The Rock of Gibraltar

We arrived into Gibraltar before the expected bad weather and then pretty much did not leave the boat for three days, whilst the wind and rain blew through. We appreciated the closeness of the runway to the marina, watching the planes arrive and leave was just like we had seen on the television. But on day 4 we thought we ought to explore further than Morrisons and so set off to try and get up the rock. After two failed attempts due to closed paths we gave up and went to the pub with friends instead. 

On day 5 we had much more success. The whole of the upper part of Gibraltar is a nature reserve and costs £16 to access.  We chose to walk up the many (many!) steps to the Moorish Castle entrance, then on up to the Great Siege Tunnels and then on up again along the Ingles nature path to the very top. The tunnels and exibition were really well done and interesting. 

At the top we had lunch in the Top of the Rock cafe. This was an unexpectedly beautiful meal, with stunning views on all sides. 

We then walked passed the many monkeys who famously inhabit this reserve. They are very cute, especially the baby ones. One monkey decided to use my head as a spring board to help it bounce across the path. But mostly they just sat hugging and grooming each other.

We walked over the Skywalk, amusingly opened by Mark Hamil and on down to St Michael's Cave. I was totally blown away by this cave. The stalactites and stalagmites were huge and light beautifully to fully enhance the experience. I have seen pretty caves before but nothing on this scale. The formations were breath taking. I think it is fair to say I genuinely had a moment of awe. I found the experience quite emotional.

On the way back down we walked across the susupension bridge to get our last views before we came back down. It was a really lovely day and well worth the sore calves that I had for three days afterwards.

A few days later we walked down the length of Gibraltar to Europa Point. This walk took an interesting route behind the dry docks and then through a series of tunnels and man made swimming areas till you reach the end. From where you have an uninterupted view across the Straights to North Africa. Just as when we arrived on Vagrant, I got quite a buzz seeing the African continent just over the way. 

On the way back we did the traditional walk across the runway, not because we needed to, but because its a thing you have to whilst your here. Again it is just like you see on the telly.

The rest of Gibraltar is not particulary nice. It is massively over populated, with blocks of not very nice flats and the traffic is horrendous. We have therefore entertained ourselves by going to the gym, working, boat jobs, laundry and provisoning. As I write we are sitting in the marina waiting for a very strong gale to pass. It is predicted to last for 48 hours with wind speeds gusting up to 50 knots. After this we are off the explore Morocco!