I'm a boating newbie. When tying docklines to a pier with pilings,
what's the best way when you have a significant excess length to the
line, i.e. without having to use the end? I've used clove hitch esp.
if temporary and non-critical, two half-hitches, bowline, and others,
but they all require running the bitter end through and through,
pulling the excess length through. What's a secure knot in order to
avoid this problem? I wouldn't mind a general discussion of favorite
knots to secure to a piling, too, even if it involves using the end!

Mitch