Neal's Lighthouse Blog

Dofflemeyer Point Lighthouse, Olympia, Washington

2011-11-07T19:23:00.001-08:00

The Dofflemeyer Point Lighthouse is located in the Boston Harbour area of Olympia, Washington, near the Boston Harbour Marina on Puget Sound. The station was established at this location in 1887 and the current light is from 1934. The light marks the Eastern entrance to Budd Inlet and the Port of Olympia. Photos taken in November 2011.

Cala Figuera Lighthouse, Mallorca, Spain

2011-10-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

This lighthouse which was built in 1860 is located on a rocky point at the West end of the Bay of Palma (Badia de Palma) marking its entrance. The light was renovated and raised in approximately 1960. These early morning distant photos were taken in September 2011.

Palma Dique Ouest,Palma de Mallorca, Spain

2011-10-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

This newer light is located at the end of the outer breakwater in the harbour at Palma (Palma de Mallorca), Mallorca, Spain. I have no information as to the date of the light. Photos taken in September 2011.

Far de Porto Pi, Mallorca, Spain

2011-09-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

The Porto Pi Lighthouse (Far de Porto Pi) is located in the main harbour area of Palma de Mallorca on the island of Mallorca, Spain. This beautiful lighthouse was built in 1617 and appears to be in excellent condition. Photos taken in September 2011.

Sidi Bou Said Lighthouse, Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

2011-09-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

The Sidi Bou Said (Ra's Qatarjamah) Lighthouse is located in the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said, North of the city of Tunis in Tunisia. This light, which was constructed in 1840 is believed to be the oldest in Tunisia. It sits high on a hill (Jebel el-Manar or Fire Mountain) at the top of the village. Several sources indicate the name of the hill is derived from when fires were lit at the site to guide sailors in the Punic and Roman times. The location is Cape Carthage and is the entrance to the Bay of Carthage. The ruins of the old city of Carthage are only a short distance South of Sidi Bou Said. The light remains active. Photos taken in September 2011.

La Goulette Lighthouse, La Goulette, Tunisia

2011-09-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

The La Goulette Lighthouse (Tunis Jetee Nord) is located at the end of the jetty on the North side of the entrance to the port at La Goulette, Tunisia, which is a main port area for the adjacent city of Tunis. The age of the current light is not known, but a station was established at this location in 1850. The light is metal and sits atop metal legs. Photos taken in September 2011.

Far de Montjuic, Barcelona, Spain

2011-09-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

The Montjuic Lighthouse (Far de Montjuic) is located part way up the Montjuic mountain which overlooks the harbour at Barcelona, Spain. This lighthouse, which is active, was built in 1925. Photos taken in September 2011.

Torre del Reloj, Barcelona, Spain

2011-09-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Torre del Reloj lighthouse was constructed in the 1772 and is located on the Moll des Pescadors in the waterfront area of Barcelona, Spain. It is now a clock tower, however the top of the tower where the clock is located was formerly a light and gallery. The light has been inactive since the 1860's. Photos taken in September 2011.

Faros Sidero, Kerkyra, Corfu, Greece

2011-09-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

The Sidero Lighthouse (Faros Sidero) sits high atop the citadel of the Old Fort at Corfu Town (Kerkyra) on the island of Corfu, Greece. The British constructed the light on the grounds of the Old Fort in 1828. During my visit, I noted that the maintenance of the lighthouse and the grounds of the Old Fort could stand some improvement as you will note by the graffiti on the lighthouse in one of the photos. Photos were taken in September 2011.

Faros Katakolon, Katakolon, Greece

2011-09-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

The Katakolon Lighthouse (Faros Katakolon) sits on a hill just to the North of the town of Katakolon, Greece. Katakolon is home to a cruise ship port for persons visiting the ancient site of Olympia a short distance away. This lighthouse is active and was built in 1865. Photos taken in September 2011.

Akrotiri Lighthouse, Santorini, Greece

2011-09-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Akrotiri Lighthouse sits on a high bluff overlooking the Aegean Sea at the South West tip of the main island of Santorini, Greece (Cyclades Islands). The lighthouse was constructed in 1892 and is active. The light appears to be a popular tourist attraction as there were many visitors to the area during my time there. Photos taken in September 2011.

Daska Lighthouse, Dubrovnik, Croatia

2011-09-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

The Daska Lighthouse sits on the small island, Otocic Daska, which is West of the port area of Dubrovnik, Croatia. A lighthouse was established here in 1876, but the date of construction of this light is not known. The lighthouse appears to be inactive as there is no lamp in the tower. A smaller beacon on a concrete post sits near the water in front of the old lighthouse. Photos taken in September 2011.

Grebeni Lighthouse, Dubrovnik, Croatia

2011-09-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Grebeni Lighthouse sits on the rocky island of Hrid Grebeni which sits just West of the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The lighthouse was constructed in 1872. It was damaged in the early 1990's during the seige of Dubrovnik, but appears to have been fully restored. The photos were taken in September 2011.

Punta Pezzo Lighthouse, Villa San Giovanni, Italy

2011-09-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

The Punta Pezzo Lighthouse is located in the city of Villa San Giovanni, Italy on the Strait of Messina. It is across the strait from the city of Messina and ferries run regulary between the two cities. This light was constructed in 1953. Unfortunatly my photo, taken in September 2011 is a bit of a distant view.

