Panel shot of route, stormscope display

Marrakech-

Good night’s sleep, airport at 6:15 local for 7:30 departure. I was escorted through the various offices for my de-immigration and airport fees. Gas was 1.31 US/liter, the airport fees were $127. I go by the met office to get my briefing, it’s a TAF and metar for destination, and a satellite picture. No winds or radar available, computer is down.

I take off 5 minutes late, over the water in 2 minutes. Lots of stormscope activity ahead. There is a haze layer over the Cape Verde Islands that makes it difficult to see the water from 130, and   I go into some light convection. I had an initial tailwind, now with quartering headwind 15-25. At Fuertoventura, the African mainland is 61 miles at 3 o’clock, just visible.

I can see snowcapped peaks in Morocco. (A sad thing about IFR flying is the lack of land info on the charts.) I should get in at 16:30. For once, no GMT conversion. My ears are a little sore, and I’m tired, but my seat is still comfortable, and I’m quite happy. I’m a little worried about flying over hard ground and sharp pointy rocks, again, but I’ll manage.
Landing is fine, I get yelled at in French again while trying to park the plane. It gets sorted out, and I walk through customs. It is really different than being in line off a commercial flight. They want to know how I got there, they don’t poke and pry much.

In a car to a nice hotel room, and I’m going to sleep soon.

Marrakech is a very neat place.

Flying along. Lots of room.

Fuertoventura, Canary Islands

Marrakech, the airport is visible to the right, I'm on final.

I can see my plane from the balcony of my room!