Tarifa: Kite surfing and tooth extraction

The 5th February started out at a chilly 7C but the sun soon warmed up to 20C and it turned out to be another beautiful day

We had originally decided to head straight for Gibralter but instead we decided to take the coastal route via Tarfia. our first stop was at Cabo de Trafalgar. It was off this coast that Nelson lost his life in the Battle of Trafalgar. it was a very pretty part of the coast adn we had a pleasant walk through the sand dunes, past a salt lagoon and on up to the lighthouse. Another piece of history viewed although there was very little reference to the Armarda battle.
From here the road rose quite sharply and we fonud ourselves driving throguh a beautiful nature reserve full of lovely pine trees and offering beautiful views down to the shimmering sea. We pulled off for coffee and to enjoy the views. As we came out of the nature reserve the landscape changed again.  There were many low hills covered with wind turbines,but as we approached tarifa the sea came back into view.

Tarifa was a busy town and parking was impossible until we again ignored the 'no motorhome' signs.  We heard that a year ago there had been a big  police clamp down on motor homes due to soaring numbers. No doubt attracted by the areas excellent reputation for kite and wind surfing.  We walked for over three hours up and down the beach and into the town.  I was amazed at how close the African coast was with the Rift mountains being clearly visible.  Tangiers was only 14.5km away; 35 minutes by the hydrofoil ferry. 

We needed to buy more painkillers as Mike's tooth was troubling him badly.  We had 15minutes to kill before the pharmacy opened so we went to a neighbouring cafe and had a small beer each with some lovely olives.  When the chemist was open we bought a pack of 40 ibuprofen 600mg for less than 2 euros - much cheaper than the UK.  From there we walked back to our van where an older Danish couple told us where we could legimately park overnight. it was not a stunning night time stop in any way but the rest of the day and the fantastic sunset made up for it.  more importantly the wind had got up in the afternoon and the kite surfers were out in force. we spent a long time admiring them.


The following day Mike woke up feeling miserable. Although he had been hoping to hang on until we reached Alicante he needed to get the dentist today. Mike had spotted an English speaking dentist on his morning trip out to get bread so we set off.  There we were told that if we came back at 12 the dentist would see him.  I decided to do some work whilst Mike went to the dentist but two hours later and no sign of Mike I was getting worried.  Another hour went past and I decided to walk back up to the dentists only to find I had missed Mike by 5 minutes.  We caught up back at the van where I found out that although the dentist had originally tried to save the tooth he had had to take it out (for 125 euros).  Poor Mike.  The rest of the day was a gentle one (although not the wind which was much stronger than the previous day and had brought out the kite surfers in droves). We did some food shopping, watched the kite surfers and the sunset again.  Mike seemed to be doing well on pain killers so we hoped to be able to leave Tarifa for Gibraltar tomorrow.