Close to Cartagena (but no cigar)

We are currently at 10° 20′ 2.39″ N 75° 50′ 4.84″ W, about 15 miles from Cartagena, Colombia. Part of the fun of being on a working container ship is that you really have no guarantee regarding the port stops.

We knew we’d get to Cartagena this afternoon, we just didn’t know when we’d get to Cartagena. So far we’ve been drifting about 15 miles from Cartagena since about 2 in the afternoon. With the clouds and haze in the air, land is just far enough away to be invisible. At one point in the late afternoon it cleared enough to see some ivory-colored skyscrapers on the coastline through the binoculars.

There’s a lot of slack built into the ship’s schedule. I’m guessing the padding allows us to absorb any unexpected cargo or weather delays. It also means that every day from around 1 or 2 in the afternoon until about 8 or 9 at night, the boat’s engines are turned off and we just drift. Right now we are waiting for the pilot to take us into the port.

We were on the bridge after dinner when we learned that the pilot would boarding at 2230 (in about an hour). We probably won’t be docking until midnight. Apparently cargo operations generally take about 10 hours—but it all depends. We could be leaving Cartagena tomorrow at 10 in the morning, or noon (or later). We won’t really know until they get the cargo plan after we dock.

So, no stories of Colombian coffee, or photos of the old port yet. But Stephanie and I are planning on setting the alarm for 6 in morning to see if we can get out for a quick taxi ride around the city. Fingers crossed. For now, here’s a view of the sunset tonight out our cabin window.

Sunset outside Cartagena, Colombia from the owner's cabin of the Cap Cleveland
Sunset while drifting outside Cartagena, Colombia

2 Comments

Yep. And We had the same thing happen on our way into Panama (and I can’t tell you how many of Daniel’s trips concluded with “should be in on Tues., but could be Weds or Thurs depending…”). Time and tide wait for no man, but everyone waits for the pilots.

Mom

This is all so great to be able to follow you and Stephanie. It doesn’t feel like you are quite so far away. We love getting the pictures. I will put some money in your account for the cost of the satellite as my gift to me ’cause I love seeing a little bit of what you are seeing. Hugs and Kisses to you both, Love, Mom

Care to Comment?

Or if you'd prefer to get in touch privately, please send me an email.

Name

Email (optional)

Blog (optional)