Todra Gorge
Near Tinerhir is the Todra (sounds like too-dra) Gorge. When applied to Morocco, the word gorge implies a deeper and more spectacular geological feature than I expected. The Todra Gorge and Dades Gorge all had this in common ...
Imagine you are standing by a small shallow stream. It's maybe 10 m across. Next to the stream is a dirt and gravel track you could drive on in a 4x4 but not the family sedan. When the river bends, vehicles on the track have to ford the river to pick up the track on the other side. So far so good? Have the image in your mind? Okay, on each side of the stream, there is a stark rock wall that climbs, maybe 300 m, straight up. There is no escape from this gorge ... except at either end!
Now ... fast forward to early spring. The run off from the High Atlas Mountains has swollen the stream. It consumes the gorge, never less than 10 m deep and flowing fast, like a freight train.
This is GORGE, translated to Arabic and implemented in Morocco! ... Fortunately, we were there in late spring.
Do Not Adjust Your Set: These pictures were taken in Mid-April 2000 with a first generation digital camera. They are as big as they'll ever get.
Read MoreImagine you are standing by a small shallow stream. It's maybe 10 m across. Next to the stream is a dirt and gravel track you could drive on in a 4x4 but not the family sedan. When the river bends, vehicles on the track have to ford the river to pick up the track on the other side. So far so good? Have the image in your mind? Okay, on each side of the stream, there is a stark rock wall that climbs, maybe 300 m, straight up. There is no escape from this gorge ... except at either end!
Now ... fast forward to early spring. The run off from the High Atlas Mountains has swollen the stream. It consumes the gorge, never less than 10 m deep and flowing fast, like a freight train.
This is GORGE, translated to Arabic and implemented in Morocco! ... Fortunately, we were there in late spring.
Do Not Adjust Your Set: These pictures were taken in Mid-April 2000 with a first generation digital camera. They are as big as they'll ever get.