Faro di San Raineri, Messina, Sicily, Italy

2011-09-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

This lighthouse was established in 1555 and the light sits atop an old watchtower on the Punta Secca penninsula which guards the main harbour at Messina on the Island of Sicily in Italy. The lighthouse is located in a military compound that encompasses the majority of the Northern end of the penninsula. Photos were taken in September 2011.

Punta Secca Lighthouse, Messina, Italy

2011-09-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

This light sits at the North East tip of Punta Secca, a penninsula on the East side of the main harbour at Messina on the Island of Sicily, Italy. It is situated on a military compound which encompasses the majority of the North end of the penninsula. It is located only a short distance North of the Faro di San Raineri. Photos taken in September 2011.

Capo Peloro Lighthouse, Messina, Italy

2011-09-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

This light is situated on Cape Peloro which is just North of the city of Messina on the Island of Sicily, Italy. It sits at the North West entrance to the Strait of Messina. This light was established in 1884. Photos taken in September 2011.

Faux Lighthouse, Civitavecchia, Italy

2011-09-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

This tower that sits on the main breakwater at the port of Civitavecchia, Italy is not a true lighthouse, but has been constructed to enhance the area where cruise ships arrive in the port. It is not far from the remains of the original Civitavecchia lighthouse. It is not however a true replica of the original light. Photos taken in September 2011.

Civitavecchia Lighthouse, Civitavecchia, Italy

2011-09-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

The remains of the former Civitavecchia Lighthouse sit on a small mole in the main harbour in the port of Civitavecchia, Italy. This lighthouse was established in 1616 and the lighthouse was destroyed during World War II. The remains of the cylindrical base is all that is left of the tower. Photos were taken in September 2011.

Molo de San Vicenzo, Naples, Italy

2011-09-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

The lighthouse, Molo de San Vicenzo sits on the long breakwater (Mole de San Vicenzo) at the main entrance to the port at Naples, Italy. This beautiful red lighthouse sits near a statue of San Gennaro. The lighthouse was constructed in 1916. Photos taken in September 2011.

Faro del Antemurale Thaon di Revel, Naples, Italy

2011-09-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

This lighthouse sits at the South West end of a detached breakwater that protects the main harbour of Naples, Italy. It is located across from the Molo de San Vicenzo lightouse at the main entrance to the harbour. Photos taken in September 2011.

Palermo Molo Sud, Palermo, Sicily, Italy

2011-09-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

This red and white light sits on the South mole in the harbour at Palermo on the Island of Sicily in Italy. It sits atop a small building at the end of the mole in an area of marinas. Photos taken in September 2011

Palermo Diga Foranea, Palermo, Sicily, Italy

2011-09-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

The lighthouse known as Palermo Diga Foranea is located on the main breakwater in the harbour at Palermo on the Island of Sicily in Italy. It was originally at the end of the breakwater, however the breakwater has since been extended. Photos taken in September 2011.

Faro de Palermo, Palermo, Sicily, Italy

2011-09-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

The Faro de Palermo is a concrete tower located on the north mole in the main harbour at Palermo on the Island of Sicily in Italy. It is located in an industrial area of the port. The original station was established here in 1884. Photos taken in September 2011

Merry Island Lighthouse, Merry Island, British Columbia

2011-08-28T20:12:00.001-07:00

The Merry Island Lighthouse is located on Merry Island in the Straight of Georgia off the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. The island sits just Southeast of Thormanby Island at the entrance to Welcome Pass. The station was established at Merry Island in 1903 and the current lighthouse was constructed in 1966. The lighthouse is staffed and is operated by the Canadian Coast Guard. Many thanks to my friends Glen and Marcia for their hospitatlity and running me out to the lighthouse in their boat. Photos taken in August 2011.

Old Michigan City Lighthouse, Michigan City, Indiana

2011-06-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

This schoolhouse style lighthouse was built in 1858 but has been inactive since 1904. It did however serve as the keepers house for the Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse until 1940. It is located in Washington Park in Michigan City, Indiana just West of the Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse. It now serves as a lighthouse museum and is well worth the visit. Although there is no lens in the tower, a rebuilt spiral staircase allows one access to the tower and the view. Photos taken in June 2011.

Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse, Michigan City, Indiana

2011-06-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

This light was built in 1904 replacing a previous wooden light that established on the site in 1871. It sits at the end of a long concrete pier near Washington Park in Michigan City, Indiana. There is a popular beach adjacent to the pier. The light is somewhat unique in that there is a steel catwalk that starts at the foot of the pier and travels out to the lighthouse. This cat walk enabled the keepers to more easily access the light during very stormy weather. In 2007 the lighthouse was deemed excess by the Coast Guard and was taken over by Michigan City. Just north of the light is a large nuclear power generating station. When I visited the light in June 2011 I found it in need of some sprucing up as the paint was worn and there was an abundance of graffiti, especially on the lake side of the light.

Chicago Harbour South East Guidewall Lighthouse, Chicago, Illinois

2011-06-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

This light was established in 1938 and sits at the end of the South East Guidewall just South of Navy Pier. It marks the entrance to the lock into the Chicago River. It can be viewed from the Navy Pier or from a lake cruise offered at Navy or the water taxi from Navy Pier to the Field Museum. Photos taken in June 2011.

