SKL's Walking Blog

Gozo – Malta – 3

Marsalforn to Nadur and on to Mgarr

Last day on Gozo and a double section to complete. The weather was fine, 19 with little wind and I managed to get to the start for 9. Now I just had to keep going until I reached the end.

Leaving Marsalforn, and once again climbing the cliffs directly from the town was a no go. This time was because at the top is a private quarry which would simply mean coming back down again. So, up the country road I go.
This cato traipsed along with me for little while, then decided he’d had enough.
Getting near the top with a view over the valley – called a wied in Malti.
Bye bye Marsalforn. I learnt today that the prickly pear cactus stuff in foreground – is not native to Malta but was introduced from California in 1910. Bloody hell! It’s all over the place.
Going down to Ramla Beach. I’m at the Calypso cave (which is closed) supposed den of Odessyus’ imprisonment.
The view point is that sticky out rock above the abandoned buildings. I was going to head up the beach and back for a lark but while having my cappo and water 11 jeeps arrived spilling hordes. I ran for it.
The boys slaving in the hot sun to plant the vines.
At the top. The camera is in portrait mode which is why this is so bad.
This guy is so serious that he wrote it in blood!
Lush valley and lovely scents flowing up to me.
Ok. A little weird. A mermaid on her shell on a brick in the middle of nowhere. Is it a shrine?
There is a wonderful smell of citrus coming off the warm lemon trees.
Finally heading back to the sea.
We can accept by now that the Malti’s are cat people.
Here is the beast’s hovel right near the drive slow sign. Daisy doesn’t seem to be at home. Off down the fish market no doubt.
Daħlet Qorrot bay and beach. I’m staying here for 10 because a massive walking group of about 40 have just left ahead of me and I don’t want the strain of trying to pass them on the narrow tracks up the cliffs.
Pretty and has a boat.
Except they seem to have disappeared.
Ah! sharp right turn before the climb. Waiting for them to move far enough ahead so I don’t hear or smell them. Fabric softener mostly.
Qala up ahead. I had thought them greys and slow but that climb was a toughie so must all be fittish.
Waited for them to rest and zipped by. All Italians. They always seem to be shouting at each other all the time.
They could have used this for their toilet break.
Fuck me! I’m doing extras just to see my last Knight’s era battery.
Comino across the way.
Frig! I thought all my slippery descents right on the edge were done. If I recall, the comment was, ‘the last few K to Mgarr are along a pleasant coast side track’. That is 10 feet below me and about 3 inches from the drop.
Judicious use of the vegetation and I was able to step down gently onto the track. Way past now and the blue lagoon in view.
The gold foil tied to the plants was sparkling from miles off. I presume to keep the birds away from all the little bee hives. Looks a lot like the thing the mermaid was guarding.
Last church. The chapel of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady. Which is worth celebrating I suppose.

The Malta ferry in all her glory.
Mgarr ahead and the finish. You know by now what the last mile is.
Is it X marks the spot for lost trainers?
BTW I’m gonna ignore your sign ‘cos I need that path to get back on track.
It may well be only 10 or so feet of a drop, but making me having to step over a metre wide chomp out of the path at this late date is very bad pool mate.
Self explanatory isn’t it? Don’t bring your animals here for a bath. The marina in Mgarr. Nearly done.
It all makes sense in the end.
Ferry awaits and I am done. Round Gozo in 3 days.

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