Day 8 October 22, 2024 Sahara Desert Region to Valley of the Birds 148 miles
We have a little bit earlier start this morning. Lots of activity as tour groups get ready to depart for wherever they are going today. The temperature is cool so a light jacket feels good.
The terrain is fairly flat and dry. Small villages are scattered here and there. The local lady’s dress has changed from black to white. The towns also seem newer. The architecture is a little different. After about an hour and a half we stop for a short break. The road is a narrow two lanes but not many pot holes. There are a few places where the road may have been washed away by the recent flash floods.
About another hour we stopped for lunch. Another thirty minutes we reached the highlight of the day. An incredible gorge with a small river running through it opened in front of us. The cliffs reach as high as 800 feet straight up. People are wading in the shallow river and two people are climbing one of the peaks. Lots of street vendors line the cliff side of the road. Not much room for all that goes on. Some construction was happening in one spot. A big shovel kept scooping dirt in a land carrier until it was full. Then cars could pass until the truck returned. No road flaggers involved. One time Connie looked down at passing traffic and saw a small truck carrying six donkeys go by. Didn’t get a picture unfortunately. All doors facing the street in this region are supposed to be painted green. Most were.
Another hour to the town where our hotel is located. We drove through town and to the nearby valley with a stop for pictures. The hotel sits on the hill above. When we arrived at the hotel we were greeted by singers and drummers. Based on the age it’s a job for seniors.
This is rated as a four star hotel. Our room is small with no place to sit and no place for the luggage. The bathroom is through a narrow door one foot above the room. We have a terrace but the step to get to it is another foot up and wide. The internet doesn’t work either. The decorations are unique.
Spoffords Travel 