12 December - Jordyn birthday (Sahara desert)

Today we had a long drive from Fes in the north to Merzouga. We had a picturesque dive through the Midelt and past the middle Atlas Mountains - covered in early winter snow. The landscape changed so much during the trip - agricultural land replaces by gorges created by rivers, mountains where you could see the different strata levels and then the rocky plains before we arrived at the Sahara desert.

We stopped for photos with the barbery apes - and they were very polite not trying to snatch food from us. Jordyn even got to ride on a horse. Tourist style - only for a few minutes.

When we reached our accommodation we settled in, and then had a delicious dinner. After that we went for a walk into the dunes to see the stars. We payed back in the sand a enjoyed the millions of stars in the clear night sky.

Our guide had a surprise for us in the tents - a birthday celebration for Jordyn. Including cake, candles and a Moroccan birthday song. So very special. We got to dance and sing with the Moroccans - and share birthday cake.