We managed to do a bit of everything today. Relaxing, climbing, snorkelling and sightseeing. After navigating past a few more amazing churches, (and a few false trails and dead ends), we arrived at this gorge - the cradle of climbing on Gozo. (Note the other random amazing place of worship in the field above!).
The path down into the gorge was probably harder than the climbs themselves and littered with pretty little flowers.
The best routes were on the shady side of the gorge, but it was still pleasantly warm without the direct sunlight.
After doing a few good routes (including one described as 'not to be missed'), we found that we could top out by the road, rather than tackle the path back out. Unfortunately, we realised this a bit late, so Clare had to climb a pretty spicy sport route with the backpack on to save the walk out. Lucky she's hardcore. ;-)
Back up in the sunshine, we sorted the kit and enjoyed laying around in the sun while we had lunch.
Then came the best bit - just a few kilometres down the road, there is a stunning secluded natural inlet. Perfect for sunbathing.
And of course - great for snorkelling!
There were loads of fish to see and the water felt warmer than on Christmas Eve.
It was nice to get out and dry off in the sun too. Once the shade reached us though, we moved on and went to see the sun set at the super famous 'azure window' on the west coast and get back in the sunshine! It sure is an impressive sea arch.
But how long will it last before it falls down!?... The authorities were airing on the side of caution!
It's the first place that we've been where there were tourist. Bus loads of them! Inland slightly for the arch was an 'inland sea' with a tunnel that led out to sea, which would have been an exciting through-swim if we'd been earlier in the day. It looks beautiful from this view, but behind the camera are loads of old ramshackled old buildings and an assort of derelict beach huts. It looked a bit like a shanty town and makes you realise how important it is to protect some natural areas from un-checked developments!
Even with the masses though, it was still a nice place to enjoy the sunset.
Mgarr Ix-Xini: - (Italian Walls):
- No Problem, 5b**
- Frantic Desolation, 6a***
- Volanti, 6a** (topped out)
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