Sunday 28th February
On our last afternoon we explored another area of the town. This is Governor's Square which is not far from the Main Street.

 

This is a smarter area of town.

Our destination was the site of the Hundred Ton Gun which was built in 1878 but never fired in anger. Locals were asked to open their windows and remove fragile objects from shelves during test firing. It was designed and built by William Armstrong of Newcastle upon Tyne. Electricity was used to fire it and warnings to prepare it for firing were relayed by one of the first telephones. This was cutting edge technology at the time.

From the gun site we enjoyed the views of the coast in both directions.

We leave our Marina side apartment, where we are just below the penthouse, in about an hour's time.



Saturday 27th February
We decided to explore some of the old town today. There are sets of steps everywhere as it is built into the hillside. They are known locally as 'ramps'.

 

This little square is a sun trap with oranges fruiting by the wall of the old Moorish Castle.

There are some lovely unexpected gardens wherever there is space. The Moorish style tiling sets them off and many entrance doorways have similar tiles.

This escalator seemed quite incongruous and was not working. It was paid for with money from the EU. It is a good idea in principle as climbing the ramps is very tiring, especially when carrying bags.

One of the best sections of our wanderings.

Many of the older buildings have ornate window and door ironwork. There are motor scooters everywhere as the roads are so narrow and parking is very limited.

The aerial footbridge was just about complete.



Friday 26th February
In the morning we did some shopping having been tempted by the leather jackets.
After lunch we walked back to the Botanic Gardens and were surprised at the progress that had been made with the pedestrian suspension bridge, particularly as the wind was so strong that our planned ride on the cable car had to be cancelled.

 

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the Gibraltar Museum, which is built on the top of well-preserved 14th century Islamic baths.

This amazing 1/50 scale model of Gibraltar was created in 1857. The room is lined with photographs taken over the last 125 years.

 

The day was rounded off with sheet lightening and strong winds followed by a severe rainstorm.

 





Thursday 25th February
Casemates Square is the sheltered suntrap where people like to meet.

 

The terrapins were out sunning themselves in the Botanical Gardens this afternoon.

Freesias are in bloom everywhere. They grow wild here and the scent is wonderful.

An aerial walkway is being constructed across a central section of 'the Rock' as part of a project to upgrade the footpaths. It was entertaining to watch this work in progress.

The fruit on the trees and in the shops is first rate.



Wednesday 24th February
This is the very clean modern train that we took from San Roque to Ronda.

 

The train journey is known for the lovely countryside through which it passes.

This is the stunning view from the Plaza de Toros in Ronda.

The very deep gorge of the Rio Guadalevin separates the new town from the old.

This is The New Bridge, Puente Nuevo, which was built in 1787 to join up the two parts of the town.

This the vertigo-inducing view from the centre of the bridge.

Higher up the gorge you can just see the old bridge.

We walked into the beautiful and well kept old town to visit the Ronda Museum which is in the Palacio de Mondragon.

Not far away is the Colegiata Santa Maria la Mayor (Saint Mary the Major Collegiate Church) which has been declared a national monument.

The interior is absolutely stunning.

As we walked back we passed through many lovely streets and plazas.

On the return train journey we again enjoyed the varied views of the Andalucian landscape.

Near our destination of San Roque we saw many storks nesting on pylons.

In the early evening we crossed back into Gibraltar.



Tuesday 23rd February
This morning we walked across Gibraltar Airport runway and crossed the border into La Linea, Spain to find out some details about the train to Ronda.

On our return we took the bus south to Europa Point, the southernmost point in Gibraltar.  This is the view looking back with the Mosque of the Two Holy Custodians in the foreground.

 

Right at the tip is Trinity Lighthouse, which was built in 1841 and can be seen from 37km away.

The sea was beautifully blue though the wind was strong.

The Spring flowers are blooming everywhere and this Painted Lady butterfly is perched on an ice plant.

We next caught a bus to the east of Gibraltar to explore the beaches here.

Further along the coast we are back to cliffs and hundreds of seagulls.

On the northern side of the rock you can clearly see the tunnel openings from which the cannons would be fired.



Monday February 22nd.
We woke up to blue skies and people messing about on their boats.

 

After catching a bus to the south, we walked up Engineer Road to the other end of the Nature Reserve on 'the Rock'.

Half way up we stopped for a few minutes to enjoy a good view of Europa Point, the southernmost tip of Gibraltar.

From there we hiked up a steep and rocky path which was lined with wild flowers and full of lovely spring scents.

Our destination was St Michael's Cave which is supposed to be the best in Europe. We would not disagree. The formations are magnificent.

Where a stalactite had fallen many years ago a slice has been taken and polished to show the growth rings, similar to those of a tree.

As we returned to town, an ape decided to accompany us for part of the journey.

Further on we came across this mother and baby.