When we left on this trip, we knew that despite all the crime, terrorism, disease and natural disasters in the parts of the world that we would be visiting, that the most dangerous thing we would do on this trip would be to get in a car. On the 13th we tested that knowledge when we headed for Merzouga. The plan initially was to take the bus, our customary mode of travel when a train is not available. However, our taxi driver on the way to town offered us a ride all the way there for about what the bus was going to cost. His taxi would get us there about four hours earlier, and would allow us to see a highly recommended gorge on the way. It was a beautiful gorge, and we did get there earlier, but it was not a ride for the faint of heart. High speeds, blind passes, tailgating at 70 plus mph, and passing with close oncoming traffic prompted both Margit and I to say a prayer, and focus on the scenery out the side window. No point in worrying about it. I figured that as our driver was in his late 30’s, and that he had managed to stay alive all that time, it was likely that he would make it again. He did, and we did, and we were happy to be in Merzouga. Now for something adventurous without being so dangerous!
-Mitch
10/16
long4adventure