Well after the day before yesterday’s long ride and arrival in the dark I decided to have a proper rest day for a change. Nice cold shower freshened me up a bit and after a good nights sleep and I set off into the medina.

I’m not really a touristy type to be honest but it was a good opportunity to check out the local scene and do some people watching. I found the cafe, a bit like a working mans coffee bar that I visited six years ago and I sat in the sun for the best coffee in town. A quick check on the bike to make sure all was ok and then wandered into the rabbit warren that is Chefchoen’s medina.

I lost count of how many times I got lost and then found myself whilst I tried in earnest to familiarise myself with the layout. It wasn’t very successful but I did manage to find myself back at the hotel on several occasions.

On one excursion I spied a KTM1190 and it’s pilot Gavin, who had recently bought the bike from Fowler’s of Bristol. We got acquainted and agreed to eat out later in the day.

Walking through the blue city on the Eastern side I thought I saw an Ostrich, yes you did read correctly, I picked up my pace and lo and behold I found said bird in full glory ready for tourist photos! You never know what’s around the next corner here!

Lots of other sights, sounds and interesting aromas as the day evolved.

on one occasion I was treated to mint ted by a dope smoking shop keeper, he was pretty stoned and he was setting up his new shop he just fancied some company for a while.

I successfully navigated to our meeting point and found Gavin and his misses and we sat down for a fabulous three course meal in a local restaurant. What a great evening with two like minded people, the food was excellent by the way. We exchanged details and baseline plans and maybe, just maybe we will meet up later in the trip.

Heading back to the hotel my attention was drawn to the main square where the crowds were being treated to a fire act with traditional music, five minutes and I was bored so I went back to the hotel and prepared my kit for tomorrow’s departure.

Lovely restful day but I’m keen to get on with the trip, today was a bit like being on holiday, I get a bit guilty when that happens as I prefer to have my family along on days like that.

I have to look forward to carting my gear back to the bike in the morning, it’s a way off, it will take a couple of trips too and it’s all up hill!! If I can find it that is…..

Chefchoen is a beautiful blue town in North Morocco

Would you believe I found the local Ostrich population!

Donkeys are used to get some stock around the narrow streets.

Rest day in Chefchoen

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