TARIFA

Sadly we had to leave Cadiz and make our way towards Gibraltar. The idea was to go to Tarifa as a day trip and then mosey into Gib the next day. So off we sailed and eventually got to where we were going to anchor up. And glad we were to get there too, as Terry decided he had had enough of steering the boat and left us to it. We tried and tried to coax him into life, but to no avail. Tarifa is on the point on the map pointing to Morocco, and is the closest you get to Africa. It was weird seeing land on the starboard (Right hand) side and realising it was another continent. And then there were the ships, an endless line of large freighters and tankers going along the shipping lanes. We turned around the point and headed up to the anchorage where we were confronted with what seemed like chaos in action. There were a couple of boats at anchor, but the harbour was full of boats ranging from canoes to dinghies, to fishing boats and speed boats, all careering around. All of them were full of people in bikinis and swimmers, packed in like sardines, laughing and calling out. There were a couple being towed around on bananaas and hamburgers, others on water skis, people swimming, others jumping in or getting out, picked up by whatever boat was passing. It was bedlam. Somehow in the middle of all this, along with the huge ferry going by, we managed to get an anchor down without coming into contact with anyone. The beach was chock a block full of people and sun umbrellas, and there was a floating bouncy castle thing as well. Welcome to Tarifa feria day! We watched the antics for hours - it was only towards sunset thet things quiestened down, and everyone obviously had loads of fun. The ambulance boat and the police boat came along to say hello and welcome - I can see why they needed to be there. Meanwhile the Tarifa -Tangier ferries came and went - they hooted loudly and then assumed boats would get out of their way. Below is the pictue we had of the ferry from our back door, which gives you an idea of the size and closeness. (Pictures are arranged back to front to keep you on your toes!)



A quiet night, brekkie and a leisurely start towards Gibraltar, saying goodbye to Tarifa as we went. We had the wind and tide with us and scooshed along at a great rate of knots, even reached 10 knots. We may return for a day trip to visit the town, which the guide book says is very old and historical. It is also very popular; a ferry goes to Tangier about every 45 minutes, and these are big ferries at that. I had no idea that the crossing would be popular enough to sustain this every day. I will have to learn more about the Moroccan connection in Gibraltar. will keep you posted.