Once again able to venture out, Karen joined Doug for a trip up the Rock to explore its many hidden gems. Rather than walking after Karen’s illness, we played it safe and took a thrilling van ride up to Gibraltar’s Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Our first stop was St. Michael’s Cave, a stunning natural grotto filled with mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites. Next, we visited the Skywalk, where breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic met us at every angle.
Of course, no trip to Gibraltar is complete without encountering the famous Barbary macaques. Gibraltar happens to be the home to the only population of wild monkeys in Europe. These playful primates are an iconic sight on the Rock of Gibraltar and are deeply intertwined with the local folklore. Legend has it that as long as the macaques remain on the Rock, Gibraltar will remain under British control. The British even took this so seriously that Winston Churchill ordered that their numbers be replenished during World War II when they started to dwindle. We also explored several historical sites Doug had visited the previous day, each revealing a piece of Gibraltar’s rich history.
As we departed Gibraltar the next morning, we were filled with awe at the natural beauty that surrounded us. And, with a sense of relief, we can happily report that we passed through orca territory unscathed!
inside the cave – the size of the caverns was remarkable!
this close to the city!
one must eat Fish & Chips
the mountains of Africa & the
Europa Lighthouse on the southern most point of Europe
just outside Gibraltar
