Leaving Gibraltar

It's Tuesday 8 am and we are leaving Gibraltar.  Our next stop is Santa Cruz, Tenerife in the Canary Islands.  It will take us 4 or 5 days to reach our destination.  I will be taking pictures and update you when we are in range again.  Just a reminder no cell phones or email for 4 or 5 days. 

Fair winds and following seas,  Theresa

Exploring Gibraltar

World War II Tunnels - During WWII attack on Gibraltar was imminent.  The answer was to construct a massive network of tunnels in order to build a fortress inside a fortress.  AMAZING!

Mark wasn't feeling up to walking alot today so Steve and I went on a walking tour of Gibraltar.  On the way up the castle steps we saw this cute little villa named St. Bernards rest.  We had to do exactly that we were so out of breath.

The view from the top of the  rock is breathtaking.  This is only half way up.

The Barbary Apes rule the Moorish Castle and are really kind of scary.  They look as though they are waiting for you to let your guard down so they can jump on you, I was a little scared of them and did not turn my back.

The remains  the Moorish Castle.

Looking down from the Rock.  You can see the landing strip for the airport and the Marina where we are staying.  Did I say that Steve and I walked all the way up here.  Can I just say that is why I am up at 2 in the morning updating the blog because of leg cramps.  What where we thinking.

Alameda Botanic Gardens and Wildlife Park.  I will let the pictures tell the story.  Beautiful.

The gardens and the animals were fantastic.  We walked all the way back to the marina and once we were on board, we were in for the night.  Today was a great day of exploration and the history here is almost overwhelming.  It was appropriate that it was Rembrance Day on our day of exploration.  The city under siege exhibition had grafffiti on the walls from soliders that dates back to 1726.   Words cannot do justice to the amazing history here.

ta ta for now,

Theresa

Rembrance Day also known as Poppy Day

Today is Rembrance day in England. This day commemorates the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and the civilians in times of war. These fine Green Berets let me take their pictures by the memorial for all their fallen comrades. I am proud to have been in their presence.  While we  had Sunday roast we saw the ceremonies with the Queen on TV and I must say it was impressive.  Once again, I want to thank all of our military for all they do to protect our freedom.  You make us proud.

Marina Bay, Gibraltar

We are entering the Marina Bay Marina in Gibraltar.  What is interesting is on the left hand side of the Marina is the runway for the airport.  It is amazing watching the planes take off and land.  Spain is still mad that the British have maintained this as their territory so they do not allow the planes to fly over Spanish waters.  The planes have to make an immediate sharp bank (looks like a 90 degree) as to avoid flying over anything Spanish.  It's really considered an illegal bank but they have allowed them to do it to abide by the Spanish request.  Mark is ready to leave Spain so technically we are in British territory.  When we stayed in Ibiza we paid 530 euros for the dockage for one night.  In Gibraltar we are paying 30 euros for a night plus water and electricity.  Mark is much happier here.

This is the AIS on the big screen in the boat.  This shows all the ship traffic in and around Gibraltar.  Absolutely amazing.  Tomorrow we are going to tour the rock and sight see.  More pictures tomorrow and will start to share the British sayings we have learned and some of the funny southern sayings we have taught our Captain and John.  Adios,  Theresa

Our first night in Gibraltar we were at anchor

Pulling in to our anchorage for the evening.  No space in the Marina.  Better luck tomorrow.

Steve is looking more like a sailor everyday.

A view of the Rock of Gibralter from our anchorage.  Quite a view.

Gibraltar "Cradle of HIstory"

We are arriving at the Rock of Gibraltar.  What a fabulous sight.  When approaching the Straights of Gibraltar from the sea, you can see the famous rock overlooking the sea in defiance above the rest of the peninsua.  Legend has it that the body of Lord Admiral Nelson was landed  in Gibraltar preserved in a barrel of rum, following his victory at Trafalgar.  Gibraltar is still under British influence since that day.

approaching the Rock of Gibraltar

Soon we will be leaving Costa del Sol

This is dedicated to our friend Ricardo in Puerto Rico, who requested we have a drink for him on Costa del Sol.  Here you go my friend, bottoms up.  Now a little history, Costa del Sol covers approximately 300 kilometres of Spanish coastline from Nerja on to the border of Gibraltar.  Many famous luxury resorts and picturesque mountains in the background can be seen from  the sea.  Very much a semitropical environment as you have palm trees, bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus year round.  Very beautiful and I hope you enjoy the photos of Costa del Sol!

