Sneaking into Nelson’s Dockyard

Sneaking into Nelson’s Dockyard

Friday March 22^nd and Saturday March 23^rd, 2024

Working on the premise that the same amount of climbing must be accomplished on a walk whichever direction you take, I had a brain wave in the middle of the night.  If we walked our route counter clockwise, we would enter Nelson’s dockyard through the “back door” and avoid paying the National Park fee. I think Mike was slightly shocked!  But that’s exactly what we did. The route took us up onto a ridge with nice views first of Falmouth, then the ocean and finally down into English harbor and the dockyard. We were able to walk right out the gate of the dockyard with no problem.

Later in the afternoon, Mike wanted to go back to shore to take night-time photos of the boats and dock area.  He chose to repeat the walk that we’d done earlier in the day.  Thus, he snuck into Nelson’s Dockyard twice in less than twelve hours!

Backing up, I should report that we had a very busy day on Friday (March 22^nd).  In the morning, Mike worked on the septic hose of the forward head (what a joy).  I worked on cleaning of the galley cupboards, a project I’ve been doing a bit at a time. We went to shore to fill a gasoline jerry and collect our laundry.  The gasoline was no problem but the laundry was “in the washer”.  It would be ready by 2 pm.  We took a trip to the grocery store and acquired a few items.  

Our hope was to collect the laundry at 2 pm and take off for Falmouth.  Naturally, the laundry was not ready until about 3 pm.  Then it took a while to get the engine off the dinghy, secure the boarding ladder and “sling the hook”. We were underway by four pm.

Sadly, the wind was really on the nose, so it was motoring the whole way.  We got the anchor down before sunset and enjoyed some time sitting in the cockpit.  

Gloria

A panoramic view from the hills to the west of English Harbor showing (right to left) English Harbor, Nelson's dockyard and Falmouth.

English Harbor

A Canadian lady taking in the view after sunset on the Middle Ground trail

A flower on the top of a cactus that is known locally as "Englishman's Head Cactus"

English Harbor in full moon light as night closes in

Nelson's Dockyard

The end of the dinghy dock at Nelson's dockyard. Most of the yachts are docked "Mediterranean Style"

... and the one you've all been waiting for ... the septic hose from teh forward head. Mineral deposits have closed the internal diameter from 2 inches to ~ 1/2 inch. We clear this cement like gunk out by smacking the hose on a piling or something similar. This hose was last cleaned only 4 months ago!