Gay Head Lighthouse, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusettes

Gay Head Light house from a distance. Gay Head lighthouse sits on a 130 foot cliff on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusettes. The lighthouse was established in 1799, though the current tower you see was built in 1856, and automated in 1960. It stands only 51 feet tall. The lighthouse is opened only for a few hours on Friday, Sat, and Sun from mid June to mid Setember for a fee in the evening, just before sunset. The cliffs and surrounding land are closed to the public due to erosion and unsafe conditions, thus the picture from a distance. The lens from the lighthouse is on display in the museum on Martha's Vineyard and played a large roll in guided many ships safely in the harbour. In August of 2009 President Obama and his family vacationed on Martha's Vineyard and toured the lighthouse which is located at the far western end of the island.
Very little beach area exists at Gay Head, though it seems to be an area where one can, from time to time, see bathers in the buff. Apparently they feel they're far away when you're up above. The day we were there one lone couple walked the beach, he had his swim suit in hand.  Though with the telescope provided at the look out that's not true, they are indeed visible.  Perhaps they know that and like to flaunt?  Beware if you visit with small children.

English Explorer, Bartholomew Gosnold found the cliffs and named them Dover Cliffs in his journals. Though the name he used was not one that took hold. The gaily colorful cliffs were named Gay Head, a name that stuck. An Indian legend (Wampanog) tells the story of whales blood staining the cliffs, as the reason for the bright colorful cliffs. Through time, the cliff's have become mostly white, due to erosion and what took place way back from the ice age is what scientist indicate the source of colorful cliffs of long ago; rather than the story of whales blood after a long day's hunt. 

Harbour Town Lighthouse, Hilton Head Island

Due to the number of photo's in this post, I opted for small photo's, but do click to enlarge them. All pictures are always clickable so you can see them better. But, using smaller photo's helps bandwidth and blog loading issues.
A very famous lighthouse, that's really NOT a lighthouse. The red and white 90 foot lighthouse was built in 1970, never served as a lighthouse...not a beacon to welcome weary ships in from their dangerous journeys at sea. It was built at Braddocks Point after Lawton Stables (formerly Lawton Plantation) was moved; as development for the area was in full swing. Shops, lodging, boat docks and of course The famous golf course, Harbour Town Golf Links where the famous Heritage Golf Classic takes place. If you've ever viewed this on TV, you've seen this lighthouse. It's the most recognized and photographed item on Hilton Head Island.
In the inside of the Lighthouse is a museum with historic pictures and memorabilia, as well as 2 gift shops. A gift shop on the bottom where you purchase your tickets, and a larger gift shop at the top. One u-tube video claims there are 114 steps to the top. Pete Dye with the help of Jack Nicklaus (the one I recognize in the picture) helped design the course.

Tried to get a photo through the glass without the glare of the flash didn't quite work. But, light is limited inside the Lighthouse and time to take photo's with lots of folks on the steps coming and going is difficult. I count 45 stars on this flag. Our flag got it's 45th star when Utah was added in 1896. The 45 stars remained until 1908, 12 years later. 3 US Presidents served under that flag, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt was the only one not from Ohio.
The views from the top include the shopping area, some forest area, and some lodging.It's quite windy on top, so flag is always blowing.Looking towards the golf course you can see the long boat dock area.This boat dock area is right off the front side of Lighthouse
To the right of above boat dock area is a parking lot and wonderful beach area. As you can kayaking is popular.
And at the very point, almost looking straight down from The lighthouse an outside eating area from one of the many eating establishments in Harbour Town.

Marblehead Lighthouse, Lake Erie, Ohio

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The day after the tornado's hit Northern Ohio the sky was beautiful blue and the sun shone brightly. Though the air was cool, the sun was warm. Marblehead Lighthouse was built in 1821 with a 50 foot beacon. In 1903 15 additional feet were added making it's beacon 65 feet. The Marblehead Lighthouse was built by William Kelley from limestone and became an Ohio State Park in 1998.

Here on Lake Erie it attracts visitors from all over. Lake Erie is the 12th largest freshwater lake in The World, is the most shallow of the 5 Great Lakes, measures 210 miles long, 57 miles wide and has approximately 871 miles of shore land to enjoy. That's a lot to explore folks.

Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operated lighthouse in The Great Lakes, and one of the most photographed scene's in the area. Come spend the day walking the shoreline with views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island, and South Bass Island. You can even see the rides at Cedar Point from your vantage point here at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park.

There's picnic facilities for families of all ages to enjoy. On week days and the 2nd Saturday of the month you can take a guided tour of the lighthouse.

Though I've stopped here at Marblehead Lighthouse multiple times, I've not yet been able to take the tour; so it's still on my list of things to do while touring and enjoying The Port Clinton area.

