Friday, July 25, 2014 –
There is some truth in the expression that “the definition of cruising is repairing your boat in exotic places”. As we noted in our Lisbon segment, a new water pump and switches had been ordered for us to pick up in Spain, just over the border from Gibraltar. We agreed to it but certainly had our doubts that it was all going to come together as planned. We figured that we should take on the new part as our first project in Gibraltar. Strapping on our sneakers we hiked the 2 miles through town to the border between Gibraltar and Spain. It is a trip in more ways than one. To get to Spain you walk to the airport and across the runway to the border. We had read that in several places, but to experience it is another thing. It gives meaning to “look right, left, and up”. They do have guards on each side of the runway to stop both motor and pedestrian traffic when planes take off and land. We waited while one took off down the VERY SHORT runway, and then walked across the runway, through Customs and into Spain. A ten minute taxi ride across town to the address we were given for the marine parts store and, to our surprise and delight, they had the box of parts waiting for us. Impressive and easy. Back to the border and we walked the part back into Gibraltar.