroccan cuisine, prepared by the cook team (Hussain and Brahim) and a good night's sleep, the team made an 08:00 start (a late start in comparison to the remainder of the trek) on a trek that took us downhill (1,200m) for most of the day to the village of Imsker (1,400m). This was interspersed with a well earned 2-hour lunch stop and ‘siesta’ in the heat of the day.

Imsker to Tizi Oussem (1,800m) saw temperatures in excess of 35 degrees centigrade. An early start aimed to miss the heat of the day, but due to some illnesses and an unexpected mule ride (mentioning no names Jane), lunch was had, some 15 minutes beyond Tizi-n-Tacht (2,100m) at around 13:15, under the shade of our dining tent. The team arrived a little late at the ‘gite’ in Tizi Oussem, tired but full of spirit. What a great setting for a ‘gite’.

After a long day the day before, we welcomed a shorter 4-5 hour trek to the ‘gite’ at Aroumd (1,900m). Temperatures exceeded 30 degrees very quickly, but cooled by mid morning as the cloud came in, bringing with it a little rain, some thunder and lightning. Having settled into the ‘gite’, some of the group struck up some friendships with the local children and had an impromptu game of ‘footie’ – it’s the same in any language!

The views from Aroumd gave us our first glimpse of Jebel Toubkal. This filled the team with further excitement, in anticipation of the unfolding of their prime goal, which was getting closer and closer and appeared to be in reach. The trek from Aroumd to the Toubkal Refuge camp (3,150) took around 4-5 hours, taking a few breaks at the shrine of St. Chamharouch (2,310m) and the lonesome shop at 2,700m.

Summit Day saw an early start (06:00) for an apprehensive, yet excitable team. As the ascent developed, the mountain unfolded in front of us, with the summit ridge soon coming into view. Despite some doubts from members of the group earlier in the trek, the whole team summitted at 09:45. They came together in a line and walked the last 20 metres hand in hand. This was certainly a special moment for a well-deserving team. After an hour on the summit in glorious sunshine and still ‘blown away’ by their achievements, we made a speedy 2 1/2 hour descent back to camp and an afternoon of ‘chilling out’ and the occasional game of ‘Uno’ (I don’t think I’ve seen so many cheats at ‘Uno’ in any one team, you wouldn’t catch me doing any of that cheating!!)

Descent to Aroumd appeared to be at an increased pace. Perhaps it was the thought of a hot shower at the ‘gite’, or maybe the thought of bartering and shopping at the small number of shops at St. Chamharouch – anyone seen my carpet! A relaxing afternoon saw us rejuvenated and ready for the next challenge – a morning entertaining the children of Imlil. This turned out to be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience for the group and the children of Imlil. Farewells as we left the school in Imlil, saw many sad faces all around.

The next phase of the journey took us to Essaouira, a fishing port town, situated on the Atlantic Coast south of Casablanca and north of Agadir. Essaouira appears to some extent to have been influenced by western cultures, yet still has its Moroccan charm.

The following day saw the team embark on a camel trek along the beach to the south of Essaouira. This involved the camels carrying the bags, food and equipment and the team trekking alongside. Opportunities arose for all members to experience a ride on a camel – not too uncomfortable a ride.

Overnight was spent in the dunes some five minutes from the Atlantic, where an impromptu song and dance took place around a well-managed open fire. A short walk the following morning saw us meet up with the transport before loading up and heading back to Marrakech for a ‘chill out’ by the pool and yes, you’ve guessed it, yet more shopping.

A final evening meal with all the team, including Hassan (Moroccan guide) saw a fitting end to a very successful journey in which many of us experienced things they had never experienced before and might never again – "the world is out there, go find it!"

Da iawn pawb Well done all

Paul Donovan
Expedition Leader