Chicago Harbour Lighthouse, Chicago, Illinois

2011-06-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Harbour Lighthouse sits at the end of the North Harbour breakwall east of Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. It was originally established in 1893 at the entrance to the Chicago River and was moved to its present location in 1919. The lighthouse was deemed excess by the Coast Guard and ownership was transferred to the City of Chicago. One can get good views of the light from any of the lake cruises offered at Navy Pier. Photos taken in June 2011.

Grosse Point Lightstation, Evanston, Illinois

2011-06-23T11:33:00.001-07:00

The Grosse Point Lightstation was established in 1873. It is located in Evanston, Illinois approximately 13 miles North of Chicago. It is found on the shore of Lake Michigan adjacent to Lawrence O. Lawson Park and Lighthouse Beach. It is a privately operated light and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. It is not far from the campus of Northwestern University. Photos taken in June 2011.

Cumberland Sound Lower Range Front Light, Florida/Georgia Bod

2011-03-16T18:34:00.001-07:00

This light is between Fernandina Beach on Ameila Island, Florida and Cumberland Island, Georgia. It is a range light and works with a rear range light (see more distant shot on the right) to guide ships into the channel near the St. Mary's River. It was fairly rough on the boat and hence the poor quality of the more distant shot. Photos taken in March 2011.

Cape Canaveral Fresnel Lens, Ponce de Leon Lighthouse Museum, Florida

2011-03-13T17:02:00.001-07:00

As I noted in my post about the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, there is a wonderful display of Fresnel Lenses at that site. The most impressive is the original Cape Canaveral lens, a First Order Fresnel Lens that stands just over 16 feet high. This lens was originally installed in the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse in 1868 and was removed in 1993 when it was sent to the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse Museum for restoration and display. Photos taken in March 2011.

St. Augustine Lighthouse, St. Augustine, Florida

2011-03-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is located on Anastasia Island, across the Lions Bridge from St. Augustine, Florida. The lighthouse was built in 1874 and has an active First Order Fresnel Lens. Although it is 10 feet shorter than the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, there are 16 more steps to the top. The restored keeper's house is now a museum. It is claimed that the lighthouse is haunted and there is paranormal activity both in the tower and on the grounds. Local paranormal tours feature the lighthouse. Photos taken in March 2011.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Ponce Inlet, Florida

2011-03-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

This light, the tallest in Florida and second tallest in the USA is situated at Ponce Inlet, south of Daytona Beach, Florida. It was completed in 1887 and at the time the area was known as Mosquito Inlet and the light was originally called the Monquito Inlet Lighthouse. The climb to the top is 203 steps but affords one a great view of the area. The grounds are well maintained and there are historic displays in the Keeper's House. One building on site houses a number of Fresnel lenses including the original Cape Canaveral light. Photos taken in March 2011.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Jupiter, Florida

2011-03-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

This beautiful red brick lighthouse in Jupiter, Florida was activated in 1860 and has an active First Order Fresnel Lens. Construction was started on the light in 1853 but was delayed by the Third Seminole War. It sits atop a hill that has been found to be an Indian mound. The lighthouse is situated on Coast Guard Property but is maintained privately and there is a museum on site. The light was inactive during the Civil War when it was turned off by Confederate sympathizers. There are tours of the ligthouse daily. The Loxahatchee River Historical Society maintains the lighthouse. Photos were taken in March 2011.

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, Hillsboro Inlet, Florida

2011-03-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse is located in Hillsboro Inlet near Pompano Beach, Florida. It sits on private property owned by the Hillsboro Club and is only open to the public for tours on a limited basis. It can however be viewed from across the inlet at the Pompano Beach City Park. It was activated in 1907 and is another pyramidal skeletal type of lighthouse. It remains an active aid to navigation. Photos taken in March 2011.

Cape Florida Lighthouse, Key Biscayne, Florida

2011-03-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

The Cape Florida Lighthouse is located at the Southern tip of Key Biscayne (just South of Miami, Florida) in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The current lighthouse was built in 1846 to replace a lightstation that was gutted by fire during an attack by the Seminole Indians in 1836. The assistant lightkeeper was killed during that attack and the lightkeeper was seriously injured. The light was restored in the 1990's and near the light is a display showing some of the restoration pieces. There is also a restored keeper's house on the site. The beach just north of the light is very popular. Photos were taken in March 2011.

Sanibel Island Lighthouse, Sanibel Island, Florida

2011-03-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

The Sanibel Island Lighthouse is a pyramidal skeletal type of lighthouse that was build in 1884. It is located at Point Ybel on the East end of Sanibel Island, Florida (Gulf Coast). It is situated at a very popular beach area of Sanibel Island. Photos were taken in March 2011.

Boca Grande Lighthouse, Gasparilla Island, Florida

2011-03-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

This beautiful lighthouse sits in Gasparilla Island State Park at the South tip of Gasparilla Island, Florida near Port Boca Grande. It was built in 1890 and was inactive between 1966 and 1986. It was renovated in 1985 - 1986 and houses a small museum. Photos taken in March 2011.

Gasparilla Island Rear Range Lightouse, Gasparilla Island, Florida

2011-03-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

This light was erected at this site in 1927. It was originally constructed in 1881 as the Deleware Breakwater Rear Range Light at Lewes, Deleware and disassembled there in 1921 and moved to its present location in 1927. It is a pyramidal skeletal type of lighthouse. It sits on a stretch of white sand beach on Gasparilla Island by the Gulf of Mexico. It is a short distance north of the Boca Grande Lighthouse. Photos taken in March 2011.

