Kaouki Beach

Although not up to the best European standards Camping Kaouki Beach is very popular and has all the facilities for a lazy break. The 60-odd pitches are of varying size but all have electric points, get full sun for much of the day and all are close to the adequate toilet, shower and washing facilities. It also has a laundry, swimming pool and daily bread delivery plus occasional visits from local traders. The huge sandy beach, stretching for miles in each direction, is just across the road and is popular with surfers. The village itself is about 700m along the road with a couple of basic cafe/restaurants and one or two small shops plus a surfing centre. A couple of buildings are signed as hotels but look more like basic hostels – probably ideal for the surfers though. Also available are camel, donkey and quadbike rides.

A little further along the road there are two more campsites, one very similar to Kaouki Beach but not as well equipped the other being very basic. We'd guess the prices reflected that but at Dh90, which is just over £7 per night and includes electricity, we're more than happy with our choice. If only the electricity would power the fridge though – as with many such places away from major centres the voltage can be distinctly variable and on occasion we've had to resort to switching the fridge to manual operation as the auto function can't keep up.

Temperatures during the day are in the high 20's, often with a breeze which makes for very pleasant sitting out but of course it's still only February so overnight it drops to around 15 deg – brrrrrr! Better than at home though where we're getting reports of hurricane force winds, torrential rain plus snow and ice forecasted. Wish you were here?

Our days are spent generally relaxing and walking the dog with forays on to the beach for a good run around. However on Sunday one of these runs was quickly terminated when Jamie suddenly slowed his headlong dash after the ball and didn't want to run anymore, instead apparently preferring to head back to the van then lying quietly for the rest of the day. We could find nothing wrong and think perhaps he may have strained a muscle when he went all-out after the ball. He ate his meal okay although it was followed by a disturbed night when he got Brenda up four times wanting to go out, eating grass, which is a sign of an upset digestion. We'll keep an eye on him.

We also had an annoying incident when, whilst we were having lunch, a French driver trying to turn round reversed into the luggage rack, twisting it a little and breaking the lamp lens. It was an accident, although Bren went off the deep end at him, but it looked repairable although we took Dh200 off him for a replacement lens. We doubt we'll get one in Morocco but after a bit of glue it should hold together until we get home. The rack itself wasn't damaged and we were able to straighten it out.

We've planned at least a week here before continuing further south. If there is anything we miss it's regular company even though everybody we meet is friendly enough. We've seen few Brits but have noticed a lot more Austrians whilst the French are not so predominant as in the past. Netherlands and Italy are represented but there are plenty of Germans in their huge gin palaces and mighty off-road trucks – some quite impressive, and dare we say expensive, kit.

We'll take some photos tomorrow.