Vesper Peak

For weekend fun, Brian and I decide to scramble Vesper Peak.
Awesome!

Silver Peak

Michelle and I take the dogs to scramble up Silver Peak.

Michelle was very popular since she had dog cookies. See how we all gather around? They generated such interest, that I even wanted one.

This photo makes me laugh.

Stanley - Day 8 - Long Hike

After arriving into Stanley yesterday afternoon, we investigate and decide between a local mountain bike trail (doesn't seem THAT great of a trail) and a local hike, we go the hike route. Should take us into the Sawtooth Range. Unlikely we will see anyone.

We're on the trail @ 8am, little fog and mist, but looks like it will burn off and be a nice day.


Had to do a couple of stream crossings, this was the biggest....Not to bad. If you like your socks soggy. Scott did, so he loved this.

Near noon, we do a little off trail scramble, up to a saddle @ about 7500 feet, and get a nice view of the surrounding valley. Off my left shoulder is Stanley.

The majestic look.

Day 11 - The Summit

Here are Mick, Ian, Jeff and Tom. Mick and Ian had some difficulty during the first big hike, but a week later of treking, these guys got rough and tough and kept on going.
Here, we can see a pretty much 360 view of mountain ranges all around us.
The group has made it. In front is Christine (who at home will go out for a 25 mile walk!) and one of our guides, in the back is Paul, (who's a 5K and 10K runner) John, Phil, Majeed, Me, Mick dorking with his camera, Ian and Jeff (who for the record, smoked a pipe after the summit.)

Day 11 - The Big Climb

Trip Description - Option to climb Amalou n Mansour (8895ft.), the biggest peak in the Jebel Sahro range. Trek to our final camp near the village of Iknioun. Camp (5900ft).

Today is another day where we "split" the group. Part who want to hike up over the highest mountain in the range do so, others who want to stay on the lower path, can. Mrs Dirtbagger's face is telling me, she's going the lower route.
As we depart, the owner of the house (we were camped in his front yard, next to the building he keeps his baby goats and sheep) watches us load up stuff.
Off we go, with our guide, Majeed leading the pack.

Day 9 - Here we go, once again

Trip Description: Option to trek to summit of Bou Gafer (6,488ft.) and then descend from camp following a stream through green valleys and deep gorges to village of Oulili. Camp (6,560ft.).

Today, the clan splits up. Part heads on to the lunch meeting point, the other group scrambles up to a local peak.

A monument where Morocco declared it's independance from France. Not sure if France gave up willingfully (they do have that history) or if they decided Morocco wasn't worth keeping.

The scramble (Paul and Tom) to the top.

Group pseudo-summit shot (l to r) (front) Paul, Mick, Ian, Jeff, (middle) Bill, John, me, Andrew, (back) Phil, Christine, Majeed (not pictured once again, Tom.)

Relaxing and waiting on the rest of the group.

Enjoying lunch in the sun. Nice!

This was affectionately known as the thunderbox. The thunderbox was a 6+ foot tall canvas outhouse where a 1 foot hole was used for deposits. The trick was to emerge from the thunderbox without peeing/pooping on yourself, your shoes, your pants, whatever.

Day 6 - Late Afternoon Trek and Scramble

So after an afternoon of treking we (the porters/muleteers, I did nothing) set up camp and decide to go on a scramble of a nearby peak.

Jeff, John, Tom scouting out the best route to go. As I recall, this peak was about 8800 feet. Our route was up along the left side of the lightly colored rock. The summit, wasn't technically visible from this view, but it's the dark lump to the left.
Here is the crew who went on the afternoon scramble, John, Christine, Me and Jeff. Tom's taking the picture with my camera. This qualified as a class 4 rock scramble and damned, it was fun. These guys were such troopers.

Day 6 - A shorter day.....Good.

Trip Description: Today’s easy level walk takes us from the desert-like environment to a mountainous area of craggy peaks. Camp on a plateau just beyond Taoulauat.

So I scramble up the hill (it's about 7:15 am) to get this shot of the valley and the camp. As I am taking photos, I'm missing breakfast. Let me tell you, with these hungry buggers, you do NOT want to miss breakfast.

Here were some of the surrounding hills as the sun began to rise. The pillars in the distance on the right portion of the photo were the two of the most prominant ones we passed yesterday.

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It's me

This was like 100 miles away. Okay more like 100 yards. Hmmm how about 100 feet?