A few kilometers past Ait Benhaddou lies the ruined fortress of Tamdaght.

After disassembling the tent we head over Ouaryarate to Skoura.

This well restored Kasbah is even featured on the back of the 50DH Moroccan bill. We set up camp at the...

...L Ksar Kaissar Campground close to El-Kellaa M' Gouna. This campsite has over 100 sites & we are the only ones camping.

July 03, 2008. Keeping the tent set up we decide on a day trip to the Dades Gorge.

The first Kasbah stands imposing at a bend in the road called Ait Mouted Kasbah.

Here we enter the DADES GORGE.

The Wadi that winds its way along the bottom of the gorge is in spots lush in fig, almond & walnut trees.

The road climbs by several switchbacks from the bottom of the gorge to the top.

The canyon walls are only meters apart in this section ...

...and the walls are hundreds of meters high.

Further along the gorge gives way to an open plateau...

...and we ride as far as Msemrir...

...where the tarmac ends.

These dramatic geological folds are ...

...covered with limestone rock that has been shaped by erosion.

Sweeping corners make their way above this canyon.

Weird Rock Formations and...

...more unique rock formations...

...can be found along the route.

The afternoon we spent swimming in the swimming pool of our campground with all the other tourists. Oops there are none.

July 04 & 05, 2008. Our next campsite is close to Tinerhir.

On July 05, 2008 we take the road through the TODRA GORGE.

A river and road squeeze their way through the gorge...

...where 300m high cliffs block the sunlight.

These cliffs are supposed to be the most impressive in Morocco.

The road beyond into the higher plateaus is what we have come for.

After the gorge we continue on the road higher and deeper into the High Atlas Mountains.

A lonely mosque appears along the way.

This ksar is pretty much abandoned.

A quick peek and we keep on riding.

We stop at Berger villages, like Tamtattouchte,...

...take the occasional rough road through a small village.

The road we are on is not shown on our map or GPS & it is an adventure.

With a full fuel tank at the start of the day we decide to see where it leads us.

Beautiful scenery unfolds in front of us,...

...doted with mountain villages and dilapidated ksours.

People are working the fields and...

...donkeys are carrying huge loads.

What a different life. We enjoy days like this where there is no destination, only exploration.

Our campsite at Le Soleil in the midst of a Wadi, with plenty of shade...

...and another beautiful swimming pool for less then $10.00CDN/night.

These facilities are super clean.

Our route of Africa on Ruby's Aluminum Panniers is almost complete.

July 06, 2008. From the Todra Gorge, we head to Midelt and stay at Camping Timnay.

July 07, 2008 we head to Fes and set up camp. On July 08, 2008 we take a day trip...

...to VOLUBILIS, located approx. 60km from Fes.

Volubilis is the best preserved Roman City in Morocco.

It dates back to the 3rd Century BC,...

...but only started to prosper in the 2nd & 3rd Century AD.

The outstanding mosaics are the highlight of this site.

Most ruins uncovered are from the 2nd & 3rd Century AD or later period.

Here we have entered the House of Orpheus.

This circular mosaic depicts Orpheus charming a lion,...

...an elephant & other animals with his lyre.

A sunken square pool is decorated with a mosaic...

...of tritons, cuttlefish, dolphins and other sea creatures.

A good example of floor heating. Ovens would heat the water...

...and the steam would be distributed in below ground channel ways to the baths.

This oil press was reconstructed to show...

...how it worked in ancient times.

The Capitol.

The sacrificial altar stands in front of the steps to the Capitol.

The Basilica, another highlight of the site.

This was the meeting place of the curia (senate).

The forum has several plaques depicting territories that citizens possessed.

The forum was a public meeting place where business took place.

Beyond the forum was the Macellum (market).

Another view of the remains of the Basilica.

In the House of the Athlete, this mosaic displays a Chariot Jumper.

The Triumphal Arch, which dates back to 217AD was reconstructed in 1933.

Above the inscription, at the top of the monument, used to have a frieze and a band, and crowned by a horse drawn chariot.

The house of columns, has columns with twisted fluting and composite capitals.

This was not mentioned in any of the guidebooks, we wonder why?

Mike can't resist a pose with the sculture/carving.

The Aristocratic Quarter, is lined with fine houses...

...and covered with mosaics.

It is quite amazing that these mosaics have survived this well.

The ruins of Volubilis with its fertile plains in the background.

More examples of great mosaics.

Close up of a mosaic.

The Decumanus Maximus leads from the Triumphal Arch to the Tangier Gate.

Mosaic of Bacchus, from the House of Dionysus...

...and the four seasons.

Mosaic in the House of the Bathing Nymphs.

The Tangier Gate and a view along the Decumanus Maximus.

Another outstanding mosaic.

Mosaic of Diana and the Bathing Nymphs in the House of the Cortege of Venus.

Taking the scenic route S306,...

...this allows for a good vantage point of Moulay Idriss.

Continuing on the S306 we see more cliff dwellings and...

...locals going about their day to day life's.

Morocco still has a relaxed feel about it, where a slower pace exists.

July 09, 2008. We park the motorcycle in front of the Place Bou Jeloud...

...within the defensive walls of FES EL-BALI, the historic medina.

outside the gate a Muslim Cemetery.

Here is a no donkey allowed sign,...

...and then only seconds later we see a donkey carrying propane bottles.

