Fai Tira Friday  10/10 36:08.98N 5:21.30W

Fai Tira Blog  01/10 

Hi all

We anchored off the main harbour in the lee of the most southern piece of land in Europe.  The water was crystal clear and we could see the bottom through a depth of 5 metres.  We blew up the dinghy and headed into town.  Tarifa was nicer than we expected little narrow old streets and lots going off as it was Friday night. 

                 Beautiful arched entrance, top of Tarifa town                              Beach, surf, kites, and me                                                                            Two blokes and a boat

We ventured down to the beach which is famous for its wind surfing and kite surfing competitions one of which was taking place half way down the beach, about a mile away. We wandered back to the town and had a beer in a bar full of locals.  It was then off to the pizza restaurant for a dinner.  The only disturbance we got was the wash from the large fast jet ferries that left for Africa every hour. 

                     Tangier ferry just leaving Tarifa                                                         

Saturday

We have made it to Gibraltar.  We raised anchor and set off from Tarifa with no wind and beautiful sunshine and headed east.  The journey was stunning as we drifted along with the tide.  Africa was shrouded in fog and we could hear the odd fog horn as we dodged the numerous fishing boats on route. Out of the mist came the largest container ship in the world 0.285 of a nautical mile long.  Good job we weren’t in its path.

                               Big container ship                                                                               Big lump of rock                                                                                    Big cloud

Then we saw it the rock of Gibraltar.  What a sight appearing out of the mist.  A British enclave at the most strategic position in the Mediterranean .  The history here is phenomenal.  We meet up with a few of the other crews who were already here and were immediately invited on board Camomile for drinks with Bill and Sue. 

It has begun!!!

                                                                            Yachts and masts in Marina bay                                                                                          Yep, even Gibraltar can look ok occasionally

Bye for now. 

Pete and John