The gateway to or from the Mediterranean. This area, the Straits of Gibraltar, offer very interesting weather patterns and strong currents both east and west. We spent 5 days here waiting for the 55 knots of wind blowing from the east (Levante wind) in the straits to subside. The combination of strong winds and currents can create quite challenging conditions. When the Levante winds blow it creates a specific cloud over the Rock, a hat is one description.

Levante cloud over Gibraltar

We made use of the time, traveling to Ronda and Sevilla, Spain and touring “The Rock of Gibraltar”.

Gibraltar has approximately 35,000 residents residing below the rock, which is part of the common wealth of England. We stayed on the Spanish side in La Linea Marina and because the airport runway separates Spain and Gibraltar, UK you must walk, drive or cycle across the runway.

Red light at the airport. Waiting for plane to take off.

Before a plane lands or takes off they close traffic and mechanically sweep the runway to make sure no debris is left behind from pedestrians or automobiles on the runway that could impair the airplanes. When we arrived to Gibraltar we immediately went to the fuel station and filled our tanks for 0.51€/l.  After filling up we motored over to Alcaidesa Marina.  On the Spanish side of the runway there is a nice Marina with good service.

The tour of “The Rock” was most interesting and fun. 1000 years ago monkeys were brought to “The Rock” from Africa. Today there are around 250 monkeys that inhabit the area. They are great fun to watch and photograph. The caves and tunnels remain from the wars and large rings remain in the rock which is how they hoisted heavy cannons from the bottom to the top.

New generations are due in July & August.

Vickie bonding with the monkeys

Iris has been working at Borås Zoo and knows how to interact.

Alcaidesa Marina seen from the rock.

Sevilla is a beautiful city and can be the hottest in Spain. During our visit we experienced 39-43 degree celsius. As a result, the city has numerous community parks, both grand and quaint, along with large trees providing shade to the many walkways. Steeped in history, the many royal palaces, cathedrals and monuments of old town are absolutely stunning. The river Guadalquivir has provided commerce to Sevilla over years past.

Plaza de Espana in Sevilla

The bull fighting arena in Sevilla