We set off from Estepona with the wind in our face and the intention of anchoring for the night. Very quickly it became obvious the open anchorages along the Costa del Sol would be very uncomfortable indeed, too much swell. With a combination of power and sail we pointed the boat at the next point and just went with the attitude of “Lets see how far we get, when we have had enough we’ll pull in.” Just as we had set off from Estepona I had got a call from David Rees, a friend in London. He and Elsa were staying in a place just 15 miles east of one of our possible ports of call. A chance encounter extraordinare. Set sail Cartagena! We sailed into Cartagena having endured hot languid days under power, busy shipping around Cabo de Gata, and a respite from the engine under sail at night. It was the first passage Tony and I did that was more than 24 hours. We covered 255 nautical miles in 2 ˝ days. Once into Cartagena Dave and Elsa gave us a hand with provisions, a snappy Spanish meal in the centre of town and the next day we agreed to meet in the Mal de Mar. Tony and I enjoyed the inland sea, horsing around on the boat, Tony sailing with me dragged from the dinghy only just managing to keep my shorts on. We met up with Dave and Elsa under sail, them in their Hoby sail boat. We followed them into land and anchored off the hotel for drinks by the pool and dinner ashore. I didn’t mention the swinging bridge to get into the Mal de Mar but that was fun too. All in all a great encounter with friends.