Thursday, August 18, 2016

(Virtual) The Strait of Gibralter...and The Rock


This is the map's view of the Strait of Gibralter connecting the North Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea.

This is the actual view from the sky.



The Greeks referred to the two land masses on either side as The Pillars of Hercules.



The view of the strait from land (the Moroccan side) the Rock Of Gibralter can be seen straight across on the Iberian Peninsula.

The Strait of Gibralter is 36 miles long and narrows to 8 miles wide through it's narrowest point. It is used as an important shipping route from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Because of the ease of travel between Africa and Europe it is also the largest site of illegal immigrations/transport between the two land masses. 

A ferry transports passengers between Morocco and Gibraltar. A look at the interior layout of the ferry, as well as the meal service available, reminds me of an airport terminal which has somehow slipped its moorings and taken off for the other shore.  See for yourself.

https://youtu.be/LllZBZrmXiI



Approaching the Iberian Peninsula you see the monolithic pale grey limestone promontory that is The Rock of Gibraltar. It is awe-inspiring at 1,398 feet high. There is the bustling British held city of Gibraltar at its base and cable cars which will take you to the Nature Preserve at its top. A sanctuary  for Barbary Macaques and Partridges as well as other assorted wildlife.

                                    Female Barbary Macaque and Baby

The Rock of Gibraltar also has the remains of a Moorish Castle and is Riddled with Tunnels and Caves. It is a very popular tourist spot.

https://youtu.be/Gl0tquAejlQ   the tunnels

https://youtu.be/3AUD7NjQT6c   cave


https://youtu.be/n7NmP76EFbo   Moorish Castle


Tour of The Rock

https://youtu.be/NpbD1iiZbSo

The Rock and Preserve has also been noted as an Important Migratory Bird area because of the numerous species which use the strait to complete their migration patterns.


Now, having passed through the strait, we are ready to enter The Mediterranean Sea as we continue the virtual adventure...and come closer to The Greek Islands.

More Anon...