Harbour Town Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

A common site when one thinks about Hilton Head. This is the little lighthouse in Harbour Town, a symbol of the Island. Seen often when watching golf from the area. The lighthouse is 90 foot tall, is open as a museum to the public for $5.00. A small gift shop at the base and on top provide shopping opportunities. As you climb the stairs you're viewing the museum items. I'm told this is a good place to watch the sunset. It was about to close the first day we were here, and the 2nd day I tried to tour it; it was closed for maintenance and painting.
Harbour Town Golf Links right on the water's edge is a view you might be familiar with, as it's often shown during competitions on TV. Harbour Town is the toe area of the Island.
As you walk the boardwalk you can view the gorgeous ships, soak in the sun (this was one such day), shop in the quaint little village area; or eat at any of the many restaurants. Though we found many restaurants closed during our stay; as it wasn't "in season".
This, I'm sure is a favorite past-time during the season. The folks you see behind the red rockers are lining up for ice cream. Further down we saw some folks rocking taking in the sun, and a few looked to be taking a nap, while others...like the statue reading a book enjoying the view.

Cape Cod Lighthouse, Massachusettes

Cape Cod Lighthouse (Highland Light), is the oldest of the lighthouses in Cape Cod. It's tower is 66 feet, on a hill 130 feet above the beach. A wonderful lighthouse museum can be toured for a small fee. Over time erosion shortened the distance the lighthouse was from the shore. A severe winter storm in 1996 took away 40 feet; causing great concern. The following summer the lighthouse was moved back to a safer distance.
This plaque indicates the exact location of the original lighthouse.

Baltimore (Inner Harbor), Maryland

Mother and Daughter Quacking while touring on Ride the Duck in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. This photo was from 3 years ago when we went to Baltimore for the first time. The Duck is an amphibious vehicle, from World War II; updated for tourism in cities around the country. You get a nice over view of the area on land and on sea. The Captain gives you history and points out areas of interest. After your tour on The Duck, you can decide what you'd like to go back and see in more detail. The tour began on Light Street in The Inner Harbor, went through Fells Point, and Little Italy then entered the water. Everyone gets a quacker to wear and blow calling attention to the tour as you meander through the downtown streets.

The second photo is us entering the water. The 3rd photo is Seven Foot Knoll Light. This historic lighthouse has a long and interesting history from the early 1800's. You can tour the lighthouse and learn all about the families that lived and worked there, the live saving mission, and how it was moved to it's current location. The lighthouse is now owned and operated by The Baltimore Maritime Museum located on Pier 5.

We passed a very historic graveyard (where Poe is buried), the first Washington Memorial and many other interesting areas. The Duck Tour in Baltimore has since closed down. I'm not sure why or when. However, one can still use the water taxi's to see the sights from the water, and there are still Duck tours in other cities (San Francisco, Newport, Branson, and Philadelphia) you might enjoy. So, while you can't enjoy this specific tour; I do highly recommend this as a good family, all age appropriate adventure. You can order your tickets on line, or call ahead.

Quack Quack

St. Augustine, Florida

Old photo's from the "Oldest City". St. Augustine in Florida is the first permanent European settlement in the U.S. (These old poor quality photo's are from the dark ages, my honeymoon back in 1972, taken with a little Instamatic then scanned).

There is so much to see and do here in this beautiful city. Spanish influence is most apparent as you tour the city. Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon first came ashore here in 1513. Though the word here has broad meaning. The exact location really isn't known, but thought to be in this area. He didn't come with a mission to make a settlement, rather his mission was to explore. The area wasn't well thought of, poor land, infested with insects and alligators, humid uncomfortable weather and hurricanes. Ponce de Leon continued on to other places in his explorations.


French Huguenots attempted to colonize the area in 1562, unsuccessfully as they ran out of food and pulled out. The French tried again in 1564 with a larger more well equipment group that included women. Trouble between France and Spanish ensued. I could tell you more about how Menendez rooted out the Spanish, was imprisoned and.......but, instead let me suggest that you schedule a trip to this fascinating city and find out first hand.

A wonderful place for families with beaches to enjoy, parks for those traveling with pets, Lighthouses to explore, Missions, Museums, and lets not forget the Fort. Ft Mantanzas is a National Monument, all children love cannons. History truly comes alive in St. Augustine.


As we continued on up the coast we spotted Ponce de Leon Inlet Light. This lighthouse is 175 feet tall, the tallest in all of Florida. It's located between St. Augustine and Cape Canaveral Light. Though it's history began in 1835, that structure was in a slightly different location, and was burned down during one of The Seminole Wars. The newer structure was constructed in 1883 and in 1998 was noted as a National Historic Landmark.

Pigeon Point Light House, California

Built in 1872, still active though in need of repair and closed to the Public, Pigeon Point Light House--Historic State Park---Hostel.

This lighthouse is 50 miles south of San Francisco, between Half Moom Bay and Santa Cruz on The Beach Road. A rugid 115 feet tall lighthouse. Rooms-hostels- $20.00 a night. This was one of the tallest lighthouses in America, a good place for whale watching, hiking and relaxing. Care to help the preservation effort...there's a campaign to Save the Light.






You can see in all these pictures how cloudy, cool and gray it was while we were on vacation. Surely no need for sun screen, but I hadn't expected to need a hooded sweatshirt and a coat while in sunny California.

As you drive up the coast, don't pass up opportunities for a bathroom stop, they are few and far between. Take food and water with you, so you can stop along the way and picnic. There are many turn outs that make that possible. Don't count on finding a fast food place to zip in and zip out.

Leave your sandals at home! Or at least in the car and wear tennis shoes and socks, makes for moving around easier.