Traveling Lighthouses

Where is the second tallest lighthouse in the country?  It's here in Daytona Beach. This trip was special to me not only because I was able to climb the tallest lighthouse in Florida, but it was a trip with my son, Jonathan, on Thanksgiving weekend in 2017. Ponce De Leon Inlet Light is 175 feet with 203 steps to the top.  It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998 as one of the best-preserved and most authentic historic Lighthouses in the US. History says that in October 1919, the assistant keeper suffered heart failure and died while climbing the stairs to light the lamp. I was glad I didn't have a heart attack - only got some palpitations. Despite its 203 steps, climbing this lighthouse was not too much of a challenge for me. I enjoyed every step of it, with the guidance of my son. The panoramic view from atop was gorgeous. But the beauty of the lighthouse is even more impressive. This is definitely one of my favorite lighthouses. Daytona is known for...

A long layover work trip to Charleston in July 2017 had finally allowed me to see this Lighthouse with my friend Gabriela. Commonly known as the Charleston light, this Lighthouse holds a unique title as one of the most modern Lighthouses in the US. It is a distinctive landmark on the beach, characterized by its unique triangular and slim structure, and features an elevator and air conditioning.  It continues to act as a guiding point to Charleston harbor ships. It stood 140 feet and seemed so tall. Since I couldn't go up, I tried to climb the fence, but - I wasn't successful. It was a very sunny day, but the beach's breeze helped our sweat go away.  We ended our lighthouse adventure with a nice southern lunch downtown.

A journey of three rides to the Southeast Lighthouse. I visited my friend, Melissa,, in her hometown in Connecticut in July 2017.  We drove to Rhode Island to catch a ferry to Block Island. Then we rented a bike and followed the way to the lighthouse. I am not an expert on biking, but I could still do it. I used to do it when I was a kid. Southeast Lighthouse was designated as a US National Historic Landmark in 1997 as one of the most sophisticated Lighthouses built in the 19th century. Also, the Nature Conservancy has listed it as one of the "Last Great Places."  It was constructed in 1875 with a height of 52 feet—what a beautiful brick-made lighthouse. It was closed for viewing, but we enjoyed the gorgeous view of the island and the ferry sunset. Plus, it was a unique adventure. A car, a ferry, and a bike to chase this Southeast Lighthouse?  Yes, we did it all.  It was so much fun.

One road trip and two lighthouses. On our way back from Cape May, we drove by to see this tallest Lighthouse in New Jersey, located in the middle of Atlantic City.  It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country that still has the original first order fresnel that was first lit in 1857. It has 228 steps and 171 feet tall. This 150 yrs old Lighthouse is the 3rd tallest in the country. Wow, it was really tall.  It could have been a long stairway and a lot of stops in between to go up the top.  Unfortunately, we didn't experience that because it was closed for renovation.  It was surprising for me to see such a tall lighthouse in the Atlantic City skyline. I would describe it as a historical building that stands still in middle of a modern city. We had a nice drive, and a beautiful day to see two lighthouses.

I had a goal to visit as much Lighthouses as I could in the East Coast before I relocate  to Florida.  I've been planning to visit Cape May for a while. Finally, I was able to go on a road trip with my friend, Rousel and her son. It was a  3 hour smooth drive to Cape May.   Cape May is known for its Victorian houses.  It owns the title of America's oldest seaside resort. The lighthouse was built in 1859 and still operational.  There were 199 steps to the top. Luckily, it was open and we got to climbed it.  We made few stops in between to catch our breath and rest our aging knees.  It didn't seem high though. It's fun to climbed  it with a friend.  The view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay from the top was definitely gorgeous. To have climbed another operating lighthouse and to have visited a beautiful place in New Jersey were wonderful experiences to keep..  ...