Leaving Almerimar

Costa del Sol from around 12 nautical miles out

The cloud formations today are impressive.

leaving Costa del Sol, next the Rock of Gibraltar

Comments on Posts

We love getting your comments on the blog.  We think of our friends and families often and knowing that you are following along and enjoying it makes it all worth while.  We can't wait to get the boat to the caribbean and the states so you can all enjoy it with us in person.  Keep the cards and letters coming (comments), we love it.  Lots of love and we miss you all,  Theresa, Mark, Steve, Captain Turner and John.

Thursday night, 7:30pm

We are leaving Almerimar heading to Gibralter.  It is 130 nautical miles and the seas are 4 -5 on the Beaufort scale and we are rocking and rolling.  Hopefully this will only last for a little while.  Will be out of contact for at least 24 hours.  Ta ta for now,  Theresa

Weather turned and not in our favor.

The weather turned really bad so we decided to stay in port of Almerimar for a day to let things improve.  Got the boat washed down and clean laundry thanks to the Launderia who washes, drys and folds.  SWEET!  The following picture is a demonstration of our eco friendly dryer and me enjoying the sun.

We are planning on leaving today at 5pm for Gibralter.  Keeping our fingers crossed the winds and the seas cooperate. 

Adios amigos,

Theresa

We made it Almerimar, Spain at 4 am.

We arrived at Almerimar at 4 am after very rough seas and very uncomfortable ride.  We are about 130 miles from Gibralter.  We will be getting more of the rough seas so our trip to Gibralter will be uncomfortable also.  I told the guys we would have steak last night come hell or high water, I think we got both.  But we had steak.  It was quite the undertaking to cook in that weather.  It is now around 9:30 am and we have rested some.  It will take about 24 hours, so we plan on leaving today at around 3pm.  WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!  What a ride my friends,
Theresa

Posting Pictures while I can

Mark says "He feels like a quarterback who has been hurt on the first play of the season".

A most wonderful sunset and the colors after it set were incredible.

After the sunset.  Leaving Ibiza and 57 miles offshore and we could see the spanish coast.  Magical moments.

We are going to try and boost Mark's morale today by getting him up to the flybridge on his bum.  He feels left out when we are all up top and he can't go.  I think it will work.  Will report later.

Adios for now,

Theresa

No pictures today because signal too low.

We left Ibiza yesterday at 3pm after spending the morning in the clinic with Mark.  He had an accident with a safety line that snared his foot.  Nothing broken but lots of pain and tendon damage.  He is sporting a lovely boot now.  Sailed thru the night in some pretty rough stuff.  The most beautiful sunset ever.  Visibility was well over 50 miles.  we could see the shores of Spain 57 miles out.  Full moon over the water which made it splendid.  The seas still a little rough this morning but we are having French Bagettes and Country ham and peaches for Breakfast.  Too rough for eggs.  We are going to keep on keepin on and try to make it to Sierra De Gata.  If all goes well we will arrive around midnight or so.   All depends on how Mark feels.  Adios for now,  Theresa 

Day two of our journey to IBIZA

Sunrises never get old.   We started the day at 4 am and we made it to Ibiza around 4pm.  We might be in Ibiza for a few days because of severe storms and seas. We will see.

The day started with no wind and very flat seas.  As the day progressed we got some wind and put out some sail and arrived in the Port of Eivissa, Ibiza around 4pm.

When it is important to charge your phone and you don't have a charger, it is important to remember the show McGyver!  John needed a phone charge and rigged a charge from the boat batteries.  I wonder what he can do with a paperclip and bubble gum?

Our approach to the Isla of Ibiza.  Very beautiful.

Entering the harbor of Eivissa.  That's all I have for now as we are all tired and everyone has turned in but me.  The storms are coming so I will say

Adios my friends,

Theresa