All the other trekkers had set off up the mountain when we eventually packed and descended. Snow had fallen in the night on some of the higher peaks.

Today was one of the highlights so far on this trip. We set off early before sunrise, up through the valley towards the pass leading to Mount Toubkal. The sunrise came up over the lake and spread across the mountains - amazing.

The trek to the lake was through huge mounds of moraine until you emerge suddenly at the top of the ridge to look down on the lake and surrounding mountains. An amazing sight.

The rain in the night had also brought snow which lay on the upper slopes of the mountains around us.

We left early this morning and made as much noise as we needed to, as our fellow campers had just gone to their tents!

Day 1 of the trek begins and I am introduced to my companions for the next days; Rashid (guide), Omar (cook and mule handler) and mule.

This morning I found a shared taxi to Imlil and shared this journey with four other passengers, three being Moroccan tourists on a day trip to the mountains.

I decided to travel to Marrakesh by train via Rabat and Casablanca - a fantastic way to see a vast amount of the country whilst also sharing the journey with a variety of different passengers joining and leaving along the way.

I travelled by train and taxi to reach the UNESCO heritage site of Volubilis. This expansive site of an old Roman city sits in agricultural land beneath the mountain of Jebel Zerhoun

Another spectacular bus ride through the mountains and out onto the central plains of Northern Morocco and this time the destination is Fez.

A Riad breakfast is a treat - served this morning on the roof top. A selection of treats to have with bread, roti and mint tea.

Today I crossed the Strait of Gibraltar leaving Europe for the African continent. The crossing took 45 minutes by ferry across a very calm sea.

I just love waking up in the mountains as the sun starts to creep up from behind the mountains. It's so peaceful and quiet. The sheep dogs start to stir as we get up and about - the shepherd is not here yet to release the sheep out into the mountain pastures.

There are some days that just top it all - this turned out to be one of those.

I felt so much better today and was excited to get back on the trek.

I had a usual hostal breakfast and set out for the next stage. I felt unfocussed today and not particularly motivated - probably a lot to do with staying in a grotty dead ski resort out of season.

Today has been one of my best days yet; I felt fit, strong and motivated to do the distance and terrain.

I loved this little village in the mountains, the small hotel, the people who sat on the terrace to chat to, the rich mountain food and my Dutch travelling companions.

I have now been hiking the trail for 32 days with 2 of them as rest days. It's amazing how you just get into a rhythm of waking up, getting ready, put the rucksack on your back and set off. You never know how the day will pan out or what you'll do.

Last night the manager of the refuge cooked dinner for the 6 guests in her little kitchen.