Tierra Verde Lighthouse, Tampa Bay, Florida

2011-03-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

The Tierra Verde Lighthouse (also known as the Tampa Bay Watch Lighthouse) is located on the causeway from the St. Petersburg area toward Fort Desoto Park (Tampa Bay Area). It is a privately built lighthouse built in 2005 by the Tampa Bay Watch society, a non profit socitey that is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the Tampa Bay estuary. The light is modeled after the Boca Grande Lighthouse. It is the first privately held aid to navigation allowed in Florida. Photos taken in March 2011.

Egmont Key Lighthouse, Egmont Key, Florida

2011-03-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Egmont Key Lighthouse is located on Egmont Key (Egmont Key State Park) a short distance across the water from Fort Desoto which is south of St. Petersburg, Florida (Tampa Bay area). It was built in 1858 to replace an earlier lighthouse that was damaged by a hurricane. It remains an active aid to navigation. The only way to access the light is by a private ferry from the Fort Desoto Park, however on the date I was at the area the ferry was not running, hence my photos are somewhat distant and taken from the fishing pier adjacent to the fort. Photos taken in March 2011

Mt. Dora Lighthouse, Mt. Dora, Florida

2011-03-13T15:17:00.001-07:00

This lighthouse is located on Grantham Point in the town of Mt. Dora, Florida (Northwest of Orlando, Florida). It is at the Northeast end of Lake Dora and was constructed in 1988. It is thirty five feet tall and is a private lighthouse built to aid boaters on the lake. It has a 750 watt photocell powering a blue pulsar. While not an official aid to navigation, it is a pretty little light in a nice setting. Mt. Dora is a popular tourist destination in Central Florida and has many nice shops, restaurants and older buildings to visit. Photos taken in February 2011

Trial Island Lantern House, Maritime Museum of British Columbia, Victoria, B.C.

2011-01-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

This lantern house was originally installed on the Trial Island Lighthouse, four miles SE of Victoria, British Columbia on November 16, 1908. The apparatus was replaced by an acrylic lens in 1970. The lamp is a Fourth order Fresnel lens and when in operation was visible for fifteen miles. It is currently displayed outside of the Maritime Museum of British Columbia in Bastion Square, downtown Victoria, B.C. Photos taken in January 2011.

Portlock Point Lighthouse, Prevost Island, B.C.

2011-01-26T19:46:00.000-08:00

The Portlock Point Lighthouse is located on the Eastern end of Prevost Island in the Gulf Islands of Southern British Columbia. The station was established in 1896 and was automated and destaffed in 1969. It can be seen from the British Columbia Ferrys on the Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (Victoria) route as well as several Gulf Island routes. These photos were taken in January 2011.

Light Identified - Finally - Roberts Bank, British Columbia

2010-12-08T22:27:00.000-08:00

I have finally been able to identify the light that I had previously dubbed "Sand Heads II". It is actually the Roberts Bank RACON (Radar Beacon) and is located in the Strait of Georgia at Latitude 49.087 and Longitude 123.308. It is accessible by boat and is found Southwest of the Sand Heads Light. The original post can be found here.

Kralendijk Lighthouse, Kralendijk, Bonaire

2010-11-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

The Kralendijk Lighthouse was established in 1932. The light sits in the Plasa Reina Wilhelmina which is adjacent to the harbour in the city of Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire. It is directly beside the cruise ship terminal. The light is fairly well maintained. Photos taken in November 2010.

Punt Vierkant Lighthouse, Bonaire

2010-11-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

This small lighthouse is found on the West coast of the island of Bonaire, South of the Flamingo International Airport which is just South of the island's capital city of Kralendijk. The light is adjacent to a small beach in front of the Lighthouse Beach Resort complex. It is not known when the light was established, but it serves as a navigational aid for the South West entrance to the Kralendijk harbour. Photos taken in November 2010 and again, thanks to my cab driver Cecil who was able to easily get me close to this light.

Willems Toren Lighthouse, Bonaire

2010-11-15T20:08:00.001-08:00

The Willems Toren Lighthouse (also known as Lacre Punt Light) is located at the Southern tip of the island of Bonaire. It is south of the three sets of slave huts and the salt production facilities on the Southern part of the island. The lighthouse was established in 1837 and is well maintained. The nearby remains of the stone walled keepers house (in the left side bottom photo) are not in as good condition. The area is quite beautiful in its desolation. I visited and photographed the light in November 2010 and had the good fortune to be driven there by a very friendly cab driver (Cecil - Taxi #3) who had a wealth of knowledge about the island and its history.

Willem III Tower, Oranjestad, Aruba

2010-11-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

Located in the downtown area of Oranjestad, Aruba's capital city, the Willem III Tower is now the home of the Historical Museum of Aruba. It sits approximately one block from the waterfront and formerly displayed a navigational light at its top. The building is beautifully maintained and worth a visit. The tower itself was built in 1796. Photos taken in November 2010.

California Lighthouse (Noordwest Punt), Aruba

2010-11-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

Located at the North West tip of the island of Aruba atop Hudishibana Hill, the Noordwest Punt Light, commonly known as the California Lighthouse was established in 1916. The light gets its name from the British ship, the California, that sank off the point in 1891 and was the reason for constructing a light at that site. Today, the former keeper's house which is adjacent to the light is a restaurant (La Trattoria El Faro Blanco). Photos were taken in November 2010.

