Portland Head Light – Maine

We’re not in Oregon, we’re in Cape Elizabeth, Maine; at the Portland Head Light!

Even with all the technologies provided in ships, lighthouses still play an important role in their safety while travelling coastal waters.

Entering the lighthouse park, we pass this adorable donation collection house.

IMG_9258

Continuing down the driveway we reach…

IMG_9259

The Portland Head Light

IMG_9261

We’re immediately greeted with the awesome views of the cliffs surrounding the Portland Head Lighthouse.

IMG_9264

Annie C Maguire

One particular rock memorializes the shipwreck of the Annie C. Maguire. 

IMG_9290

It’s Christmas Eve and Captain Daniel O’Niel, along with his wife, 12 year old son, two mates, and 13 crewmen are stuck in a terrible storm.

Joshua Strout, the lighthouse keeper is given word to watch for the lost ship. As he’s keeping watch, he see the vessel smashing into the nearby rocks.

Miraculously, no one is killed or even injured!
Everyone from the ship is taken into the Lighthouse and fed turkey pie! Three days later they’re departing for their home.

IMG_9285

The Lighthouse

Commissioned by George Washington in 1700, the Portland Head Light stands as a symbol of the “proud people weathering the challenges of nature and time”.

IMG_9283

Looking out from the front of the lighthouse, we can see boats safely passing through.

IMG_9298

There’s even a lighthouse further out in the bay to warn of hidden rocks.

IMG_9305

We just cannot get enough of the lovely views.

IMG_9323

…and of course the lighthouse.

20180423_170442

Exploring

After walking around the lighthouse, we decide to take one of its paths to get a more distant view.

IMG_9349

It’s not long before we’re a good distance away for some stunning pictures.

IMG_9339

IMG_9354

We decide to climb down to the beach to get a perspective from there as well.

I guess stacking rocks on rocks is a popular thing to do around here.

IMG_9360

IMG_9364

No matter which angle we see the lighthouse, it’s still so beautiful.

IMG_9370

We’re loving all the rocks surrounding the area.

IMG_9373

Tommy even climbs up to get a closer view.

20180423_173026

Too bad we don’t have enough room in the van for this guy!

IMG_9389

There’s that smaller lighthouse again!

IMG_9396

We each take turns getting the photo that we think is best for the lighthouse.

IMG_9402

IMG_9412

We take one more minute to catch the light shine toward us from the top of the lighthouse.

IMG_9437

Future coastal lighthouse tour anyone??

Spread the love