Towering about the beautiful mountain town of Chefchaouen stands the unattainable peak of Jebel el Kalaa. Needless to say, our minds were set on one thing, bagging the peak. We set out at the break of 10 on a crisp morning, equipped with our finest shorts and hiking attire, after a nice breakfast en route of french baguette and goat cheese. For most of the morning it was an all uphill trek, through gorgeous valleys, meagre forests and tiny hamlets, finally throwing us out onto a windswept ridge, below the summit. As we braved on the wind was relentless, our shorts flapping and water supply at a dangerous low. After piling on our last aricles of warm clothing, we were ready for the summit bid. Then, finally, success! There was no more mountain, all that was left were stunning views of the entire region. Feeling accomplished we enjoy a trumphant lunch of mackerel in tomato sauce and bread and plan our descent by a different route.
Peering down from our summit perch we spot what can only be a shelter, built for lesser hikers to spend the night before they attempt the unattainable. Upon closer inspection it,s a modest farmhouse. Three teenage boys are busy tilling the steep hillside fields. They are more than happy to point the route down, one they no doubt travel daily.
The thing about bagging peaks is ... it,s more rewarding when no one lives on top.
Also, a relevant update:
The Hartwick Cup of Catan scores: Dan 3, Evan 2
mistress catan she know no bounds
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