Faro de San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico

2010-11-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

The San Juan Lighthouse (Faro de San Juan) is located within the walls of the El Morro fortress which sits on a high point overlooking the East Side of the entrance to the harbour at San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is a short walk from the Old San Juan area. There was a light station first established at this site in 1846, making it the olders in Puerto Rico. The current light is from 1908. The light is well maintained and tours are available if you arrive at the fort at the right time and sign up (unfortunately I missed it as the tour was full when I was at the fort). My photos were taken in November 2010 and the top photo depicts the location of the light in relation to the fortress overall.

Fort George Light, St. George's, Grenada

2010-11-15T19:08:00.000-08:00

This light was built in the 1890's on one of the corners of Fort George which sits atop a hill overlooking Grenada's capital city, St. George's on the South West coast of the island. Unfortunately when I visited and photographed the light in November 2010, it was in a state of disrepair. The lantern has been removed and the building is in poor condition, as is much of the fort. It is a shame, because the fort and the light are a tourist attraction and should be much better maintained. The building adjacent to the light inside the fort is a gym used by the local police.

Tallinnamadala Lighthouse, Tallinn, Estonia

2010-10-11T21:20:00.001-07:00

This lighthouse sit in the Gulf of Finland on the Tallinn Shoal approximately 20 miles Northeast of the city of Tallinn, Estonia. It was established in 1969 and replaced a bouy that was at that point from 1950 onward. Prior to 1950 a lightship had been stationed at the shoal. Construction took 9 years due to stormy seas. This very distant view was taken in June 2009.

Dunnet Head Lighthouse, Scotland

2010-10-11T11:06:00.001-07:00

The Dunnet Head Lighthouse is located at the most Northerly point of mainland Scotland. It was built in 1831 by Robert Stevenson and was automated in 1989. The point of land on which the lighhouse is situated is also known as Easter Head. The photo of this beautiful 20 metre tower were taken from a distance in May 2009, however I only recently properly identified the light.

Port Colborne Inner Lighthouse, Port Colborne, Ontario

2010-10-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

This light is located on the North East end of one of the two breakwalls adjacent to Sugarloaf Bay (formerly Gravelly Bay) on Lake Erie in Port Colborne, Ontario. It marks the South entrance to the Welland Canal, which joins Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. It was established in 1903 and is active. The proximity to the Port Colborne Outer Light is shown in the top photo. The photos were taken in October 2010 (both distant views). As I grew up in Port Colborne (many years ago), I am sad to report that although I spent many hours fishing near these lights, I never once took a photograph way back when. I hope to get back in the not too distant future and get out by boat and take better photos of both lights.

Port Credit Inner Channel Lighthouse, Port Credit, Ontario

2010-10-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

This new light was built in the 1990's and is located on the Credit River adjacent to Lakeshore Blvd. in old Port Credit (now part of the Municipality of Mississauga, Ontario). It is near the Port Credit Village Marina a short way up the river from Lake Ontario. It is not believed to be an official light. There is a lighthouse themed mural on the wall beside the light. Photos taken in October 2010.

Queen's Wharf Lighthouse, Toronto, Ontario

2010-10-04T20:09:00.001-07:00

This inactive light is located between Fleet Street and Lakeshore Blvd., just West of Bathurst St. in Toronto, Ontario. The following is inscribed on the plaque affixed to the lighthouse and gives a history of the light. "Queen's Wharf Lighthouse - This lighthouse, built in 1861, stood on Queen's Wharf 450 metres to the East, near the original foot of Bathurst Street, and marked the only navigable entrance to Toronto Harbour. At the time, it supported a fog bell and a red lantern which, when aligned with a white range light, indicated the approach to the harbour. In service until 1911, it became redundant when a new Western channel was established. The lighthouse was moved to this site in 1929. - Toronto Historical Board 1978". Photos taken in October 2010.

Yaquina Bay Light - Revisited

2010-09-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

As with Yaquina Head, I stopped at the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse to take a few more photos on a recent trip to the Newport, Oregon area. Once again, I got there too late and the lighthouse was closed for visits, but I did get a few photos to update my previous posting. Photos taken in September 2010.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Oregon - Revisited

2010-09-21T20:38:00.001-07:00

It had been a number of years since I visited this light which sits on a windy outcropping of land just North of Newport, Oregon. In my original post, the light is shown in it's previous colours of Red and White, and as you can see from these more recent pictures, the colour is now Black and White. Photos taken in September 2010.

Heceta Head Lighthouse, near Florence, Oregon

2010-09-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

In previous trips past this beautiful light, I had not had time to stop and hike up to the lighthouse and had only a photograph of a distant view as in my previous post about it. I had vowed to remedy that oversight and this time, although the weather was not cooperating, I made the short hike up to the site. Here are some photos of the lighthouse and the remaining keepers house (which is a popular B&B - photo on right). My visit included a tour of the lighthouse by a very interesting guide who related the history of not only the light but the origin of the name Heceta Head (after a Spanish Explorer who noted when passing that there was a shallow area of ocean West of the current site of the light). These photographs taken in September 2010.

Lightship Columbia, Astoria, Oregon

2010-09-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Lightship Columbia (WLV604) is one of the highlights of the Columbia River Maritime Museum at Astoria, Oregon. This lightship was stationed at the Columbia River Station between 1951 and 1979. Photos taken in September 2010.

