As we sailed into Gibraltar’s harbor, we were struck by the fact that there were a lot of ships anchored there. We found out later that Gibraltar has the lowest diesel fuel prices in Europe. RCI took advantage of this fact to top up the Jewel’s fuel tanks during our visit.
We decided to take a tour to the top of the Rock where we could see the Barbary macaques as well as view the surrounding landscape. We met our guide Chris (former Royal Navy guy and British to the core) then off we went in a minibus to the cable car. BTW they drive on the right in Gibraltar.
The cable car took us up to the summit, but it was a cloudy and foggy day so when we got there…
there was not too much to see – although we did see our first of many macaques. This fellow is apparently the oldest one in Gibraltar – early 20s which is close to 100 in human years.
It did clear up briefly and we could see the Jewel below us.
We had a coffee break and then headed downhill to the St. Michael caves. Lots of monkey business on the way.
Steer clear of these fellows. A couple of younger ones landed on the back of a fellow tourist and she got a nasty surprise. The youngster’s bite didn’t draw blood, but not a pleasant thing to happen.
A view of tiny Victory harbor, where they brought Nelson’s body after the Battle of Trafalgar.
St Michael’s cave was used as a bomb shelter and hospital in World War II. Now it’s a concert venue.
Colored lights really enhance the stalactites and stalagmites.
Unfortunately, they had to cut off some of the sharper points for safety reasons.
Cross section of a stalagmite. The rings are like a tree but each one might represent a millennium, rather than a year.
Really impressive. A beautiful place.
Further down the Rock, we had a better view as the weather improved.
This is the Royal Naval Dockyard, built in 1905.
The monkeys were still with us. Some were hanging off the bus when we got back on.
After a short drive through the town we were back aboard. Note that the Rock of Gibraltar, when viewed from the west side, doesn’t look at all like the Prudential Insurance ads.
It’s much greener and forested.
Things started to change when we dropped off the pilot and set sail for our next port.
Looking a bit more like the Prudential pics.
A couple of other sightseers got into the picture.
Now we’re talking – the Prudential has the strength of Gibraltar. The famous east side of the Rock came into view.
Farewell Gibraltar – we are on our way to Alicante tomorrow.