Into the Abyss... with a broken torch
Talk about EXTREME! Morocco had definitely given me a taste for outdoor adventure, which is what led my roomate and I to visit Les Gouffres de Friaouto. This was a really intense experience for me at least, since we had to descend deep into the earth through very small and slippery spaces. It was also the biggest work out in the history of ever.
From our hotel in Taza, we rented a taxi from to take us on a scenic drive to the Gouffre. Our taxi driver was a really nice guy who ended up feeding us these wild furry fruits he found along the way.... unwashed of course. (Note: we did not get sick afterwards! great success). Upon arrival at the Gouffre, we had to descend at least 200 stairs to get to the bottom of the cave.
The Gouffre itself was pitch dark... and of course that’s when my mega (and very heavy) flashlight decided to stop working. We ended up hiring a guide to take us through the slippery, clay covered tunnels. It was a frightening experience, mostly because you couldn't see anything past the gleaming light of your tourch, and because it was so slippery!
When we had to cross this (slippery!) makeshift bridge made of a blank of wood nestled on two rocks, I froze. There was no seeing anything below. A freefall into hell. I stood on the bridge and closed my eyes, but there was nothing and I mean nothing that I could do to get my legs to move. The guide ended up having to come and drag me across the plank. My poor little chicken legs are not very good for support, depsite the hiking boots I was wearing.
Once outside at ground level, completely covered in brown goop, I felt a rush from such a satisfying experience! No regrets!
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