Friday, October 19, 2012

Cape Neddick (Nubble) Lighthouse, Maine


On my visit to Portsmouth, New Hampshire last year, which you can read about on this link, my husband and I were taken on a side trip by his co-workers over to Cape Neddick Point, which is at the north end of Long Sands Beach in the village of York Beach, Maine.  There we were able to view this beautiful lighthouse on Nubble Island, called both the Cape Neddick and the Nubble Lighthouse.

I was so excited to have the chance to see this lighthouse, as a photo of it in winter, lighted for Christmas, was my computer's screen saver for many years.  To actually see the lighthouse in person was a memorable treat!



The Nubble Lighthouse station was established in 1879, and the present brick and cast iron lighthouse was built in 1879.  It was automated in 1987, retaining its fourth-order Fresnel lens that was installed in 1928.



The height of the lighthouse tower is 41 feet, but because of the additional height of the steep rocky islet on which it sits, it stands 88 feet above sea level. Nearby are the 1879 keeper's house, built in 1879, the 1902 oil house storage building, and the boathouse, rebuilt in 1978 after a storm destroyed the original one.  When the light was automated in 1987 the last Coast Guard keeper was removed.  In 1998, ownership of the Nubble Lighthouse was given to the Town of York through the Maine Lights Program. In all, the Maine Lights Program was awarded ownership to twenty-eight other Maine lighthouse, all former US Coast Guard properties. More about the history of this well-loved lighthouse can be read on this link.

The lighthouse is not open to the public, but it can be easily viewed from Sohier Park.  I stood at the edge of this park and took a video of the Atlantic Ocean's waves crashing on the shore, the lighthouse on Nubble Island and then the rest of Cape Neddick Point. If you watch my Youtube video you can see the bucket pulley system that was set up to ferry supplies back and forth to the island at one time.
You can watch the video on YouTube at this link. As you can see it is a beautiful place to visit!  Did you see the bucket pulley lines?



This bucket system, installed in the 1950s, was never intended for the transport of people, but around 1967, Coast Guard keeper at the time, David Winchester, put his two children in the bucket each morning to send them on their way to school. The photo above caused quite a stir when it appeared in newspapers. The district commander saw the photo in a Boston paper and made arrangements to board the children on the mainland during the week. Soon after that, it became policy that families with school-age children were not sent to the Nubble.



An informational placard about the lighthouse in Sohier Park.



I have to admit I was envious of the people who live in this gorgeous house at the beginning of Cape Neddick, as they have a clear view of the lighthouse from their eastern windows. I would love to sit in those Adirondack chairs that I spied in their backyard and stare out at the ocean. I don't think I'd ever tire of that beautiful view!


We also spied a seasonal lobster house nearby that was getting a jump on the Christmas season with this lobster crate Christmas tree in front. They have a webcam on the website of their view of the lighthouse, that you can view on this link.



Although our visit to Maine was very short, we could not leave without having New England clam chowder and a lobster dinner. Both were delicious -- just look at the size of those lobster claws!


As the day ended we drove back to New Hampshire where we were going to leave for New York the next morning. Our last view of Maine was this beautiful sunset.  All of New England is special and we really hope to be able to re-visit these areas again one day.
On the home front, we are still trying to sell our home in Brooklyn. The market has unfortunately been very slow. We live in a very nice middle-class family neighborhood, but it just may be that not many families are looking to buy a house right now, or can't afford one.  If we see that this trend lasts until November we are going to begin packing at that time, even if we don't sell, and leave our house on the market.  We're sure it will take us quite a while to pack, and sell the furniture we are not moving with us, so our timeline is that we probably won't be able to move until the winter.  Driving across the country in winter will be an experience I'm sure! Our granddaughter is due in February so we would like to be in Colorado by the time of her birth and settled. Please keep us in your prayers that all these plans fall into place and that sooner than later our house will sell. It's going to be a big move -- Thanks!
Plus, don't forget to enter the BlogHer and Blue 365 $500 gift card Sweepstakes on my prior post.  I had a lucky winner in the last sweepstakes that was linked to my blog!

Bookmark and Share

64 comments:

Barbara F. said...

The sunset is gorgeous, Pat. I have never been to Maine, but I would absolutely include a lobster dinner if I get the chance to visit. Did you put that statue in your window? :) xo

Lynn said...

Looks like a beautiful place to visit Pat! I actually caught my breath when I saw the picture of the little kid! The lobster trap Christmas tree is neat-Happy Weekend:@)

eileeninmd said...

