For a three hour tour (Part 1)...

The almost three hour tour we took that truly started our lighthouse obsession didn't end up like Gilligan's Island though.  As I mentioned before, even though we had seen the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse we didn't see another lighthouse for a few years. 

While Mike and I were visiting my family like we normally do in the summer, we decided to go on a lighthouse tour provided by the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.  We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Bar Harbor area and we even want to go on the other tour to Baker Island that they provide. 

The tour took us to see five lighthouses in the area on August 19, 2009.

 Don't we look excited to go on our tour!!

First up is Bear Island Lighthouse.

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Bear Island Lighthouse is located offshore of Northeast Harbor, Maine and it is on Acadia National Park property. 

Up next was the Great Duck Island Lighthouse.

An interesting tidbit about the Great Duck Island Lighthouse is that it is owned and maintained by the College of the Atlantic, a liberal arts college on Mount Desert Island.  The college also owns the Mount Desert Rock Lighthouse and uses both of these lighthouses to aid in study for their ecology and botany programs.  Students even get to live in the keeper's house on Great Duck Island. That would be fun (for a little while anyway)!

The final lighthouse that we "saw" on this tour was Baker Island Lighthouse.

Hmm, you can't see anything? Here let me help you:

Here is a cropped picture, where you can see the top of the lighthouse.  Unfortunately, how the trees have grown on Baker Island makes it so that you can barely see the lighthouse from the water.  This is why we hope to go on the other lighthouse tour provided by the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. or maybe even an aerial tour of Baker Island and other lighthouses in the area provided by Scenic Flights of Acadia. 

What are some lighthouse tours that you would want to go on?

Next up:  the rest of the tour!

Mike's Top-Ten Lighthouse Wishlist

Here goes nothin' folks, this is the list of lighthouses that I want to see the most...

#10:

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

My list also starts out with a beacon from the state famous for having the most lighthouses, Michigan. Located on the east bank of Lake Michigan, it's one of the tallest lighthouses in the state, and its unique steel encasing was one of the features that drew me to it.

#9:

Split Rock Lighthouse 

In the land of 1000 lakes (Minnesota) there aren't too many (LHF recognized) lighthouses, probably  due to the small amount of great lake coast line in the state. Of the few lighthouses in Minnesota this one has really caught my attention. Despite what it lacks in stature, this lighthouse is one of the most picturesque lighthouses I've ever seen. It sits atop a large cliff on the rocky-Maine-like Lake Superior coastline, and unlike many of the lighthouses we've seen before, it looks like it lends itself better to distant photos rather than close-up shots. Hopefully someday we can make it out to this beauty!

#8:

Tybee Island Lighthouse 

A taller version of one of our favorite NY lighthouses; Montauk Point. The Tybee Island Lighthouse sits at the mouth of the Savannah River (which forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina) about 20 miles east of Savannah, GA. Although the picture above was one of the things that drew me to it, it also reminded me of the tall coastal lights that guide ships along North Carolina's Outer Banks.

#7:

Marblehead Lighthouse

Located north of Sandusky Bay on the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio. It is almost directly across the bay from Cedar Point which features an amusement park that boasts the most roller-coasters in any one park. Some quick fun facts: it's appeared on a U.S. postal stamp and the Ohio state license plate. Whenever we do make it to Cedar Point for the 'coasters, this lighthouse will definitely be on the trip itinerary. 

#6:

Boston Harbor Lighthouse

Although there are many, many, many things I hate about the city of Boston (sports teams mainly) this lighthouse makes an appearance on my list for its great history. It is recognized as North America's first ever lighthouse, with the original tower dating back to 1716 (although it was burnt down by retreating British Troops), and the tower standing today, which replaced the original, was built in 1783. It is viewed as an "ideal' American lighthouse in that it marks a tiny island (dangerous to incoming boats) at the entrance of a very busy port.

#5:

Marshall Point Lighthouse

The first "Mainer" to show up on the list, it is located near Port Clyde Harbor, ME which is a little bit "Up-West" of Penobscot Bay. The most attractive feature of this lighthouse is its long walkway which leads out to the beacon. The lighthouse was actually featured in the movie "Forrest Gump" during his famous running scene, he is seen running out the walkway to the lighthouse on one of his laps back-and-forth across the U.S.

#4:

Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse

Don't let the name fool you this lighthouse is actually located in Indiana waters at the southern most point of Lake Michigan. It features a smaller breakwater light at the opposite side of the harbor and the main pier-head light with the tall walkway that leads all the way out to it. Definitely a very visually attractive lighthouse that we will have to make it out to someday!

#3:

Mt. Desert Rock Lighthouse

Yet another Mainer on the list, you could say this one hits close-to-home (well Jamie's home anyway), because it is located off-shore from Mt. Desert Island. But, if you were to use the "close-to-home" analogy you would be a little inaccurate due to the fact that it is one of the most isolated lighthouses in America and is actually about 26 miles away from the closest port on the island in Southwest Harbor. This fact alone makes it very attractive to see, and also the fact that it would just about complete our list of viewing the Mt Desert Island/Acadia National Park area lighthouses.

