DSC_02812

Coordinates: 53.35117°N 3.31911°W

DSC_02812
Originally uploaded by p_sarah40.

From East to West; New Brighton, The Wirral

From East to West; New Brighton, The Wirral
Originally uploaded by Corica.

After spending a evening's photography with Pixelda on the east coast it was back to solo photography on the west coast.

There was a Kite Festival on Saturday at New Brighton, so we went with the in-laws to The Wirral to see what was going on.

A throughly enjoyable afternoon made all the better for finding this lighthouse.

The Lens

The Lens
Originally uploaded by Steve Oliver.

The Lizard Lighthouse, on Lizard Point in Cornwall, United Kingdom, was built in 1619, but the inability to collect dues from passing ships forced its closure in 1623. In 1762, Trinity House built a two-tower, coal-fired station, which it leased for 61 years to a Thomas Fonnerau. The coal fires were replaced by Argand oil lights in 1812, and they in turn replaced in 1878 by generator-powered electricity.
In 1903, the two tower system was stopped, and a single flashing light used. This has a white flash every 3 seconds and a range of 25 miles. The fog horn gives 2 blasts every 60 second

Coordinates: 49°57′58″N 5°12′07″W

Newborough, Angelsey, Wales

by Fin Wright

Strumble

Strumble
Originally uploaded by Steve Oliver.

An interesting shot of the light on Strumble Head. Well, I like it anyway...

Strumble Head Lighthouse stands on Ynys Meicl (meaning St. Michael's Island), a rocky island at the northwest corner of Pencaer, five miles west of the town of Fishguard, in northern Pembrokeshire, Wales.

It was erected in 1908 to improve the safety of sea traffic, warning of rocky coast and strong currents that had claimed at least 60 ships in the 19th century alone and serving as a navigational aid.

Although Ynys Meicl is connected to the mainland via a narrow bridge, building on the island presented many difficulties usually associated with building lighthouses on more remote islands.

The light mechanism which enabled the light to flash four times every 15 seconds was originally clockwork and required winding every 12 hours. The lighthouse was electrified in 1965 and fully automated (unstaffed) in 1980.

Those familiar with transatlantic aviation may recognise the name from Strumble VOR.

Coordinates: 52.02904°N 5.07429°W

"Old photo revisited"

"This shot, is one of my faves, I have processed it several times, as it actually was, in Mono, and now this version. it's the Lightnouse at New Brighton in the UK. It is one of those old fashioned seaside towns, that does excellent chips, and candy floss, while you do battle with the sea gulls to keep your food. The main attraction for me was the Lighthouse though, and the long promenade. Also. watching the kids trying to catch things like crabs.

Really like the the vintage feel to the image, old postcard feel.

Love Suzi x"

New Brighton Lighthouse was originally known as Perch Rock Lighthouse, and construction began in 1827. Since 1 October 1973 it has not been in use as a lighthouse, having been superseded by modern navigational technology.

To the lighthouse

To the lighthouse
Originally uploaded by cattycamehome.

To the lighthouse

Come up to my lighthouse for I have something I wish to say
It can wait for a moment; well in fact
it can wait all day
I just wanted to bring you up here so you could have the chance to see
the beauty of this situation that
you could share with me

It may seem strange
to talk of love and then lighthouses
It's not strange
to me
Hey
All alone
you and I in our high tower
That's the way
to be

Some laugh at my lighthouse they say it's just an ivory tower
But I don't mind because I know
their envy grows by the hour
See I have a purpose up here to guide the ships upon their way
All this is mine; it could be yours too
what do you say?

My Lighthouse - Pulp

The 17th century Beacon Tower looks to the casual onlooker like an original lighthouse structure and indeed some claim that that is what it was, built in 1673 with the permission of Charles II, who also gave permission for the collection of dues from passing ships. More credibly it is thought to be simply a beacon tower, the iron grill at the top being for bushes and wood to burn as warning at times of wartime invasion.  What is believed to be the original lighthouse was built in 1806 by a local customs officer to warn of the dangers of the rocky coast, some 174 ships having foundered off the coast in the previous 36 years. The present lighthouse, a towering 92’ high and with over 3.5 million candle power is visible from the sea for some 21 miles.
sea also:

Aerial View of The Needles and Lighthouse at the Isle of Wight

AAFB001046| Value RM| © Jason Hawkes/CORBIS

Aerial View of The Needles and Lighthouse at the Isle of Wight

Image:		© Jason Hawkes/CORBIS
Collection:		Corbis Edge Value RM
Photographer:		Jason Hawkes
Date Photographed:		ca. 2000-2002
Location Information:		Isle of Wight, England, UK

Lighthouse at night at the coast at Neist Point, Isle of Skye, Scotland

42-15271044| Value RM| © Wilfried Krecichwost/zefa/Corbis

Lighthouse at night at the coast at Neist Point, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Image:		© Wilfried Krecichwost/zefa/Corbis
Collection:		zefa Value Value RM
Photographer:		Wilfried Krecichwost
Location Information:		Skye, Scotland, UK

This image is distributed as Rights Managed. Online pricing is not available. You may set usage, but must then contact Corbis to determine the price. Add the image to your Lightbox, and then click the Request Price link under the image.

Portland Head Light

Portland Head Light

The sun reflects off of Portland Head Light on a bright winter day.
Location:	Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Coordinates WGS-84 (GPS)	43°37′23″N, 70°12′28″W
Year first lit:	1791
Automated:	1989
Foundation:	Natural emplaced
Construction:	Rubble stone with brick lining
Tower shape:	conical
Markings/Pattern:	White with black trim
Height:	30.8 m (101 feet)
Original lens:	Fourth order Fresnel lens, 1855
Range:	24 nm
Characteristic:	Flashing white 4s. Lighted throughout 24 hours. Emergency light of reduced intensity when main light is extinguished. HORN: 1 blast ev 15s (2s bl).

Old Lamp


















Image © Jack Kennealy

Portland Head Light

Glasses required
Originally uploaded by dropdeadred.

History

(Excerpted from the Museum Guidebook, compiled by Kathleen Rummler)

Portland Head has long protected Portland and the adjacent area. Cape Elizabeth residents were deeply committed to American independence from British rule. In 1776, the new Town of Cape Elizabeth posted a guard of eight soldiers at Portland Head to warn citizens of coming British attacks.

In 1787, the General Court of Massachusetts (the Massachusetts legislature) provided $750 to begin construction of a lighthouse. In 1790, when the United States Government took over the responsibility of all lighthouses, Congress appropriated $1,500 for its completion. The original tower measured 72' from base to lantern deck and was lit with 16 whale oil lamps. It was first lit on January 10, 1791.

Construction of the first Keeper's Quarters began in 1790 as the result of a contract signed by Massachusetts Governor John Hancock. A one story dwelling built to replace the first keeper's house was erected in 1816. It measured 34' x 20' with two rooms, a cellar and a porch in the rear.

By 1864 a 4th order Fresnel lens and a cast iron staircase were installed.

By 1865, the tower was raised 20' and a 2nd order Fresnel lens was installed. A portion of this lens may now be seen at the Museum at Portland Head Light. Except for a period between1883 and1885, this lens was in the lighthouse until 1958.

Late on Christmas Eve in 1886, the three masted bark Annie C. Maguire struck the ledge at Portland Head. Keeper Joshua Strout, his son, wife, and volunteers rigged an ordinary ladder as a gangplank between the shore and the ledge the ship was heeled against. Captain O'Neil, the ship's master, his wife, two mates, and the nine man crew clambered onto the ledge and then to safety . The cause of the wreck is puzzling since visibility was not a problem. Members of the crew reported they "plainly saw Portland Light before the disaster and are unable to account for same."

The current Keepers' Quarters building was constructed in 1891 as a two story duplex. Until 1989, it was home to the head and assistant lighthouse keepers and their families.

Portland Head Light was the responsibility of the United States Department of the Treasury from 1790 to 1852 when management was transferred to the US Lighthouse Board. The Board was reorganized into the Bureau of Lighthouses in 1910. In 1939, aids to navigation became the responsibility of the United States Coast Guard. On August 7th, 1989, Petty Officer Davis Simpson struck the US flag for the last time at the decommissioning ceremony recognizing the automation of the lighthouse. The property was leased in 1990 to the Town of Cape Elizabeth. Three years later, through the efforts of United States Senator George Mitchell, the property was deeded to the Town. The United States Coast Guard maintains the actual light and the fog signal, but the remainder of the property is managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth.

http://www.portlandheadlight.com

Webcam from Portland Head Light



See local marine forecast from the Weather Channel

Balanced

Balanced
Originally uploaded by thorbak.

Scarborough, Yorkshire, UK. July 2007.