Cape Meares Lighthouse, Cape Meares, Oregon

2010-09-21T20:11:00.001-07:00

This light stands high atop an ocean bluff in Cape Meares State Park on the Three Capes Scenic Loop near Tillamook, Oregon. Construction of the light began in 1888 and it was first lit in 1890. The light was decommissioned in 1963 and replaced by a beacon which is located on a hill just East of the original tower (photo on right). Photos taken in September 2010

Cape Point Lighthouse (New), Cape of Good Hope, South Africa

2010-08-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

Built in 1919 to replace the previous light that sits too high, this light is built into the side of a rocky bluff below the old lighthouse. The two photos, taken in August 2010, show the spectacular setting of this light. Unfortunately time did not permit me to take the hike down to the new light when I visited.

Cape Point Lighthouse (Old), Cape of Good Hope, South Africa

2010-08-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

The original Cape Point Lighthouse was built on Cape Maclean on the Cape of Good Hope Penninsula in 1860. It was built on the highest point in the area and unfortunately it was built too high as it was often shrouded by low clouds and therefore not useful as an aid to navigation. It was replaced in 1919 by a new light built a short distance away but lower to the water. The ols light is now a popular tourist stop for those visiting the Cape. (Watch out for Baboons when visiting.) The metal plate on the old light (see photo) indicates it was designed in 1857. Photos taken in August 2010.

Roman Rock Lighthouse, Simon's Town, South Africa

2010-08-27T21:02:00.001-07:00

Built on a rock in False Bay near Simon's Town and Boulders Beach, South Africa (Cape Town area), this light was established in 1861. It took four years to construct. It sits in front of the South African Naval Base. These somewhat distant photos were taken in August 2010 frin Boulders Beach, where there is an established colony of African Penguins. According to a local guide, it is the only staffed lighthouse in operation in South Africa.

Slangkop Point Lighthouse, Kommetjie, South Africa

2010-08-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

This tall cast iron lighthouse, also known as Slangkoppunt Lighthouse, was built in 1919. It is located near the village of Kommetjie, south of Cape Town on the way to the Cape of Good Hope. Photos taken in August 2010.

Green Point Lighthouse, Cape Town, South Africa

2010-08-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

The Green Point Lighthouse is located on Beach Road near the Green Point Common in Cape Town, South Africa. It is also known as the Mouille Point Lighthouse. It is a beautiful light, with striking red and white diagonal stripes. It is a short walk from the Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront and the new Green Point Stadium which was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This lighthouse is also featured in one scene from the recent movie "Invictus". It was built in 1824. Photos taken in August 2010.

Pole Passage, Orcas Island, Washington

2010-06-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

These photos taken in June 2010 show a current aid to navigation that is located on the tip of Orcas Island at Pole Pass. Pole Pass separates the San Juan Channel from Wasp Passage. It is purported that the first ever light in the San Juan Islands (a pole with a lamp) was established at the spot of the current aid to navigation.

East Point Light, Saturna Island, B.C.

2010-06-21T21:48:00.001-07:00

The East Point Light is located on the far Eastern tip of Saturna Island, one of British Columbia's beautiful Gulf Islands. It sits across Boundary Passage from the Patos Island Light in Washington's San Juan Islands. The station was established on the site in 1888. The original lighthouse was replaced by a steel tower in 1948 and the station was destaffed in 1966. Photos taken in June 2010.

Patos Island Lighthouse, Patos Island, Washington

2010-06-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

The Patos Island Lighthouse on Patos Island in the Washington State San Juan Islands is the only wood construction lighthouse in Washington. The station was originally established in 1893 and the lighthouse constructed in 1908. The light was automated in 1974. The tower has two red panels which warn sailors of dangerous shoals in the area. The island is now Patos Island State Park. The Lighthouse was recently refurbished and is maintained by the Keepers of the Patos Light. The photos were taken in June 2010.

Turn Point Light, Stuart Island, Washington

2010-06-21T21:34:00.001-07:00

Located on the Northwest corner of Stuart Island in the San Juan Islands, the Turn Point Lighth sits across the Haro Strait from B.C.'s Pender Island. This station was established in 1893 and was originally a lamp on a post and a fog signal. the Current light tower was constructed in 1936. There is a beautiful keeper's house on the site. Photographs taken in June 2010.

Lighthouses and Orcas

2010-06-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

On Sunday June 20, 2010 I was treated to a Lighthouse and Whale Watching tour of the San Juan Islands in honor of Father's Day and my Birthday. My wife and son arranged for a cruise with Orcas Island Eclipse Charters aboard the 56' M.V. Orcas Express. Captain Dan and his staff took us on a wonderful 64 nautical mile cruise of the San Juan Islands, passing 5 lighthouses (Cattle Point, Lime Kiln, Turn Point and Patos Island in Washington's San Juan's, and East Point Light on Saturna Island in the adjacent British Columbia Gulf Islands). We also passed through Pole Passage which is purported to be the location of the first light (a lamp on a pole) in the San Juan Islands. As a bonus, we had the good fortune to see numerous Orcas (Killer Whales) at several points along the route, the staff identifying members of all three resident pods (J, K and L pods). The trip was a great experience and I would highly recommend Eclipse Charters, especially their Lighthouse Tours for fellow lighthouse lovers. Information on the trips can be found at San Juan Islands Lighthouse Tours or at the Orcas Island Eclipse Charters website. I have included a collage of some of the lighthouse photos I took during the cruise as well as a shot of some of the "locals". More detail on the new lighthouses I photographed on this trip will be provided in separate posts.

