Grant and Barbara

Trans Europa Gibraltar

We’re staying here for a day’s decompression. Another European Royal squabble (Spanish Wars of Succession) and Britain gained Gibraltar in 1713 after Battle of Trafalgar. Kept it since, hence the predominance of fish’n’chips shops. Which had to be sampled.

Excellent bus services. No2 to Europa Point please. We’re in competition with the Scottish Youth Netball Team supporters who are here for the World Championships.

A rich prehistory, going back to the Neanderthals. Well earlier than that: a continuing tectonic pressure and the Rock is still rising. I hope the vast number of new highrise buildings take account of this.

A picture brings out the strategic importance of this place. Including to migrating birds crossing continents without passports.

The lighthouse is a focal point. We were fortunate enough to have access (thanks Andy and Terry) to the inner working. Dates back to the 1830’s. Take your hats off to the skills of the craftsmen who built and now maintain these unique structures.

Time to pack…..

Gibraltar, Spain, Trans Europa

D57 Trans Europa Ronda – Gibraltar

There’s always something bittersweet about the last day of a good trip. Looking forward to and sad about the approaching end point. As I said to those who kept saying “It’s the final day”: “It’s the first day of the rest of my life so we’re going to make the most of it, and enjoy it”. Carpe Diem.

So we grasp the final 1000m over the first 30k with all four wheels. Shortly after meeting Barbara’s friend from Neath at a view point (they were on holiday), a great descent to the plains below.

At least they are honest here. One road sign said, to effect, we were entering the municipality of Cadiz. Below it read (more politely put): “the roads are now shit”. Which they were. Just like home, an inexplicable difference crossing county borders. Sadly we can no longer blame it on EU funding.

After enjoying being inland for a while in always interesting landscapes and places, it was also nice to be back by the sea. Industry reappears, offering a change to the views.

Neil Diamond loved the view of Gibraltar so much he wrote a song about it. No surprise. It is an impresssive lump of rock. You know of course you enter it (if on foot or bike as cars now have a tunnel) by crossing the runway. Then mayhem: busy and narrow roads; cars careering around, ignoring the cyclists wobbling up it’s slopes.

Arrived, bikes boxed, relax. And start the cheerios. No M&Ms left – wait, somebody has left a present outside the door! Diolch!

The final 8

Uncategorized

D56 Trans Europa Antequera – Ronda

Some of today’s stunning scenery, on the penultimate day, is reminiscent of North West Scotland and Mid Wales. Empty for miles with the occassional farmstead. Sheep and goats (though with bells) and actual shepherds tending their flocks. A dam. National parks, view points. And some lovely ups and downs.

The best of these was in a town, El Burgo (no MacDonalds were seen). It always seems steeper when you are enclosed by buildings. Why don’t they build these places in the plains?

Today felt a landscape to return to in different seasons. Verdant spring for example.

Perhaps predictably we started the first ascent going back up the roads and tracks John drove us yesterday. It’s a lot cooler early morning and the light makes everything glow.

Ronda is not related to Rhondda apart from bells.

Spain, Trans Europa

D55 Trans Europa Granada – Antequerra

Granada’s tram system soon appeared once we left the cocoon of the centre, along with where “normal” people stay. A good network of paths soon took us into the countryside.

Olive trees, quiet roads, happy villages en-route to Antequerra. It has population of 47000, with the highest ratio of churches to people in Spain, circa 23 of them. Plus numerous convents. Must be the climate.

You know the story: Romans to Moors to Christiana etc. Plus UNESCO, including for the limestone hills surrounding it. Which means closing the quarries which build and repair the place. I think the Peak District in the UK have struck the right balance: a living, working, landscape.

Lovely to meet up with John and Adrienne who came to AAntequerra from Pontardawe 8 years ago.

Steep day tomorrow so off to sleep. May add more or comments to photos, do return!

Spain, Trans Europa

Trans Europa Granada

Population of 250000, in the foothills of Sierra Nevada, there has been a settlement here (I read) since 5000BC. 47000 students in the University. Whilst clearly a tourist destination (The Alhambra is Spain’s largest attraction), it maintains a bustling, friendly/local feel.

There are tacky shops selling cheap tack; expensive shops selling expensive tack. To whom isn’t clear, most are empty. The restaurants are all doing a good trade – nice temperature to eat outside.

Cathedral – tick. UNESCO World Heritage – tick. Pomegranates – tick. It’s the city emblem.

What brings people here is the sprawling Alhambra Palace. Started by the Moors with their Muslim traditions, gardens and water features galore. Napoleon even gets a mention as he left a number of cannons behind. Somebody probably got fired.