Canyon-Imswan
Undoubtedly, the trip to Imsouane by foot proved one of the most physically tiring and dangerous aspects of the trip. However, all arrived safe and accomplished. Beginning in a flat of desert adjacent to Morocco's Grand Canyon, this hike led us down the mountain to a flat of land, along a dried river bed, along a rocky beach, and finally to our destination: the hostel and surfing school in small Imsouane. Here, three relaxing days were spent, mostly uneventful, giving all on the trip one last break before the journey back to America.
The journey began in an almost deceiving flat path of desert, and with a guide. Mild temperatures, clay-colored sand and rock, and an incredibly large drop directly to our right. Purposely falling behind to catch a glimpse of our place in this desert, it was merely minutes before the figure of people drifted away, merging into the collage of objects...
To the right of the beaten path -- a scenic ledge for those daring enough to step forth -- those of us daring enough to begin the trip in the first place, perhaps. It's here that we realized the truth of the hike. In the distance you see a small village -- a few buildings. That's our checkpoint, and not even half way. It's one thing to view the village in the distance from atop a mountain, and another thing entirely to fathom the distance from our final destination...
What does it take to enter a country, endure the travel time, the new environment, and the various cultural barriers? A lot -- yet things that can be learned, respected, and established. What does it take to endure the travel to Imswan by foot? Perhaps a bit more -- but only subtle differences. Such as the improved scenery.
It's upon reaching the bottom, however, that the true motivation steps forth. At this stage, no one is worried -- no one is truly fatigued or scared. It's here that people are not questioning themselves, but rather feeling the accomplishment of seeing Morocco from the perspective of those that live this everyday. It's reaching the bottom of this first obstacle that invites more curiosity for what's to be seen ahead...
Not much difference at this stage than prior to reaching the bottom. The land is flat again, and rather than grouping up, most people are taking this opportunity to branch out and take a look around for themselves. While there are no lions to be seen [the last lion was killed in the 60s], there seems to be a huge array of fossils to be found. Not only that...There is no lack of natural wonders hiding behind bushes, and small ditches...
Tucked away so eloquently among the stones, and sand, and bushes is this small oasis of sorts. Running off of a mostly dried up river, at the mouth and base of the canyon lies this palm, and accompanying basin of water. No doubt home, and resource to a huge array of living organisms, this image also portrays the sheer unpredictability and mystery of the Moroccan landscape. And indeed, a mere hour later, we found ourselves hugging boulders for the remainder of the trip with a storm surf, and incoming tide...Unpredictability...
It's this slippery, exhausting, and dangerous link of our trip that proved to be the most rewarding. If not for being pinned along rocks...
Then, for the reward....
