Since we had spent two days in the same spot near Caminito Del Rey, we were eager to move on. So right after returning from the Caminito Del Rey hike, we decided to continue toward our next destination, Gibraltar.
Although the drive takes just over 2 hours, we planned to stop overnight along the way since the hiking day had drained most of our energy. Signs prohibiting motorhome camping proved problematic in the area. One detour nearly cut our trip short – the sand had become very loose. Fortunately, Finnish winter driving skills helped and we eventually got out by reversing.
Walking into Gibraltar – crossing the runway and a Full English
The next morning we headed toward the Gibraltar border. After crossing the border, the official route into town passes through an active airport runway. We quickly found a suitable spot for breakfast.
On the Rock among the monkeys
Gibraltar's Rock has many wartime attractions, Europe's only wild-living monkeys, stunning views, and caves. We decided to take the elevator up and gradually walk back down.
Walking back down, we encountered a large group of monkeys. Suddenly, a monkey jumped on my back. It had opened my backpack's zipper and pulled out papers. The backpack pocket held our passports and car keys. I started spinning rapidly trying to shake the monkey off. Jessika began swinging her bag at the monkey. At that point, another monkey from the group attacked Jessika, biting her hand. Fortunately, her long-sleeved sweater protected her.
Eventually, after running up to some ruins and Jessika throwing her sunglasses case, the monkeys finally gave up the chase. To our relief, the monkey had only taken receipts from the bag.
Bunkers, caves, and Finns
We continued to another peak where we explored an intact wartime bunker with its cannons. On the way down we stopped to explore Saint Michael's Cave, a massive stalactite cave that served as a hospital during the World War.
At a restaurant terrace, to our surprise, all the customers happened to be Finnish. We stayed chatting with one – a tech entrepreneur who lived in Gibraltar. Gibraltar was a truly positive surprise.
