North from Tarifa

[alansykes]

Spent last night in Europe's most southerly place, and set off in the dark at 8am today, with lights from Morocco visible across the straits. And my breakfast included a tangerine, certainly the first and probably the last time I'll eat one in sight of its native land. The first 10km or so were delightful, along the coast following the Camino Estrecho in reverse, with many secluded inlets, in one of which I had a pleasant swim, fortunately with nobody to see the unshaved figure emerging from the dawn sea. Next time I swim in salt water, if all goes to plan, in early December, I will have a full beard and weigh 5-10kg less than now, on past performance.

By noon the slightly hazy cloud had thinned and I was able to see the Rif mountains. Moving inland, there was also a point where Gibraltar was visible - presumably the only place on earth where Africa and part of the UK European parliamentary constituency of South West England and Gibraltar can be seen at the same time.

Not sure I terribly liked Tarifa - quite a lot of beach bums, most of whom seemed to lack the charm Steinbeck gave to Mack and Hazel. But the tuna was delicious.

Having to take a day or two off to sort out a problem, but hoping to start the Vía Serrana and continue northwards on Saturday or Sunday.

 

[peregrina2000]

Ok, everyone, if you are new to Alan's fall journeys, know that he always starts and finishes with a dip in the ocean. With that protocol taken care of, let the camino begin! Wishing you another marvelous walk.

 

[nycwalking]

Looking forwards to more posts.
Buen camino.

 

[amancio]

The walk along the cliffs and the geological formations of Tarifa cliffs as you see the whole strait are certainly something else.
Besides beach bums, I find Tarifa old narrow lanes and streets are a delightful place, I quite like it, I must say.

Buen and long camino, Alan, keep us posted!

 

[peregrina2000]

Alan, @amancio just posted on another thread about the condition of the Camino de Torres in Portugal. Just in case you didn't see it. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/portuguese-part-is-chaos.51241/

I am pretty sure you are planning to turn left at Salamanca!

 

[sulu]

Buen camino Alan, i'm glad you managed to get a flight sorted.

 

[MikeJS]

I use to quite like the beach bums in Tarifa, but then I used to be one! It was a while ago…….

 

[alansykes]

Tarifa is a pretty town and historically important as the first place in Europe conquered by the Moors. I just feel I would have enjoyed it more when it was a fishing port before the wind surfers took it over. I'm looking forward to getting up into the hills and away from the mass tourism of the coast, and being routinely handed a menu in English.

 

[VNwalking]

Buen Camino, Alan! Looking forward to your posts...

 

[norelle]

Buen camino Alan! Also following your journey.

 

[25 characters is too shor]

Wishing you a peaceful and safe Camino Alan with plenty of nice surprises along the way. I will be doing the very same route in Spring. Looking forward to reading more from you. Bien Camino.