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Chris and Bethan flew in to Gibraltar and we made the crossing to Marina Smir on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco.

We hired a car and made the trip across the Rif mountains to Fes via Chefchouen.

It was well worth the long hot drive and Chefchouen tucked into the mountainside was really picturesque with a number of interesting Souks and a large market.

The highlight of our journey to date was undoubtedly the old Medina of Fes. An incredible contrast between the old medieval Imperial City that is still home to almost ½ million people.

Probably the most incredible sight was the much photographed leather tanneries, where hides of all types (sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, cows) are cured and dyed.

The methods, materials and location have not changed in over 700 years and watching the men in the large vats of dye made me appreciate just how hard life was in the past. The only difference now is that the men still working in these appalling conditions are no longer slaves but get paid for what they do, albeit a pittance by comparison with the west.

Although the coloured vats are unpleasant places to stand in all day the white vats are even worse, filled with an acidic mixture that includes lime and bird droppings!

The Medina was full of sights and sounds and there is not room enough to put the large number of incredible photographs on this Blog but I will put more on the Boats website.

The rest of the country is equally fascinating, full of sights and sounds as well as the warm and friendly Moroccan people.

The roads are exciting and at this time of year it is not unusual to come across trucks loaded to impossible dimensions with straw.

After a brief spell back in Gibraltar, Trish and I are looking forward to the rest of our time in Morocco as we explore the west coast and the other great cities.