10/28/22

We started the day cleaning all of the canvas so it would be dry by the end of the day for stowing. With that chore done we decided to take the tram up the Rock of Gibraltar and check out the caves and monkeys. The line at the tram was pretty long and there was a tour bus alternative that was readily available. 8 people piled into the van and we were off, quickly climbing the steep one-way road up to the top of the rock.

First stop was Hercules Pillars where, in mythology he parted the mountains and created the Strait of Gibraltar. Next, we climbed to St Michael’s Caves, a fabulous light show was made against the stalactites and stalagmites. At the caves we got up close and personal with these unique monkeys. They are interested in only one thing, your food, even though they are well fed by the care takers. We climbed nearly to the top of the Rock where we could see into the Med. Sadly there was a damaged ship that was grounded and being dismantled just off the shore. The final stop was the view north over the runway and into Spain. Our tour guide was born and raised in Gibraltar and filled us in with a lot of history.

We arrived back at our departure point and spent time talking with a very international couple about all things travel. 

At the boat everything had dried nicely so we spent time marking and measuring the bimini for modifications to be made at home. It folded into a nice bundle that fit well in the roll around duffle. A fabulous pasta meal and a bottle of Bordeaux for our last night on the boat. 

10/29/22

Full court press today as we moved into a local apartment for the next couple nights. We packed several cases in an effort to get as much as practical off the boat. We templated the dodger so we could make covers for the izenglass, then stowed the canvas. We had access to the apartment at 2:30 and wanted to make the most of their washing machine and WIFI.

Suzette did laundry while I rapped up our travel reservations and worked on down loading all of the O&Ms for the boat. With two loads hanging out to dry we enjoyed a dinner of left overs and a movie. This is the first time we have watched TV in over 3 months.

10/30/22

First load of clean and dry laundry goes back to the boat. Cleaning below and covering lines etc. on deck. We were caught off guard when we looked at the time as daylight savings time had kicked in, or out and it was an hour earlier than we thought.

We had a mid-day cocktail on a neighbor’s boat where they shared lots of great info about the Balearics, next spring’s destination. Jon is a retired Ship’s Pilot; he shared a lot of great resources and experiences.

10/31/22

Up early to pack and get out of our apartment by 1100. We took the last of the clean and dry laundry to the boat and stashed 3 suitcases at the marina office to retrieve on the way out. Down to a few odds and ends with plenty of time to think about what I forgot.

Amazing how we became woven into the ebb and flow of the people on the dock. Our neighbor on one side was Tom who recently bought his boat in Palma and brought her to Palma to work on her through the winter. On the other side was Sergey on an Oyster 53. He has been cruising the med for several years and plans on heading to the Cannery Islands next. When asked about his next destination he said either Brazil or the Caribbean, but ultimately the south pacific. He and his wife are full time cruisers and he quickly became known as the authority on all thing’s boats. Across the dock Larry and his family left yesterday for Tangiers for the winter. Their Hallberg Rassy was new to them and cruising was their new way of life. A couple boats over was Chis on a Jeanneau 54 that was nearly identical to ours. He divides his land-based time between the UK, his mountain home in the Pyrenees, Gibraltar and one other place I cannot recall. Gibraltar is his home base as he avoids UK taxes. Several others on the dock were there for the winter so we will see them when we return in March.

Stop at the Lounge for a late lunch or an early dinner. I wanted fish and chips before we left, and it was delicious. We tried to call for a cab, but no answer, so we decide to walk across the border to the bus station in La Linea, Spain. We had paired down to 3 rolling duffels and we each had a carry on. The coble stone streets are hard on the suitcase wheels and by the time we walked the 2 kilometers to the border one of the wheels had the rubber peel off and another was bent. Crossing the border means literally crossing the runway at the airport. On the other side they checked passports and scanned our luggage. A couple more blocks and we were at the bus station.

Walking to bus terminal, view from Spain

No one running the station so we had no information on when, where and how. The bus for Malaga rolled in a little late, but we were relieved to board and be on our way. The route to Malaga is along the Mediterranean coast and the communities looked quite beautiful. I am sure we will see them in the spring as we cruise the coast in our boat. The bus brought us to the Malaga Airport, a big modern facility. We drug our bags off to the Taxi stand and quickly got a Taxi to our Airbnb near the airport.

As we drove into the residential area, we were quickly reminded that it was Halloween. There were gools and goblins of every age parading the streets. Our host met us at the apartment and ushered us into a beautiful second floor (no elevator) apartment. It looked freshly refurbished and, judging by how proud our host was, it was refurbished by them. It was after 2000 so we broke out the left-over pizza from lunch and a bottle of wine. We sat outside on their patio and listened to the revelry below. We watched a little bit of Batman the Beginning in Spanish to wind down.

11/1/22             

Up early to catch a cab back to the airport. Easy check in and a nice flight to Amsterdam. Amsterdam was not crowded so we quickly cleared immigrations and made our flight to Detroit. Flying business class makes all this travel much more bearable. Arrived on time, bags arrived, rental car was ready…just like the old days!

It is about a 45-minute drive to Suzette’s family home. By the time we arrived we had been traveling for about 18 hours. A whiskey on the rocks and off to bed.

 

We sailed over 1500 miles. It was a pretty grueling schedule as it turned out, more of a delivery than a cruise. Hoping the boat will be happy camped out in Gibraltar for the winter. I really did not want to leave; I love being on the boat. Can not wait to return in March for a slower cruise through Mediterranean Spain and the Beleric Islands.

11/2-11/6/22

Worked tirelessly to file life insurance forms, get accounts transferred and confirm tax obligations. Fortunately, we left things in good order on our last Visit while Suzette’s dad was still alive. The week culminated with a family dinner and a ceremony of spreading the ashes.

11/6/22

Safely back in HB, another great flight. I love Delta Airlines.