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Cape Hatteras - OBX trip, part 4
2008.06.05
The Cape Hatteras lighthouse, as viewed from the approaching road. This is not the original location. The shore was eroding in its original location, and it was in danger of being destroyed. Drastic measures were necessary, and in 1999, the lighthouse, all 4800 tons of it, were moved 2870 feet inland.
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This is the tallest lighthouse in the United States. Climbing to the top is the equivalent of climbing to the roof of a 12-story building.
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Some of the brave (and sturdy) souls who climbed to the top. Even if I had the stamina to climb 12 stories, my fear of heights wouldn't allow it.
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The principal keeper's quarters.
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Now the Museum of the Sea, but formerly the home of the two assistant keepers and their families. Both this building and the principal keeper's quarters were moved along with the lighthouse.
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A medallion in the walkway commemorating the July 1999 move, as well as the re-dedication in 2000.
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Kevin is braver than I am, and made the climb to the top. Pausing for a photo before he makes the climb.
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The first of many steps to the top - 257, to be exact.
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It's a long way up there, but fortunately for the climbers, there are several landings along the way.
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The rest of the photos were taken by Kevin at the top, as well as the original location. Looking out at the shoreline.
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A view of the original location of the lighthouse in the distance (as noted on the photo). The treeless strip of land, which includes part of the parking lot, is the path the lighthouse traveled to the new location.
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A circle of granite stones marking the original location.
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Looking towards another direction. In the distance, you can see just how narrow the islands of the Outer Banks are in places. The islands are not anchored to offshore coral reefs as other barrier islands are, so they are much more vulnerable to the sea.
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The original location, with the lighthouse in the distance. The names of the keepers are carved into the stones.
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This was my father's favorite lighthouse. He was originally from North Carolina, and his family can be traced back here to the 1600s. Before this trip, the last time I had been here was when I was a toddler. However, I always heard of the lighthouse while growing up.
Coming to the lighthouse was surprisingly emotional for me. It didn't hit me until it first came into view. I still miss him terribly, but living in North Carolina makes me feel as if I'm still connected to him.
Coming to the lighthouse was surprisingly emotional for me. It didn't hit me until it first came into view. I still miss him terribly, but living in North Carolina makes me feel as if I'm still connected to him.
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Fascinating series. I love lighthouses! Incidently, I am *trying* to persuade my partner to accompany me on a drive out to see one soon... I love the lines, I love the views...I really like this set!!
????? · 2008-06-07: 16:18
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GREAT set! I have a memory of my own about this place.... about thirty some years ago my husband and I took a camping trip to Cape Hateras, taking my little sister along. It was SO HOT during the day, and of course there are no trees of any height so we'd sit in the shade of the toilet building to escape the heat! THEN they warned of a big storm coming (not the place you want to be in a storm!) and we had to pack up the car with a wet tent and drive to many hours to get out of that place! Sadly, NOT the fond memory you have, but of course now makes me laugh to remember! I will have to tell my sister to pop in to see this post... she has other memories... something about my husband and I fighting as we drove off.... surely not! :-)
DancingDolphin · 2008-06-07: 17:41
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I just love the third shot -- looking up under the topmost part. Great detail. I love lighthouses too! I'll have more this summer from our August trip to Maine. Two Lights & Portland Head Light to be sure.
gderuiter · 2008-06-07: 18:01
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beautifully done! yes, I posted mine too- but we only visited for a few days and saw one lighthouse- it was weird- then a flood of lighthouse views came it- great minds think alike!! R
urmysunshine · 2008-06-07: 20:51
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Gorgeous set!! I climbed this lighthouse when we were there. It was in March and it was freezing with super strong winds at the top. My mom is afraid of heights, so she waited patiently at the bottom. My legs were sore the next day. :) Quite the experience.
PaperWings · 2008-06-07: 23:07
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Great post......
joycephotography · 2008-06-08: 01:44
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memories and having locations that trigger moments in our time here are so special, keep them close and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your photos!
my365vision · 2008-06-08: 23:18
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Oh, I love lighthouses!
ambersunsets · 2008-06-10: 16:08
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I would so be climbing that light house with Kevin!! I would of course be out of breath but that view is so amazing! I never knew the lighthouse was moved. It is great.
Beagles3 · 2008-06-11: 18:14
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