"Castle in the Sand"

My internal alarm clock goes off automatically. I never heard the clapping, I make my way out of the tent and sport some camels heading out to the desert. I make my way up the sand dune and start to see a few others heading to a high spot for some photos of the sunrise. Dawn is just breaking.

A few more minutes and "here comes the sun?"...

After breakfast we continue on our long ride today over the Atlas Mountains to the Todra Gorge. Not only do the tourists visit but the locals know how to enjoy the spectacular beauty in their own back yard. This gorge is a deep ravine carved by the Todra River over millions of years.

The drive continues and we see acres of sand hills which turn out to be wells. The villagers come to get drinking water here and have to use one of of these water wheels to retrieve it.

We make a stop in a small village and listen to some Gnaua music. The traditional instruments are very interesting and produce very cool sounds!

Roses are a natural in Dades Valley which is our next stop. They are profuse bloomers in the spring. They put the petals to good use by making lotions, creams, perfumes and oils and rose water which provides an income for the locals.

Atlas Films has their studio here and many films were produced in this area. Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones are just two of the popular movies filmed in this area.

We arrive at our hotel ....which is a beauty!