GIBRALTAR

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After a great few days visiting family in England, we landed in Gibraltar this morning.  We now have a few rest days before starting our coast to coast walk across Spain on 25 April. 

The Rock dominates the landscape here - we had amazing views from the plane window on landing. 

We managed to cross the runway before a siren sounded and the runway was closed to foot traffic again to allow another plane to land.  The runway takes up the width of the peninsula. 

We walked into town, surprised to see so many tourists and hearing lots of different accents. On the way we passed an enactment of soldiers participating in the Key ceremony, very colourful in their bright red jackets. 

After checking into our quirky bed and breakfast, we had lunch in a British pub - fish and chips seemed appropriate.  

Unfortunately the British weather followed us from England and we had to don wet weather gear for our afternoon of sightseeing.  

Highlights included

- fortifications in various states of repair, many with cannons.

- the leafy Trafalgar cemetery,  where two sailors from the Battle of Trafalgar are buried,  along with many yellow fever victims.

- the Alameda Botanic Gardens, with exotic plants from around the world - we spotted some bottlebrushes and gum trees.

- the red and white Europa light house, with views over the bay and straits.

Although this isn't part of our long distance walk,  we did manage to complete another coast to coast walk - across Gibraltar! 

First look at Gibraltar
Heading to town
Emerging from the Landport Tunnel
Ceremony of the Keys 
Joining the throngs in downtown Gibraltar 
Not all the streets were busy
Down by the marina
A colourful street scene
Trafalgar Cemetery 
Trafalgar Cemetery 
Bust of Wellington at the Alameda Gardens
A colourful visitor at the Alameda Gardens 
Looking westward from the 5th Rosia Battery
We went through a few tunnels today. This one had puddles. 
Europa Point, at the southern end of Gibraltar
Map of today's walk - Gibraltar from north to south and west to east

Day:                    Training
Distance:           15.07 km
Walking Time:  3hrs 10mins
Elevation Gain: 357 metres

Comments

  1. Murray and Sandra20 April 2024 at 23:46

    15km in 3 hours including climbing - we're impressed. Did you manage to see any of the macaques?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers21 April 2024 at 05:59

      We didn't do much climbing! That's today, when we plan to go to the Nature Reserve on the Rock. The only macaques we saw were pink and blue ones in the tourist shops.

      Delete
  2. Victoria N21 April 2024 at 00:15

    Please enjoy a hot chocolate for me. The Spanish chocolate is the best. Love your photos, almost as good as being there. Buen Camino.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers21 April 2024 at 06:02

      It shouldn't be too hard to meet your request! Although our hot beverage yesterday was tea with scones and jam and clotted cream, as we were still in Britain. Sorry, the photo didn't make the blog!

      Delete
  3. The Howie's21 April 2024 at 13:44

    What wonderful sights you are seeing. Awesome photos. Can't wait for more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers22 April 2024 at 05:36

      Gibraltar is certainly living up to expectations. We're very lucky!

      Delete
  4. Anonymous22 April 2024 at 05:32

    Lovely photos guys!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers22 April 2024 at 05:36

      We're very lucky!

      Delete
    2. Aussie Slow Travellers22 April 2024 at 08:32

      The scenery is wonderful and our cameras are good, so it's mostly just point and shoot!

      Delete

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