Unfazed by the Encroaching Sea

Newport, Rhode Island gained a reputation as a playground for the rich and is home to some of the most impressive mansions from America's gilded age, but the area has always been home to a working maritime industry, as well, with a rich nautical history. Castle Hill Light is small at only 34', and far from opulent, but it performs its duty with the steadfast resolve of a New England waterman, regardless of the conditions.

Remotely located at the end of Ocean Drive, this granite guardian is an active navigation aid for all vessels entering the East Passage of Narragansett Bay between Conanicut Island (seen in the background) and Aquidneck Island.

Near the End of the Shift

The lights on both Portland Head and Ram Island Ledge will soon extinguish for the day, as the dawn begins to light Casco Bay.

As it has since 1791, Portland Head Lighthouse warns mariners away from these notoriously rocky shores of Maine toward safer passages and anchorages.

Used (with permission) as a holiday greeting card for supporters of Ben's Lighthouse, an organization which honors 6-year old Benjamin Wheeler, a victim of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, with a mission to provide programs and opportunities that help kids and teens develop empathy, self-awareness and social connection.

Fickle Mud Season Weather

Spring in New England is anything but predictable. On this, the 4th of May, the weather was overcast, calm and heavy with humidity, with high temperatures barely cresting above 50° F. It was still mud-season, New England's fifth season of the year.

The following day, was windy, but clear, crisp, and highs in the 70s. Completely different photographic opportunities between the two days.

Here, I tried to capture an image of a lesser known (privately owned) lighthouse in Maine. Hendricks Head Light is in pristine condition, owing to the private ownership, but difficult to see from the land side. Though this shot is mid-afternoon in early May, you could easily mistake it for late afternoon in autumn.

Rockland Breakwater and Breakwater Light

Over 700,000 tons of granite was used to build this breakwater in the late 19th century. It took nearly two decades (1881-1899), and cost $750,000 to complete, but enabled Rockland Harbor to withstand storms and continue use as a commercial port and working harbor.

The enormous granite blocks were precision cut to fit and placed end-to-end for 7/8 mile in water up to 70' deep. In 1902, the Breakwater Lighthouse was added, and remains in use today. It is the iconic image of the city of Rockland, Maine.

A popular attraction in the summer months, it is common to see people walking the length of the breakwater during much of the year, as seen by the man and his dog enjoying a stroll, here, on a blustery mid-Spring day.

Images of the World in Which We Live

New England Lights