Gipatik: 16.02.2024
On our way to Tarifa, we make a stopover in Santa Margerita and find the most beautiful spot by the sea so far. Campers, vans, and trucks are scattered everywhere on a huge area by the sea. On the horizon, you can see the famous Rock of Gibraltar, which is beautifully illuminated at night.
We join the 'big' ones and get to know nice French people with their monster trucks. The trucks are mobile houses with a washing machine, a separate bedroom, and huge bathrooms. We start to dream, but at 40 liters of diesel per 100 km, the dream quickly fades away. We stick with our 'little' Hummel.
We take long walks by the sea, sit in the warm January sun, and enjoy the days to the fullest here. Kilian makes minor repairs and otherwise we live relaxed day by day. Spring is here. The birds are chirping in competition and everything is blooming and green. It's light until 7:15 p.m., but the sun only rises at 8:15 a.m.
On the last kilometers of the journey from Algeciras to Tarifa, the landscape changes. The mountain slopes are covered in lush green and we pass through a densely wooded area. Eucalyptus trees, palm trees, reeds, and cacti line the road. There are countless ticket stands by the roadside, promoting ferry tickets to Africa. We see the Strait of Gibraltar and Morocco emerge in the sea on the horizon and arrive in Tarifa. The southernmost point of Europe has been reached. Here, the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic and there's no going further south. First, we go to the animal clinic to have blood samples taken. We need an antibody test for rabies for our furry friends. They are, of course, thrilled about it. Their faces get longer and longer, but they bravely hold out their paws. Now we have to wait two weeks for the results.
First, we head to the parking lot in the town for a few days because there is a laundromat here that is urgently needed. Tarifa is the paradise for surfers due to its constant winds. Here you can see all kinds of crazy vehicles. From world travel mobile homes to tractors with tiny houses on trailers, you can see everything your heart desires. We can't stop marveling. The town is full of windsurfing shops, bars, restaurants, and of course, campers and dropouts. We love this vibrant and colorful place and spend great weeks here.
After a few days, we drive west out of Tarifa and find the 'runway'. Directly behind the dune, there are hundreds of campers, vans, trucks, and other funny vehicles with 4 tires. Here they are, the hippies, dropouts, long-term travelers, surfers, and families with many children and dogs. There is a lively and friendly atmosphere here, and you can find a hairdresser, tattoo artist, foot care, technicians, flea markets, and much more. Everyone here is trying to get by somehow and earn a few euros. We have friendly German neighbors and 5 minutes after arriving, we already know many people (80% of them are from Germany). But there are also Dutch, Belgians, English, Latvians, Poles, and many more from all over the world. Occasionally, the baker from the town comes by and sells bread and vegetables from his car. The police also show their presence, but so far, we are tolerated here.
The area is wonderful. Spring is here, and the small nearby forest is green and blooming. You can walk endlessly on the fine sandy beach and climb on dunes and rocks. Paradise couldn't be more beautiful. We are amazed by the place and the atmosphere here. The dogs are happy too. They can run freely here, and other dogs constantly come by to say hello. We meet many people and enjoy listening to their stories. They all live full-time in their campers. Many work on the internet, and I also get great inspiration for future jobs here.
One day, while taking an evening walk over stones and rocks, it happens. Kilian twists his foot and we hear a cracking sound in his ankle. Immediately, it swells up, but luckily nothing is broken. Kilian feels sick, and we limp back to the truck. I think one or two ligaments are torn. Now it's time to cool, wrap, and elevate. Luckily, the medical assistant is on board :).
We enjoy the break very much and have a lot of fun with our neighbors Verena and Dustin (Instagram: Abenteuer.Fahrtwind), Kai and Andrea (Instagram: bybygoldencage), and Jennifer (Instagram: Blickwinkel111). We sit in the sun together for hours, chatting and laughing. Hair is done, games are played, and laughter is abundant. Each of them also has a dog, so our pups are happy too. We are visited by Thomas and Christine, whom we met last year. They have just returned from Morocco and provide us with plenty of tips, stories, and travel guides.
It is always nice to meet people on the road who are on the same wavelength as us.
One day, the announced storm hits us with full force. The sky turns black, the waves are huge, and the wind brings the much-needed rain. Everyone hides in their campers, and we are shaken up for several days. The rain pounds loudly on the roof without stopping, and not even the dogs want to go out. We even turn on the oven for the first time in months and pass the time with movies and books.
We will stay here for a few more weeks until Kilian's ankle has fully healed. It's not difficult for us to stay here. We feel settled and content in this dreamy and peaceful place with its interesting and diverse people, crazy vehicles, sand, dunes, and the endless Atlantic.
Eventually, we will drive back to the animal clinic in Tarifa, pick up the blood test results of our dogs, and if the titer is okay, we will embark on our next adventure. Africa, here we come :)