North Cove

I loaded S up and took her out to Essex. We put in at the North Cove, which seems to be a recent favorite of mine as it is a easy good launch with access to several of my favorite areas. We decided to tour the North Cove, which is much larger than it first appears. In fact, if one explores all of the possibilities, you could probably kill two hours in just the cove.  We had a high tide with sun and temperatures in the upper 60's. There was a light wind out of the North and West.

We head up following the west shore.  This entire area was shipyards at one time, at least when people were still making wood ships. I only spot one house that might be mid or early 19th century, at it is large enough that it may have started life as a shipyard building. Everything else has an early 20th century or later look to it. In 1814, the British raided this area and burned over two dozen small ships. Due to the shallow depth of the Connecticut River mouth, only smaller ships could be built here.

Riverview Cemetery is on the west shoreline. We'll visit after canoeing. There are a large number of graves dating from the early 1700's and veterans of the French-Indian Wars, the Revolution and the War of 1812 are marked.  The graveyard sits high on waterfront with a great view of the river. Of course, when they started burying people here, it was between the edge of town and the boatyards, so it has escaped being developed.

Trees are starting to turn color.  With a little luck we might have a spectacular fall.

Heading up into Fall River, we start spotting Mallards, Mergansers, then about a dozen Great Egrets, three late Ospreys, a pair of Kingfishers and a several Great Blue Herons.  The Great Blue Herons are gathering in close groups. Most of the year they keep their distance from one another, at least while away from their nests. I've seen them do this in the spring, and I assume then that it relates to mating. The little cove is good cover for a variety ob birds. A short, minor cascade blocks access to the actual river. It's a boulder scramble to get higher - I'll keep that for later. All of this area was also shipyards.

We head back to the main cove and follow the marshy side down to the cut that leads into the river. Flush a small flock of Coots from the cattails. From there, we head down past the main marina, and the Connecticut River Museum. Their Dutch sailing ship is docked there. Then, just a little bit into the south cove, which shows S the lay of the land and how the old part of town is on a point sticking out into the river.