Gibraltar
Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea
by Connie Ortona

On a recent Mediterranean cruise, Gibraltar was one of the designated stops. We had never heard much about it so we went with an open mind. We were pleasantly surprised by what we found.

Gibraltar itself forms the eastern flank of the Bay of Gibraltar and is an important focal point for all types of migrating animals. It is made up of the Upper Rock (nature reserve); the Town area, which is enclosed by fortress walls; the South area, which houses many historical sites; the East side, housing a fishing village and the Bay and Strait of Gibraltar, well known for Dolphin watching.

We walked around the Town area enjoying its outside cafes and stores. We then stopped for lunch at one of the cafes before riding up to what they call the Upper Rock Nature Preserve. We stopped at Look Out Point where you can see for miles around, which was great for some photographs. At the center stands a monument called the “Pillars of Hercules”.

We then headed for St. Michael’s Cave, which is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is sometimes used as an auditorium for concerts, ballet and drama. It is connected with five passages with drops of 40 to 150 feet leading to a smaller hall.

But the best part of the trip were the Barbary Apes. They were everywhere, some with babies. They are in fact a tail-less breed of monkey (Macques) whose natural habitat is in the mountains of Morocco and Algeria. They were brought to Gibraltar by the British in the early 18th century. They are the only free living monkeys in all of Europe.

They eat vegetables and fruit so everyone was feeding them. They were walking along top of the railing, climbing on cars and taking their time just walking down the roadway.  They seem to be thriving living up at the top of the rock (nature preserve) and doing just as they please!

Some people were holding them taking pictures. We were not that adventurous. We took pictures from a short distance. The babies were the cutest little things I have ever seen. They kept themselves busy eating and grooming each other.

We actually had to wait for one to get off the car so we could leave. They really do just do as they please, when they please and how they please. They rule the roost at the Nature Preserve.

Through My Eyes’ Photographs by Connie Ortona

Connie has lived in Washington Twp. for 35 years with her husband and 2 daughters. Photography has been a big part of her life for more than 25 of those years.

Connie started out doing sports photography for a local newspaper, but she now specializes in beautiful scenic photographs and has traveled all over Europe capturing the essence of each region she visits.

Connie exhibits her work at art festivals and on her new web site: http://www.photographsbyconnieortona.com where her Scenic Photography and Specialty Cards will be available for sale.

Please contact Connie for a list of other photographs and pricing.
856-589-6054 or connieort@verizon.net.