Road to Marrakesh

Our drive out of the desert took us through the City of Roses. Here they grow and harvest roses to make rose water and rose oil products. One kilo of rose petals produces 1L of rose water. Four tons are needed to make 1L of oil!
Along the way, in the distance, we could see the tower and reflections coming off the world's largest solar array situated in the desert.
We made a quick stop in at the Atlas Studios and glimpsed some old sets and props from their various movies.
Further down the road we stopped at Ait Benhaddou and climbed to the top. It's a 17th century ksar (fort) built in the foothills that was used in the filming of Gladiators and Game of Thrones.

Our last stop before descending through the Atlas mountains was to see an Argan oil demonstration. Argan trees are almond or peanut-type trees that are native only to Morocco. The nuts are harvested to make cosmetic hair and skin products, cooking oil, and edible butter.
The road through the mountains was a little harrowing as most of the winding route was under construction and Moroccans have a different style of driving than we do. The majestic views, however, were amazing.

Reaching Marrakesh, the end of our desert trek, our driver dropped us off at our new temporary home. A riad (with a pool!) just outside the Old Town.