What draws us to lighthouses?

This is the Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse

as it stands today.

I came across this little lighthouse in Port Lavaca, Texas.

There are many lighthouses more beautiful,

as I've seen many...

but none any more important.

Each and every lighthouse saved many lives,

no matter how small or in what location.

Halfmoon Reef LH was moved onto land eventually,

but originally in the 1850's it was surrounded by water

in the Matagorda Bay, off the Texas Gulf coast.

(photo credit www.lighthousefriends.com)

It survived hurricanes, Civil War and more.

The main thing that was different about

this little lighthouse was....

it had a red light.

To read why and more interesting things

about Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse,

and many other lighthouses,

click on

http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=155

What is is about lighthouses? 

What draws a person to them?

I think it may be that "they appeal

to our artistic and nostalgic senses",

as Marie Cook once said.

She also said ...

"we are to let our lights so shine".

Savor the Day!

Yvonne

Lighthouse Musings

I am so in love with lighthouses.

The life of a lighthouse keeper

was always interesting to me.

When my husband and I met Rick Pratt,

who for 19 years,

 was the keeper of the light 

at the Lydia Ann in Aransas Pass,

I was inspired to find out more

about the 'light keeper' life style.

(Rick standing in front of the old lighthouse Fresnal lens)

In 1955, after no government entities expressed interest

 in the abandoned Aransas Pass Lighthouse,

it was sold into private hands.

Rick and Cameron Pratt were live-in caretakers.

 At the end of each day they

would ascend the Lydia Ann's tower of sixty steps to activate the light.

Then, Rick filled the evening air with the drone of bagpipes

as Cameron lowered the station’s flags

– a fitting ceremony for a lighthouse

 acquainted with years of regimented life

 under the Lighthouse Service.

This is the Lydia Ann lighthouse in Aransas Pass today.

Her service was from 1851-1952.

Just imagine the solitude and peace most times.

Then imagine remaining here during a great storm,

all alone.

I remember only the first verse of

 a poem by Longfellow called

The Lighthouse...

The rocky ledge runs far into the sea,

and on its outer point, some miles away,

the lighthouse lifts its massive masonry,

A pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day.

And also... I remember the first time I heard

The Lighthouse's Tale

by Nickel Creek.

You can see the music video,

and read the words here...

http://www.musicbabylon.com/artist/Nickel_Creek/Nickel_Creek/92337-the_lighthouses_tale-lyrics.htm

You can also see 'me' (sort of) at the top of the

Port Isabel Lighthouse.

Now you have to remember that I was scared of heights at the time.

http://inkspillersattic.blogspot.com/2009/09/south-padre-island-trip.html

Savor the Day!

I try to, even if it's in little ways.

Yvonne