Cartagena!

Shamal
Sat 16 Jan 2016 12:01
10.25.0N 75.32.8W
 
Hi There,
 
Well, we had a great time in Santa Marta. Explored the town and went on a guided tour through the jungle to a waterfall, then to some "Indigenous" ruins and then we went "tubing" down a river. That was a nice experience, floating along through the jungle and seeing the wildlife. Lots of birds and howler monkies.This is dry season, so the river wasn't very fast and it was all very relaxed.
 
The whole rally (25 boats) left Santa Marta early on the 14th for Cartagena. We stopped overnight about halfway and then continued next morning. Good following winds on the 1st day but light winds on day 2, so motor-sailed most of that bit, all arriving safely yesterday evening. We are the 1st rally to visit Columbia, so the authorities are keen for it to be a success. The navy has allowed us to use an area normaly reserved for them to anchor, right by the old part of the city and the Club Pesca (very nice!) has layed on its facilities. There is a yacht race between rally members and the club later today for those who want to take part..... but we think we will watch from the club bar... G&T in hand!
 
Cartagena is a mix of old Spanish town and modern city, with high rise buildings going up eveywhere. We have to do more immigration and customs stuff this morning (even though we did all that in Santa Marta) and then we should be free to relax and explore the town and surrounding area. We should be here about a week before heading off for a 2 day sail to the San Blas islands near Panama. Will update when we start to move.
 
Best Wishes,
 
J&G