37:33.293N 001:10.412W

SV Eleonora
Michael A. Andronov
Fri 14 Sep 2018 18:49
UTC 1628

We are on anchor,  in Ensenada De Mazarrón. ( The bay, next to the Cartagena bay… ). 
Why we went there ? First reason — it should be very well protected from the  North, NE, and Easterlies winds… 

As approaching,  I had two choices… Rincón De La Salitrona, one of the anchorages within the bay with Cartagena port… and Ensenada De Mazarrón… 
I was ready to use  the coin to decide… when I notice the boat which was rushing from Cartagena bay towards Mazarrón… 


That made my mind, and I went straight to Mazarrón bay… hopping that the mountain ridge  above would stop the wind, rather then collecting it and drop it back from the top…  I hope the choice was right, as we are in a very nice place,  in front of the small village,  protected from the wind, and no water space to build any waves… 
Below is my ‘view from the window’ for tonight… 


So, the leg is over,  it has been a very nice and pleasant sailing. At least today — I switched the motor early morning, and I has been beating against the wind  since…  till the final approach to the anchorage. 

Why I did not go to Cartagena ?  
Well… reason #1 —  It is right around the corner,  probably about 5 miles away… along the ‘wall’ on the first picture.  But at the moment I was approaching the bay, the weather has changed for a while, blowing suddenly to 20 kts…  Consequently, those 5 miles would be a bit longer to get through, plus then to negotiate with the marina the berth, ‘docking’, etc, etc, etc…  At the end — it was not clear for me what I was going to gain, staying in the marina at this point.  ( As I mentioned, I could anchor at Rincón De La Salitrona…  But it is still far away from the Cartagena marina,  and out of the dinghy range… ).  

So, I think I made a right choice — I found a wonderful anchorage.  Even the slop  of the hill — already intriguing… since there are plenty of  ancient mine(s) entries… 
Also, I see a lot of fishing boats,   diving club… nice beach… In case Cartagena going to be the place to keep the boat for Montreal visit later the year… after coming back it is nice to know there is a nice place around the corner… 

Actually, I’m surprised to find out that  It seems there is no shortage of anchorages on that coast.    And majority are well protected, with good holding… 

What next ? 
Definitely, some good rest. Checking the weather,  find the window, and to move further North, along the coast… 

That is all for now.  We are a bit tired — but that is normal at the end of the leg like that… but otherwise — in a good shape! 

Have a great evening, 
Talk to you soon, 
M.

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