This explore has got to be one of the funniest but scariest explores I've ever done. A miserable nite and seeing a write up about this navy ship I called a friend and said.. let's go! now! 2 hours later we arrive. We soon realised that getting into a live dockyard was not an easy task.. After alot of hiding, sneeking about, squeezing between buildings and one mad dash straight past the security guard who was happy watching his little TV we made it!!
OMG.... she was HUGE 馃槼 we had a quick scan about and soon realised we had one massive issue.. no gang plank.. 馃 that sinking feeling you get when your a child and peer through the sweet shop window and know you can't have any.. that was us.. but tonight we were Pirates! and where thes a rope we climb it!! With rain lashing down on me and my knees shaking I stood on the dockside, leaned as far forward as I could, with freezing water below me, and grabbed the rope! it was about a 18ft climb up, and boy was I relieved when I hit the deck 馃槉
We had a wander around the upper deck then made our way inside through a really thick solid door.. it was like a labyrinth of tiny corridors and pipes leading off in all directions..
Big metal doors that led to control rooms with so many dials and instruments, little tv's and stools where a sailor would of sat..
A little tuck shop with drinks and snacks to keep the 250 crewmen with sweet treats.. tudor crisps, marathon bars, great to see all the 80s foods again.
The captain and higher officers had their own rooms, where as those below them, were literally housed below them, in the belly of the ship. Rows of bunk beds that looked really uncomfortable and no room to swing a cat.. doodles and names squiggled on the walls where they slept.
The canteen, washrooms, and doctors station all along one long corridor, the didn't seem any order in where rooms were, but I'm sure the was.
The was so much to explore, little hatches in the floor, doors that went three ways..
Right at the top of the ship was where the captain stood and looked out.. fascinating to imagine this vessel was involved in the Falklands war.
HMS Plymouth was amongst one of the first ships to arrive in the South Atlantic following the attack on the Falklands islands and South Georgia and the ship and crew managed to take them back on 28th April 1982. The Argentine Troops eventually surrendered and the signing of the document took place in the wardroom. I was lucky enough to sit in one of the chairs, touch the table and enjoy the 1980s decor in this room..
As always all good explores come to an end..as the sun began to rise the was just enough time to have a cheeky beer and a quick nap before making our escape 馃榿
