Marrakesh to Toubkal National Park in the Atlas Mountains

From Marrakesh we took a day trip to Toubkal National Park in the Atlas Mountains.

On the way out we stopped at small town called Ashi.

We were there the day of their weekly market, which caters to locals from the surrounding rural community. It is a very basic market.

They don't get tourists often, so each of us had our own "personal tour guide", a new BFF, glued to us as we wandered the market.

Of note, there were no local women, and, definitely no local blondes.

In jest, John was offered 20,000 camels for me. I was quite insulted! I figured the number should be much higher. (Just for the record, in all seriousness, I really didn't think it was very funny.)

There were clusters of settlements in the mountains.








The villages were originally settled by single families and then grew with their descendants.










The settings are stunning with beautiful backdrops and million dollar views.

Sheep and shepherds can be seen wandering throughout the mountains.

Donkeys are still used as beasts of burden,

and modes of transportation.












The area is a haven for hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Entrepreneurial families have started up businesses that cater to this crowd.

Small stores are set up along the mountain routes to sell Berber carpets, woven scarves, ceramics and argon oil to the hikers and backpackers. 

I don't know how the prices compared to the city souks, because I was too afraid to look, let alone ask for a price, for fear of having a new BFF. 

Or worse yet, being offered for the trade of 5,000 camels with a single Berber carpet thrown in to sweeten the deal - whether in jest or not.

I also do not want to know what John was discussing with the locals. 

Having said that, the people were all very nice, friendly and camera shy.