Not a Lighthouse, but...

2010-06-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is not a real lighthouse. But it is a pub that looks like a lighthouse and that can't be all bad can it? It is the Village Taphouse in the Park Royal Village in West Vancouver, B.C. The faux lighthouse at the building is typical of the salt box Canadian style lighthouses found in Eastern Canada. Plus it is a great place to have a beer and a bite to eat.

Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) Light, Finland

2010-06-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

When I took this photo in June 2009 I did not realize that there was a light in the tower of this beautiful church. This light, also known as the Harmaja Range Rear light is in the tower of the Church of Suomenlinna on the Island of Suomenlinna which is located Southeast of Helsinki, Finland. The church is a Luthern church. The light was established in 1929.

Duncansby Head Lighthouse, Scotland

2010-05-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

This lighthouse is located at the far Northern tip of the East coast of Scotland at the Southeast entrance to Pentland Firth. Pentland Firth separates the mainland from the Orkney Islands. The light was established in 1924 and sits atop a high cliff overlooking the firth. This distant view was taken in May 2009.

Pentland Skerries Lights, Scotland

2010-05-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Established in 1794 these lights are on the Pentland Skerries, small rocky islands at the East entrance to Pentland Firth, North of Duncansby Head, Scotland. The two lights were rebuilt between 1821 and 1830. The taller one is Pentland Skerries High and the shorter is Pentland Skerries Low. In 1941 during WWII these lights were machine gunned by the enemy. This distant view was taken in May 2009.

Hoad Monument, Ulverston, England

2010-05-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

Hoad Monument (also known as Hoad Tower and Sir John Barrow Monument) sits atop Hoad Hill in Ulverston, England. It was built in 1850 as a monument to Sir John Barrow (1764 - 1848). The monument is a replica of the 3rd Eddystone Lighthouse. Sir John Barrow was Second Secretary of the Admiralty and also one of the founders of the Royal Geographic Society. Photo taken in May 2009.

Romer Shoal Lighthouse, New Jersey

2010-05-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

This light is located 4 km N of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. It is on the approach to New York Harbour. The current light was built in 1898 and was automated in 1966. Currently the Coast Guard are making efforts to scrap the light. This fairly distant view was taken in April 2010.

Gibb's Hill Lighthouse, Southhampton Parish, Bermuda

2010-05-03T21:59:00.001-07:00

The Gibb's Hill Lighthouse is situated in Southhampton Parish on the South West part of the island of Bermuda. It sits on one of the highest points of land on the island and climbing the 354' tower affords wonderful views (top left photo). The light was constructed in 1846 and is the second oldest cast iron lighthouse in the Americas. On the grounds can be seen the weathervane that was originally atop the light but was removed in 1988 and replaced by a radar scanner (top right photo). The lighthouse is one of the island's most popular tourist attractions and houses a restaurant/tea room and gift shop. There is a nominal fee to climb the tower, but it is well worth it. Photos taken in April 2010.

St. David's Lighthouse, St. David's, Bermuda

2010-05-03T21:52:00.001-07:00

The St. David's Lighthouse sit atop a hill in the St. David's area near the North East tip of the Island of Bermuda. It was Established in 1879. It is open daily and the tower affords great views of the island (as can be seen in the middle photograph). Photos taken in April 2010.

Robbin's Reef Lighthouse, Bayonne, New Jersey

2010-05-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

The Robbin's Reef Lighthouse is located in New York Harbour near the Liberty Port cruise ship terminal in Bayonne, New Jersey. It sits South West of the Statue of Liberty and can be viewed from the Staten Island Ferry. The light was built in 1883 and was designated surplus in 2009 by the Coast Guard. It is also known as Kate's Light in honour of Kate Walker who was the lightkeeper there from 1894 to 1919. Photos were taken in April 2010.

Titanic Memorial Light, New York City, New York

2010-05-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

This light was orignially mounted atop the Seaman's Church Institute on South Street in New York in 1913. It was built as a memorial to the lives of those lost in the Titanic disaster. In 1976 it was removed from the building and brought to its current location at the South Street Seaport complex on Fulton Street. When photographed in April 2010 it appeared to be undergoing renovations and the area around the base was fenced off.

Lightship Ambrose, New York City, New York

2010-05-03T21:33:00.001-07:00

The Lightship Ambrose (LV87 - WAL 312) is currently moored at the South Street Seaport which is located on the East River just South of the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan. It was built in 1907 and originally stationed at Ambrose Channel, New York. It also was stationed in New Jersey and Mass. Photos taken in April 2010.

Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse, New York City, New York

2010-05-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

This light, known as the Little Red Lighthouse, sits nestled under the George Washington Bridge in Henry Hudson Park in the Washington Heights area of New York City. It was built in 1921 and decomissioned in 1932. It is the last surviving lighthouse on Manhattan Island. The light was immortalized in the children's book 'The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Grey Bridge' written by Hildegarde H. Swift and published in 1942. The light is easily accessable by a short walk from the 181st St. subway station. Photos taken April 2010.

