5th & 6th August

Sealion
Richard Martin
Wed 6 Aug 2008 20:28
Yesterday we left Cartagena and you guessed it the wind was on the nose (East) for the first leg - finally we turned North East at Cap Palos allowing us to have a good close hauled sail for the last 5 miles or so.
 
The sea from Cartagena to Cap Palos was pretty confused with a large swell at times plus wind over tide I suspect. We finally saw some wild life - I saw some water spouts about 150mtrs from the boat and called Alison from below - she arrived just in time to see a whale surfacing and then disappear. It was either a Pilot or Sperm whale we think. Shortly afterwards two dolphins passed the stern quickly and again Alison was below and this time didn't get on deck quick enough - So she still hasn't seen any dolphins.
We entered the Mar Menor yesterday and dropped anchor in the lee of a small Island in the 12x5 mile stretch of water. The water temperature is amazing in here at 30 degrees - Having said that there are some large Jelly fish around so we are swimming with care. The water is also incredibly salty.
 
Today we had a nice sail around the Mar Manor, but have to say it is generally surrounded by holiday complexes and isn't that pretty - We are back at anchor tonight but will leave in the morning and head a little further North.
 
Picture - Alison's modesty being defended by the red duster whilst at anchor/swimming off back

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