#2:

Portland Head Lighthouse

Marks the entrance to Southern-Maine's busiest port: Portland Harbor. This lighthouse along with being incredibly-visually stunning is yet another historic beacon to show-up on my list. Aside from being Maine's first lighthouse it was also the first lighthouse ordered to be built by the U.S. Lighthouse Service. President George Washington enacted Congress to create the service in order to build and maintain the young nation's coastal guides. Along with this lighthouse, President Washington pushed for and/or approved the building of lighthouses at Montauk Point,  NY, Tybee Island, GA, and Cape Henry, VA by the lighthouse service. We cannot wait to make it to this beautiful and historic lighthouse.

#1:

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Marks the southeastern point of North Carolinas famed Outer Banks. It's the only lighthouse of the Outer Banks that we didn't get to see this past summer during our honeymoon. We traveled all throughout the Cape Hatteras National Seashore seeing the Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke lighthouses. This amazing diamond-print designed lighthouse is located in the somewhat harder to reach Cape Lookout National Seashore. It is one of the many coastal lights of the Southern-Atlantic Coast, meaning that its very tall design makes its beacon viewable extremely far-out at sea. It is definitely on our must-do list to make it back down to the Outer Banks to see this final lighthouse!

Honorable Mentions:

When I was making this list it was extremely hard for me to narrow it down to just 10, so here are some lighthouses that fell outside of my top 10: 

  

Eaton's Neck Lighthouse, NY   

 

Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse, FL

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, ME

Brant Point Lighthouse, Nantucket, MA

Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, IL

Cedar Point Lighthouse, OH

 

Cape Henry Lighthouse (New and Old), VA 

Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, NY 

St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse, MI 

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, FL 

Great Point Lighthouse, Nantucket, MA 

 

All photos used in this post were obtained from LighthouseFriends.com

Jamie's Top Ten...

Before we jump in and start sharing all of the lighthouses that we’ve visited, we thought it would be fun for each of us to share our “Top Ten Must See Lighthouses”.  Our lists are going to be a little bit different (I’m sure there will be some similarities though) because we each have different aspects of lighthouses that we like.

Before I share my top ten list, I just want to mention that none of the photos in this post are mine.  I found them on various websites and have linked to the respective source that they came from. 

Here is my list of the top ten lighthouses I want to visit, enjoy!

Number Ten... 

                 

Grand Haven Lighthouse

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It is only appropriate that at least one lighthouse in Michigan appears on my top ten list, since it is the state with the most lighthouses!  We learned that bit of trivia on a lighthouse tour in Maine two summers ago.  The Grand Haven Lighthouse is in Grand Haven, Michigan.  Hopefully we will get to Michigan soon to see some of the lighthouses there.

Number Nine...

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

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This awesome lighthouse is on the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  Mike and I have seen the other four lighthouses on the Outer Banks, but we didn't get to see this one since it is so far away.  I definitely want to go back to see this lighthouse, I love the pattern that it has!

Number Eight...

Point Bonita Lighthouse 

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This lighthouse is pretty amazing!  It is on the West Coast in San Francisco, California.  The bridge to the lighthouse even resembles a smaller version of the Golden Gate Bridge.  I have been to California once before, but I would love to go there with Mike.  

Number Seven...

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

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This is such a cool location, I really like the view from the rocks.  This lighthouse is located in Bristol, Maine.

Number Six...

Head Harbour Lighthouse

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Canada had to make it on this list eventually.  Head Harbour Lighthouse (or East Quoddy Head) is on Campobello Island in New Brunswick.  Hmm, I wonder where West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is?

Number Five... 

Cape Neddick Lighthouse

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We are most likely going to get to see this lighthouse over the holidays!  It will be decorated with Christmas lights and a wreath.  I am pretty excited to see it!  It is located in York, Maine and is also affectionately called the "Nubble".

Number Four...

Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse 

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Another red lighthouse on Lake Michigan.  This one is located in Muskegon, Michigan and I love the bright red color!

Number Three...

Cape May Lighthouse

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I saw this lighthouse one time while browsing the internet and thought that it was pretty unique.  I like how the majority of it is white, yet the top is painted red.  This lighthouse is located in Cape May, New Jersey. 

Number Two...

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse 

                                       

 

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Another Maine lighthouse!  This one is located in Lubec, Maine.  Mike and I were hoping that we would be able to visit this lighthouse in the summer, but we might not be able to anymore.  Hopefully we might still have the chance since it is a very beautiful lighthouse!

And the number one top ten lighthouse I want to visit is...

Assateague Lighthouse 

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I LOVE this lighthouse!  I love the color and the stripes.  This lighthouse is located on Assateague Island, Virginia.  It is also really close to Chincoteague Island, where there are wild horses.

