Local jaunts

USS Mount Whitney

We had trips planned further afield but there was still plenty to see on our doorstep. We managed to arrange a tour of our huge 189m neighbour the USS Mount Whitney. She is the command and control ship for both the US navy Sixth Fleet and the commander and striking force NATO. A group of marina cruisers, including our friend "6" who was visiting from London, were all vetted in advance and with passports in hand we crossed the border into American territory. As per naval protocol we were told to halt at the gangway, stand at attention and face aft. After yet more security checks we were finally given our visitor and foreign national badges and were ushered into the bowels of this huge military monster.

View from the Bridge

On guard!

and the Bridge

The Captain's cabin

Inside the USS Mount Whitney

We were led along a maze of surprisingly narrow corridors and up steep ladders and finally emerged outside again on the Quarterdeck. We were then taken up to the Bridge and met the armed guard who was on her 5 hour shift. We took a peek inside the Commanding Officer's cabin and introduced ourselves to Captain Sardiello who welcomed us inside. It was surprisingly large and with an open coal fireplace! Our next stop was the dark inner sanctum where no cameras or phones were allowed. A room with a lot of computer screens and a large table. No doubt the scene of many big decisions.

Gaeta old town harbour front

Following the fascinating tour a few of us went for a coffee and warm up at Bar Bazzanti rumoured to serve the best coffees in the gulf. Not only good but also a great price at 1 euro each. Rejuvenated we continued on our wander round the picturesque old town.

Gaeta's 13th century cathedral bell tower

SS Annunziata church, Gaeta

View from Monte Orlando down to Serapo beach

Rather him than me!

Another local jaunt took us back up Monte Orlando but this time on the "cliff" walk. We started by entering the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity, a monastery complex, and carried on through to the extraordinary Montagna Spacatta (split mountain). Legend has it that the mountain split at the exact moment Jesus died on the cross. We continued on up enjoying fabulous views out to sea and of the vertical cliffs. We spotted some adrenaline seeking rock climbers attempting to ascend the sheer rock face. The walk took us up to the Carolina gunpowder magazine which was built by the Bourbon family in the 18th century and was in use up until the end of the Second World War.

Spot the climbers!

Montagna Spacatta

Carolina gunpowder magazine

Fortified walls on Monte Orlando

Serapo beach with Monte Orlando in the distance

Fontania beach with the ruins of a Roman villa just visible

The Little Bar Café, Gaeta

We also managed a long walk along Serapo beach and on round to the smaller Fontania beach where the remains of a grand Roman villa are just visible under the gently lapping waters. We discovered a lovely street bar just behind Serapo beach. At weekends the road is closed to traffic and if the sun is shining the locals descend in their hordes to the Little Bar Café. It's a real sun trap and we joined in the fun sipping our bright orange Aperol Spritz's watching the world go by. Aperol is an Italian aperitif made of bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb and cinchona among other ingredients. It is also currently Manchester United football club's Official Global Spirits Partner! Cheers!

Aperol on the rocks!