Cape Disappointment, WA

Following our visit to Cannon Beach, OR, we decided to look for the sun and headed north on the Oregon Coast Highway, aka US 101. A few patches of it broke out around the town of Seaside. Undaunted, we continued north to Astoria, OR, and when things didn't improve, figured, might as well cross the Astoria-Megler Bridge and see what was on the other side- the state of Washington, of course. Learning of a place called Cape Disappointment not far off, headed there. 

Even with the fog and heavy air, I can't say we were disappointed, the gray gloom adding to the mystique of the park, even if it didn't provide us with the picture perfect postcard view. This also coincides with my sense that there is always something of interest to photograph if you are open to seeing in terms of being in the moment rather than letting  preconceived expectations cloud your vision of it.

 

As if to be rewarded for persevering in the face of such a foreboding seascape, we discovered the existence of the North Head Lighthouse. 

Though not as tall and magnificent as the lighthouses we visited on Long Island in May, it does have it's unique charm and utilitarian dignity standing as it does on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. Unfortunately, we arrived after the last tour of the day and so were unable to go inside. Nevertheless, it did present a number of graphic possibilities as the detail of the entry door attempts to portray.

Detail of the entry to the North Head Lighthouse

Lighthouse keepers lived large. This is the lightkeepers house for the North Head Lighthouse you can vacation in. There's a smaller assistant lighthouse keeper's house on the grounds, too, also available for overnights. It, too, seemed more than adequate for the task.

August 7: National Lighthouse Day

Who knew! So, for the past week or so I've been posting images of the Montauk Point Lighthouse and the Fire Island Lighthouse blissfully unaware that it would culminate today with this image of the Fire Island Lighthouse on National Lighthouse Day. Serendipity reigns supreme! Maybe I'll test its limits and buy a lottery ticket....

Light Keeper's House, Details

Some of the interesting architectural details of the Fire Island Light Keeper's House. According to the historical association, Connecticut River blue split stone from the original 74 foot tall lighthouse built in 1826 and later demolished because it wasn't tall enough to be effective, was used for the terrace of the new lighthouse commissioned in 1857. Those stones would be in the foreground of this photo of the main entrance to the museum and gift shop. I'm also reminded of those brain teaser exercises: how many geometric shapes are visible in this photograph?

Another shot of the entryway from the side, showing the blue split stone on the terrace and decorative motifs carried over from the front view.

Love the green door that completes the green treatment of the window sashes. Or is it the other way around? Add the red brick on the door stoop that recalls the red roof.

Fire Island Lighthouse & Quarters

The Fire Island Lighthouse and keeper's quarters, now the lighthouse museum and gift shop. When traveling, schedules and circumstances always dictate what types of photographs you will be able to make. The day my wife and I were able to visit the lighthouses at Montauk Point and Fire Island, the weather was iffy at best-there was nearly always the threat of rain. We were also there in mid-afternoon, so the heavy skies were actually a blessing, lending drama to a scene that is less photogenic on a sunny summer day when photographed between 10am and 3 pm when the sun is more overhead and the lighting less dramatic for most land and seascapes because the shadows are less pronounced. So, if there is a lesson, it's to be in the moment, always, and of you're intent on making memorable photos, keep your eyes open, be willing to let go of any unrealistic expectations and keep looking. Something will turn up that will delight and surprise you.

Lighthouse Window

The window in the Fire Island Lighthouse, also showing the taper in the tower itself. Interesting to me is the choice of colors in the banding of the individual lighthouses: Montauk's is brown & white, and here, it's black and white.

Fire Island Light Station

This lighthouse, located on Fire Island along the southeast Atlantic coastline of New York's Long island, stands 168' tall and was placed in service in 1858. It replaced a smaller 74' tall lighthouse that was built in 1826 but which proved ineffective due to its height. This view shows the boardwalk constructed by the NPS to help preserve the delicate coastal eco-system  that is challenged by the number of visitors to the site and shoreline.

The Atlantic Ocean

From a staircase window in the Montauk Point Lighthouse looking cold and forbidding. Where's the hot cocoa? Next post, we'll visit the Fire Island Light Station.

Two Views from the Montauk Point Light House

After climbing the 137 steps to the lantern room of the Montauk Pt. Lighthouse, was greeted with these views. To the right, a southwesterly view of the Atlantic Ocean meeting the eastern coastline of Long Island.

The view at left is looking northeast across Block Island Sound. The southern coastlines of Connecticut and Rhode Island visible on the horizon with the railing of the lantern gallery in the foreground. From these photos, the importance of the Montauk Pt. Lighthouse as a visual navigation aid to mariners is apparent.

Fresnel Lens, Detail

Looking into the central lens of a fresnel lens at the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, you can see the prismatic effect of the glass rings surrounding the central lens.

Fresnel Lens, Montauk Pt. Lighthouse Museum

The Fresnel lens was invented in 1822 by French physicist Augustine Fresnel as a way to convert the scattered light rays from a light source into a single, powerful, beam of light via a series of glass prisms arranged in concentric rings around it that redirected the scattered rays through a central lens that itself was shaped to further magnify the light passing through it. Tests indicated that a single flame lost 97% of its illumination without any re-direction. With reflectors, it still lost 83%, but with the new invention, only 17% was lost, thus making it perfect for seacoast applications. Depending on its size, the Fresnel lens can cast beams as far as twenty miles.

Early light sources were oil burning lamps that created a great deal of soot, thus requiring frequent cleaning in all types of weather and conditions, a daunting task for the lighthouse keepers charged with their upkeep. You also didn't want to break anything, either.

The Fresnel lens has had a great impact on photography as it is utilized for its ability to shape light on commercial sets for still and motion picture photographers worldwide.

Pt. Bonita Light House

Ever vigilant at the entrance to the Golden Gate in the Marin Headlands of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area. Taken on July 4, 2011. Happy Birthday, USA!