EL NIDO,Palawan,Philippines 09092012

a surprise start to the day when the motor broke off the gearbox of our NEW,australian made anchor winch.it had only been installed 2 months ago.we took the 3 electric cables off the motor and removed it from anchor well,having first taken photos.has broken metal joining phlange.we retrieved chain and anchor by hand ,for 1st time.3 hours later we arrived at EL NIDO.Spectacular coastline and islands with dramatic limestone cliffs,some cute beaches,and still ,dark water.lovely anchorage.only 6 meters deep, so can get anchor up again ok.tricky getting in with big reef across bay-klaus from tellow trimaran,papillion,came out on dinghy,to tell us to go between inconspicuous red buoy and land,along narrow ,shallow channel,0.9 m under keel at one stage,but lovely spot, anchored between papillion and  the one other yacht.small beach below big cliffs,with small town inbetween.very pretty.emailed hutton winches,with photos,and await reply tomorrow monday.easy leftovers for dinner on boat,with lovely reflections from town on water,.watched another yacht come in confidantly after dark and drop anchor near us-must be local.nice to have internet.