The Bab Boujeloud (Gate), the main entrance gate to Fes el-Bali.

Again we start our exploration of the medina before most stalls are open.

It allows us to take pictures uninterrupted before the masses arrive.

Fes has many fine examples of unique door designs.

Small alleyways lead of from the main thoroughfare.

Door Knocker.

Fes el-Bali is a maze of small alleyways, but a guide is not required.

The throughways are well signed with occasional full scale map.

Fes was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, due to its important religious & cultural history.

The detail on most doors is incredible, stucco carved with inscriptions.

The MERINID TOMBS overlook the medina of Fes.

THE TANNERIES OF FES.

This is one of the most fascinating and interesting places to visit.

The hair and flesh of the sheep, goat, cow or camel hides are removed.

Hides are piled high waiting to be processed.

After soaking in vats, the skins are hung to be dried.

Removal of the dried skins. It is amazing how soft the finished product is.

The dried hides are rinsed in water.

These vats have been used for centuries. We were able to mask the smell by holding...

...fresh mint leaves in front of our noses. Coloring of hides.

Natural pigments from certain plants and minerals are used to dye the skins.

The FONDOUK EL-NEJJARINE before renovations...

...and after.

A Fondouk is a like a hotel and in past times provided food, rest and shelter.

Today the (3) floors house the Museum of Wood.

An example of Moroccan's detailed wood works.

A view of the restored interior of the Fondouk.

Ruby making her way along the Rue Talaa Kebira, the main thoroughfare in the medina.

Donkeys are the only way merchandise can be moved in and out of the medina.

The KARAOUIYINE MOSQUE. The Ablutions Basin in the centre of the courtyard.

This mosque was established in 859 & remains to this day the seat of the Muslim university in Fes.

The BOU INANIA MEDERSA. A medersa is both a cultural and religious establishment.

Today it is a mosque, cathedral, students' residence & school combined.

The Zellij Tilework. (bottom to top): Geometric tilework, cursive script carved into tiles & stucco work.

The Facade is richly decorated with zellij tilework, stuccowork and sculpted wood.

The wooden screen of the main entrance.

Inside the Prayer Hall.

Windows are framed by stuccowork.

Stained-glass Windows.

Moorish carved motifs are shown on the Captials.

Leaving the mosque.

After hours of exploring Fes el-Bali, we have a bite to eat overlooking a sea of rooftops & the medina.

The food as always delicious. Vegetarian Tajine followed...

...by sliced orange each with loads of sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on it.

July 10, 2008. We remain at our campsite the Diamant Vert to hit the internet & update the website.

The facilities come with a huge outdoor swimming pool and waterslide complex.

July 11, 2008. We left Fes & took the country road S302 to Ketama...

...through the RIF MOUNTAINS. The road & scenery is beautiful.

This area is known for its Marijuana grow operations & almost every corner or anywhere we stop...

... to take a picture we are approached & asked if we want to buy some.

The road leads through Cedar forest, the smell & scenery reminding us of Canada.

We arrive in Chefchaouen mid-afternoon & set up camp high above the town on the ech-Chaoua Mountain.

Steps have been carved into the mountain from our campsite into the town below.

CHEFCHAOUEN, truly unique and a pleasure to explore.

July 12, 2008. On our descent into town we pass the remains of an old cemetery.

Chefchaouen is known for its blue & white walls and streets,...

...its narrow steep streets and...

...decorated doorways.

It was founded in 1471 by Idrissid Shorfa.

The town has (8) mosques.

To preserve its heritage the town has been added to the UNESCO list.

The streets are mostly empty before 10am.

Vehicles are not allowed within the walled town...

...and would not even be able to fit.

There are hundreds of picture opportunities. The blue is beautiful.

Getting lost is fun, as every corner has you stopping in awe.

A brightly painted wooden door.

Locals hanging carpets from the roof of the building for drying.

How can it get anymore beautiful...

...blue sky, white houses.

At the northwest gateway into town stands...

...the Bab el-Ansar.

A woman on her way to Wadi Laou to wash clothes.

The Ras el-Ma spring is the main water supply for the town...

...and locals hand wash their clothes.

The actual Ras el-Ma Spring is enclosed in this building.

We watch a woman hanging her wet carpets...

...from the roof top.

A wooden door that had seen better days.

Again donkeys are the main transportation of goods in the town.

It is very easy to walk around the medina.

The following few pictures are more examples of the town's unique atmosphere.

One of our favourite pictures of Chefchaouen.

Washing of clothes is an important part of a woman's every day chores.

Some alleyways are not even a meter wide.

A water fountain.

This is how paint is sold. Colored power is added to water to get the desired paint.

Colorful carpets can be purchased anywhere.

Leather shoes for sale.

More carpets...

...line the street walls.

A different way of displaying the powder to make paint.

A music festival is in full swing during our visit to Chefchaouen.

We were able to take in the entertainment from an excellent restaurant.

July 13, 2008. We remain another day at the campsite to ...

...research and plan our route through Europe.

July 14, 2008. From Chefchaouen we head straight to Ceuta (Spanish Territory on African Continent).

It happens all so fast, the next thing we are on the ferry leaving the African Continent behind.

Tears are flowing down our faces. 32 countries, 58,000km & 9 months. Africa, the ultimate adventure. We did it !