After looking at my top ten, I realize that most of them are red or in really interesting locations.  What are the top ten lighthouses that you would love to visit and what draws you to them?

Is she or isn't she?

When you think of lighthouses, the Statue of Liberty (or as I call her "the lady") may not be one that is on your list.  However, in her early years (think the 1800s) "the lady" was officially a lighthouse.  Mike disagrees with me and doesn't think she should be considered a lighthouse, but since several sources verify this fact I am going to share some pictures of her. 

Mike and I went to New York City for my birthday in 2008.  We went to many places including Ellis Island, the top of the Empire State building, a Knicks game (we saw LeBron!) and Central Park.  On March 5, 2008 we went to the Statue of Liberty.  Here are a few shots of "the lady" in all her glory. 

                                                  

We even climbed to the observation level!  Unfortunately, you are no longer allowed to climb up to the crown. 

This might have even been the first lighthouse that we climbed, depending on your opinion of the Statue of Liberty's status as a lighthouse.  If you don't think that she is, then we didn't climb our first lighthouse until much later.  Whether or not you think that she is a lighthouse, the Statue of Liberty is a symbol that is recognized by most people.  She has guided people to "freedom" and is still an amazing National Monument. 

Do you consider the Statue of Liberty a lighthouse?

Also, before I go if you are reading our blog please leave us some comments!  We would love to know what you think.  You can also follow our blog by clicking on the link at the right and following the instructions.

Thanks!

A "friend" to "light" the way.

Hi all,

So I'm finally making my first post on our "Let there be Lighthouses!" blog, and I really look forward to sharing all our lighthouse adventures now and into the future. The reason I'm writing this post is to share with you an awesome and extremely helpful resource we discovered throughout our lighthouse travels. 

  

The name of this resource is Lighthousefriends.com. This is a GREAT website that has the MOST complete list of existing and non-existing (demolished, destroyed, deactivated, etc.) lighthouses throughout the U.S. and Canada. The website is organized really well, and the user can view lighthouses sorted by state, and also see them on a google maps app they created themselves of each state (great for driving directions!)

On the lists you can click each individual lighthouse and it takes you to a very detailed description of the light station, giving the history of it, some fun (or not so fun) facts, the exact latitude/longitude coordinates, a detailed map complete with driving instructions and tips for a traveler new to the area trying to view the lighthouse. 

Just about every lighthouse we have ever seen we used this website to help us either learn of its existence, or get there.

They also are very good at keeping the information about each lighthouse up-to-date. On the front page of the website there are always updated stories about certain lighthouses that show-up in the news for various reasons such as restoration projects, being demolished :'(, or being sold at auction.

Another good resource we've used is the "Lighthouse People". They are Bob and Sandra Shanklin and they're a married couple from Fort Walton Beach, FL who have obviously taken their love for lighthouses to a whole new level (they've taken it up a notch). They have made it their mission to see and photograph every single lighthouse in the U.S. (and now moving onto Canada) THEMSELVES. They have a website where you can view and buy prints of their photos, and also a very handy guidebook (which we have of course purchased) called "List of All Existing U.S. Lighthouses". Here's their website.

Enjoy!

Close to home...

Mike was supposed to write the second entry, but he is working hard at his two part-time jobs.  Let's just call them ON and RR.  However, tonight is his last time working at RR because he just got a contract job as an Engineering Specialist!  We'll just call the company he's contracting for HC.  Mike is still going to work at ON but on a very limited basis.

Back to lighthouses!  As I mentioned before, our love for them grew after my mom asked me for some suggestions of what to get Mike for his birthday.  She ended up giving him a laminated photograph of the Brant Point Lighthouse on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts.  The photograph now hangs in the bathroom of our house.

This brief story, however, is about the first lighthouse that Mike and I visited together (I had seen some other lighthouses growing up).  The first summer that Mike and I were dating, way back in 2005, we made sure to visit each other.  Mike came to visit me in Maine for a few days and even though the weather was less than perfect we still tried to find things to do and on June 18, 2005 we went out to do "touristy" things. 

That lead us to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.  You can tell by the limited amount of pictures that we took, that we were not as into lighthouses as we are today.  Since we only have these two pictures, we are going to have to revisit the lighthouse to take better pictures. 

This lighthouse still holds a special place in our hearts, even with the lack of pictures, because it was the first one we saw together.  For me, it is a little bit more special because of the fact that it is close to my hometown. 


During our travels over the years, we have visited places where there are amazing lighthouses, but at that time we weren't as interested in these historical structures.  For us that means we will just have to revisit places like Cleveland, New York City (and surrounding areas), Maine and New Hampshire and see the lighthouses we missed the first time.

I promise that Mike will write the next entry and maybe he will tell you about our "friend" that has guided us during our lighthouse travels.