Atlantic Canada House

2010-02-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

OK, so it is not a lighthouse, but had to take a photo of the Atlantic Canada House sign at the 2010 Olympics... Go Canada Go!

St. Martin Harbour Light, St. Martin, New Brunswick

2010-02-06T14:41:00.001-08:00

This faux lighthouse is situated in St. Martin, New Brunswick and serves as a tourist information centre. It houses the lantern from the Quaco Head Lighthouse. The photo on the left shows its location in relation to the Irish River/Vaughn Creek covered bridge in this quaint little town. Photos taken in 2004.

Mizen Head, County Cork, Ireland

2010-01-29T17:07:00.000-08:00

Established in 1909 the Mizen Head Fog Signal Station is not a lighthouse in the true sense of the word, but it is well worth a visit as it sits in a spectacular location and the visitors center is very well done. It is located in County Cork on Coghnane Island, joined to the mainland by a suspension footbridge. It is the most Southwesterly point in Ireland. The photos were taken when I visited in 2001. Thanks to Peter from Pete's Irish Lighthouses for jogging my memory about this one.

A Light in the Forest

2010-01-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

While at Point Robinson, took this one through the trees and I like it so thought I would share... hope you enjoy...

Point Robinson Lighthouse, Vashon Island, Washington

2010-01-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

The Point Robinson Light is located on Vashon Island, Washington along the shore of Puget Sound. The light was established in 1885 by the U.S. Lighthouse Service. The current lighthouse was built in 1915. The light was automated in 1978 but still uses the original Fresnel Lens. There are two restored keepers' houses on the property that can be rented through the Vashon Parks District. The photos were taken in January 2010.

Pattaya, Thailand

2010-01-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

My son took these pictures for me on his recent visit to Thailand. This is a faux light that is in the resort area of Pattaya in Thailand. Pattaya is on the gulf of Thailand about 165 km South East of Bangkok. The sign has "lighthouse" written in Thai. The top photo shows an actual light in the channel just off of the faux one. Photos taken January 2010.

Smeaton's Tower, Plymouth, England

2010-01-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

Another light that I photographed in September 1996 is Smeaton's Tower in Plymouth, England. This tower was originally the Eddystone Lighthouse and was built in 1759. It has been inactive since 1882 when it was replaced by the new Eddystone Lighthouse. Two-thirds of the original tower was saved and reassembled in Plymouth where it sits today. It is located in a park, the Plymouth Hoe, overlooking the town. You will note that in my photos the lantern portion of the tower is red, however it has since been painted white.

Roses Lighthouse, Roses, Spain

2010-01-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

It is amazing what one finds when going through old photo albums. Here is a photograph that I took in September 1996 of the lighthouse at Roses, Spain. Roses is located in the Catalonia Region in Northeast Spain near the border with France. The lighthouse was built in 1864 during the reign of Queen Isabella II. The light sits atop the keeper's house and overlooks the Bay of Roses on the Mediterranean Sea. It is 3 km Southeast of Roses. It is also possibly known as Punta de la Bateria or Punta Blancals (per Lighthouse Directory).

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon

2010-01-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

While going through some old travel pictures, I came across this one shot of the Heceta Head Lighthouse in Oregon. It is a bit of a distant view, taken on a misty morning. I intend to visit this light again in 2010 and take some better photos. The light was established in 1894. It is located North of Florence, Oregon. Photo was taken in 2005.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well 2010 is upon us and we look forward to new adventures. I am hoping to add lots of lights to my blog in 2010, especially in Southern B.C., Washington and Oregon. And who knows where else our wanderlust will take us this year. I was actually going to head out to Point Robinson on Vashon Island near Seattle last weekend until the skys opened.

I have also started to post some photos on flickr and have found a Lighthouse Lovers group there that has some fantastic photos and is giving me inspiration.

The group is at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/lighthouselovers/

My photos are posted under Neal D and have a better resolution than those on my blog.

Cheers all and I wish you all the best in 2010.

Prospect Point, Vancouver, B.C.

2009-12-16T18:55:00.000-08:00

As with the recent post of the Brockton Point Light, here are views of the Prospect Point Light which is in Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C. and sits under the Lions Gate Bridge. The original station was established here in the late 1800's, however the age of the current light is not known. Photo from the water taken in August 2009 the other photo taken in 2008.

Brockton Point Revisited

2009-11-28T12:08:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted in awhile, and yesterday I happened to take a shot of the Brockton Point Lighthouse in Stanley Park (Vancouver) in the morning sunlight. I thought I would post it with a shot I took from a cruise ship in September 2009 which captures another perspective.

Indian Point Rear Range Light, Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick

2009-09-22T22:08:00.001-07:00

This is the taller of two lighthouses built on this point of land overlooking the Northumberland Strait in the mid 1950's. It is North East of the village of Cape Tormentine. It sits on private property and has been inactive since 1998. Photo taken in Sept. 2009.

Indian Point Front Range Light, New Brunswick

2009-09-22T22:01:00.001-07:00

This lighthouse sits on private property South East of Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick. It overlooks the Northumberland Strait. It was built in the mid 1950's and was deactivated in 1998. Photos taken in Sept. 2009.

Cape Tormentine Outer Wharf Rear Range Light, Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick

2009-09-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

This light which is located at Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick was built in 1907 and deactivated in 1997. It sits near the former ferry terminal. Unfortunately this light is in a state of disrepair. Photos taken in Sept. 2009.