21 March 2023, Essaouira
Couer de Mogador R418.77 [DH233]

In 2020, fit from 12,000km up the west coast of Africa, we had planned to cycle from Agadir via Taroudant to Marrakech. In sentimental mood in 2023, we thought to get ourselves fit enough on the ride between Casablanca and Agadir, to tackle this tough route. Following our exhausting day to Essaouira, however, we had a little rethink...
In the end, the decision as to route was thrust upon us by harsh reality. From here, our planned route to Marrakech is over 500km with 6500m elevation gain. The direct route is 210km with 1500m elevation gain. We really have no choice but to be sensible. Even the shorter route is going to prove extremely challenging. Not only is there more climbing than we can possibly manage, but beds are scarce. Yes, we could camp, but just as I am not yet ready for hills, I am not yet ready for sleeping at ground level. And on top of all this, we will be facing the challenges of Ramadan...
Photos are medina scenes from last night and today. And a pic from the Carrefour supermarket where we stocked up on padkos (food for the road) and Charl at last found a beer!
Our breakfast venue (second pic above), had seating for a grand total of five. It was opened a year ago by a young woman, Khadija, who served us a Berber omlette and tiny cups of strong coffee.