Cartagena - where even the Plant Pots are Beautiful

We left Fuengirola in lovely sailing conditions, very relaxed - Ian kept close watch for dolphins, which duly obliged and played around the boat for a half hour or so.

The wind gradually built in the middle of the day and we ended up fully reefed, surfing along in 45 kts, the snow capped Sierra Nevada Mountains visible in the distance.

After a small difference of opinion as to the suitability of learning the new skill of goose winging in these conditions we opted to gybe down the coast until the wind died completely at about midnight and we motored towards Almeira where we anchored outside the Marina.  We were just settling into our anchorage when we were boarded by Spanish Customs - they arrived in a black RIB, fully kitted out in black and conducted a cursory search of the boat and paperwork before setting off again, back to the mothership. Very 007.


We had a gentle start the next morning, passing a fish farm on a float.

Again the wind increased during the day, and we were used as mark rounding practice by some very large, very fast trimarans that appeared out of nowhere doing 15 kts in about 15 kts of breeze!

We now know what it feel like to be a race mark!

Another night at anchor, no Customs this time.

A peaceful night at anchor

Cartagena itself is a beautiful town - where ever there is an opportunity to install some art, it’s there!

One of the Harbours

Large scale Art

Pensive Art

Sprigs mingling with the Academics

The Postie?

Even the plant pots are beautiful!  Nautilus in centre of pontoon.

The obligatory cycle trip along the (beautiful) high street past the town hall

And, of course, no town would be complete with out it’s own Amphitheater!



So, to finish off - some sunsets - quite a few, but who doesn’t love a sunset?

So - Next stop:  Denia - a big flash marina, and more friends to catch up with.

We had planned to get the engine serviced to extend the warranty, but at €650 for an oil and filter change, we decided to risk letting the warranty lapse!!!