Columns of Hercules

OK so we decided that when we left Gibraltar we really should a bit of culture before hitting the Costa del Sol so we tried to contact the marinas in Cueta and Smir, just south of Cueta in Morocco proper. Sadly they weren't answering phones or email. We decided to try Cueta first as it was actually Spanish and then if we could reach them go to Smir. The Straits crossing started out OK nice and smooth, but then the water got confused pushing and pulling in various directions then we arrived at the shipping channel proper and we had to start zigzagging to avoid the huge cargo ships and tankers and as if that wasn't fun enough the swell was coming broadside, hilarious. We were also advised, well not us specifically, to be on the look out for an inflatable off the coast of morocco containing about 55 people. Didn't see them. But alls well that ends well and we made it to Cueta, and were assisted to our 'stern to' mooring. I had hoped that there would be a Moroccan feel to the place but not really, a lot of the workers obviously came across the border every day and there were a lot of statues and some lovely buildings but it didn't feel very foreign. We did how ever find a Guernsey registered boat.!! We still couldn't reach Smir Marina and the staff at Cueta were unable to help so that coupled with a forecast that said we either left tomorrow or not for a couple of days as the wind was picking up, this new coupled with charges of almost 40E a night meant we decided to head back across the Straits the next day. A very similar crossing except we were to lookout for a fibreglass boat with 10 people onboard and also had to avoid the live rounds that HMS Simtar would be firing towards the East of Europa point! It was a relief to arrive off the Costa del Sol we chose La Duquesa as supposed to be a smaller marina in a less developed area and a little cheaper. It was all of these things and they gave us a bottle of wine which John described as OK. Will try to add photos when internet link stronger.Read more