Bermuda From Above

October in Bermuda

Blackwatch Pass was built, or more correctly, excavated through the ridgeline between the North Shore Road and Marsh Folly around 1934. This was during the time of the Great Depression when there was severe unemployment in Bermuda although the need for more efficient access to Hamilton from North Shore had existed for some time. The project provided welcome economic relief for many.
The name of the pass comes from the location of the Blackwatch Well at its North Shore end which itself dates from 1849. All the Bermuda limestone removed through the excavations was used to fill the marshland south-west of the pass creating what became known as Bernard Park.

The Swizzle Inn hardly needs an introduction. There has been a licensed bar here since 1932 and today this popular hostelry is a full-service restaurant as well. Its proximity to Castle Harbour would have meant it was a popular watering hole for those working on the construction of Kindley Air Force Base during WW2. It remained popular with personnel living and working at the base until it closed in 1995. The building is still owned by Gosling’s, the rum people, and legend has it that the recipe is tied to the lease meaning that it would be passed along to a new proprietor in the event of a sale. In practice, the business doesn’t change hands very often and I’m sure the recipe has gradually evolved over the years to suit more contemporary tastes. A personal memory was of the sign outside which for many years encouraged air travelers heading to the nearby Bermuda airport to “Fly On A Swizzle”

Not that far ‘above’ but looking over the eastern end of Hamilton Harbour from Cavendish Road…happy Monday 🙂