Viva Cartagena!
Rhiann Marie - Round the World
Stewart Graham
Wed 24 Feb 2010 00:51
|
February 23rd 1200 Local time (we are sure
now) 1700 UTC
10:24.67N 075:32.62W
Buenas Dias!
We got to the Boca Grande entrance to
Cartagena at 0900 this morning and despite my temptation to use
this difficult entrance the Port Contol on contacting them insisted we use
the Boca Chica entrance into the bay. This was nevertheless very frustrating as
we had to sail right past the anchorage for over two hours to use the south Boca
Chica entrance.
It was an easy night with Trish taking the midnight
to 0400 watch. She was really worried about logs or other debris coming out of
the Rio Magdalena but there was no problem. The only log around was me who
was sleeping just like one!
Of the various security risks we have faced, and
have been rightfully concerned about, none have materialised and we are
thrilled about that - I just need to make sure that I dont get knocked down
by a bus downtown now!
On the trip down from Bonaire we accumulated
another jobs list which included investigating and sorting the 24V
alternator on the main engine which was not putting out. This was a real pain as
we had from F1 to F3 behind us most of last night and so had to use the
engine all night. The input for our 24V batteries (720 Amps) would have been
very useful.
I also had a burst pipe, well I didnt have a burst
pipe the seawater plumbing did. I actually had a blown fuse over it as it
cheesed me off. But anyway it is now fixed and so is the alternator which had
faulty connections at the relay which excites it.
That then leaves the 12V alternator on the
generator which has never worked and has already been replaced but still not
charging its own batteries. Also I will try to service my engine, generator
and outboard engine this week also. This however is not what we came to
Cartagena to do. We hope to spend tomoorow on boat jobs and then get out and
about in the city for a few days before heading for the Kuna Indians in the San
Blas Islands.
At dawn this morning after having a few heart
flutters, from several open boats speeding towards us out of the mist
with four guys in each, the impressive skyline of modern Cartagena emerged
from the haar. Its probably not haar here but it comes to the same thing - you
cant see very far and everything gets damp overnight.
We are off out now to eat a side of south american
beef.
|