I really hadn't realised how much time had passed since I last blogged. I just haven't been writing very much. We passed the Eid at Ait Iazza as usual and as usual I now have a freezer full of bits of lamb.
When I came back I came down with a bit of a cold and spent 1 day in bed feeling miserable and quite a few days feeling only half on. It has taken me a while to get back to full walking fitness - but I am starting to feel more energised.
Then it rained.... lots and lots of rain over 3 or 4 days - and yes we had leaks in the house. We have arranged for someone to come round this weekend and put an extra layer of cement on the floors upstairs as there is more rain forecast next weekend. Mohamed has started negotiations again about getting permission for the roof. fingers crossed.
Even when it wasn't actually bucketing down with rain the river was so full that Ruby and I were stuck on this side of the hill for walks. I went out and bought some waterproof trousers and a jacket - bright yellow - though no luck so far getting suitable footwear. I will keep looking though.... and now we are back to blue skies and the river has subsided so I am thinking of heading over the river to try and find a new route. Just before the cold and the rain I set off past the little wooded glen along the path that seems to lead to the next village to the North West. This was the valley that I could imagine riding a horse along - and I wasn't disappointed. It was a lovely track and a nice walk. I had hoped to find my way round the hill to make it a circular route but had to come back the way I went. I did do a little bit of exploring and round the side of Wolf Hill I found where there might be a track that goes the way I want. I had both dogs (Itchy and Ruby) with me and they had a great time running after birds etc - until we got close to Wolf Hill, when they suddenly became much quieter, sticking close to my side and constantly sniffing the air.
We had only just made it home, and it was just getting dark, when I heard the yowling of "wolves" in the hills we had just left behind.
I had emailed wolf.org (an american organisation) to ask if they thought it possible that there were wolves in the Atlas Mountains. They said it was not impossible that I had seen a wolf - but improbable. The nearest known wolves are in Egypt though they do travel long distances..... They then went on to say that maybe it had been a pet wolf or a wolf-like pet dog... well that just shows how little they know about Morocco. Ruby is the only pet dog in these mountains - all the rest have to work for their living... and the local dogs are not very wolvish - all fairly similar to Ruby.... and I would think it quite improbable that you would see a wolf in America. So until I see one again the position is still in doubt - though I am giving the locals the benefit of the doubt.
I just heard from the Spanish herpetologist who advised me about the snakes - he is setting up a Moroccan herpetofauna website and wants to use my photos!
and that is all the news from me. Will try and get more photos posted
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