Pat, I love to visit lighthouses and this one is very pretty. It does make a lovely scene. The lobster crate tree is cute. What a nice post and photos. Have a great weekend!

ellen b. said...

Beautiful area and lighthouse. I've been thinking about you and the sale of your home. Praying when I wake up at night and ask God to remind me who I said I'd pray for. :0)
Katie and Andrew drove from Seattle to North Carolina in March last year with some bad winter weather and made it...
Blessings...

Pamela Gordon said...

I really enjoyed this post and the beautiful photos of this lighthouse. I love the coast of Maine and it's rugged beauty. Thinking of you and your house dilemma. I'm sure it will work out in time. Blessings, Pamela

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Maine is such a special place. The homes in Cape Neddick are some of the prettiest on the coast. I will keep you in my prayers and hope for a quick sale.

Snap said...

I think lighthouses are so romantic! I wonder why?!!! Gorgeous views you've shared with us today. Good thoughts on your move.

podso said...

Such gorgeous photos! I love light houses and saw this one on our trip to Maine years ago.

Sheila said...

Your experience of getting to see the beautiful lighthouse must have been wonderful. Lighthouses have such history - what stories of terrible storms and brave sailors rounding the islands this lighthouse must have. I wonder how the lighthouse keepers and their families must have felt when the when storms crashed around them. I would love to have a view of the ocean but from a distance. Best of luck to you as you pack up and hopefully the right young couple will be looking to move out of a small condo and into a character home to begin their family life together.

The Gathering Place said...

Pat, what a lovely place to visit. The views are so pretty. Good luck with selling your home. I'm sure it is a worry, but things work out in the end.

Susie said...

Pat, I do pray for everything to work out perfectly, for you and your loved ones. I hope you will still post some New York photos, for all of us, every once in a while. You surely have a big file of them:):) I love lighthouses too. Smiles to all, Susie

Linda said...

Spending time in Maine is on my list of things to do...you lucky girl...glad you had a chance to go! Wonderful pictures and stories...funny about the kids in the bucket!! have a great evening!!

Al said...

What a beautiful place, but I wouldn't want to be there in a storm. Lovely photos!

Joyful said...

Very nice series of coastal scenes.

Vee said...

Very interesting post... I learned things. That photo of the schoolboy heading for the mainland...yikes!

All the very best with the sale of the house.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Can you imagine having the memory of going to school in that bucket? OH MY! I love that big Christmas tree...how unusual. And I'm hoping you'll sell your house soon. We moved out of ours before it sold and eventually it sold. It will all work out, my friend! Sweet hugs!

A Garden of Threads said...

It is a beautiful lighthouse. I will keep you in my prayers.

My name is Riet said...

How beautiful, I love that sight. Lighthouses always have something special.. Have a nice week Pat.

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Beautiful sunset!!! Lovely photos as always!! Cathy

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Pat, Thank you for the birthday wishes on my Facebook page. And I am keeping my fingers crossed for the quick sale of your home. Sales are still very slow here too, but supposedly things are picking up! I am really enjoying your pictures of Maine. As many times as I have seen this lighthouse, I never heard the story of its history or the children!! I also enjoyed your Strawbery Banke post and left you a separate and probably too long comment there! I love your tours of my New England! I learn so much! Linda

GailO said...

You will certainly be having a very busy year Pat!

Good luck on the sale of the house!

Annesphamily said...

What a lovely post and you will be in my prayers Pat! I Know everything will work out for you perfectly! It is always a pleasure to see you here because your writing is so interesting and very informative too! Thank you! Have a beautiful week! Anne

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

Oh Pat I wanted to comment on that lighthouse as they are so special to see and it was so lovingly kept but it was the news that you will be leaving your home in in New York that perked my interest. The news each night tells us that the economy is just awful right now. I do hope that will get your sale. It will be a big adventure to go across country and begin a new life in a different State. I will be interested in hearing all about it. Valerie

Mary said...

Pat~ I love the lobster trap Christmas tree! We keep telling ourselves we need to plan a trip to Maine! I love that gorgeous home with its view too! Keeping my fingers crossed for you an and a speedy sell for your home! :)

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

What a gorgeous place to visit! I love Maine! Your pictures are incredible!!! Thanks for the fieldtrip!

Tracy said...

Such GORGEOUS images, Pat! Maine is a place I've longed to see--and it's still on my bucket list! So this was a great taste of a great place...*sigh*... Thank lobster crate Xmas tree is such fun! I love New England humor! Hoping very much that your house sells soon. The housing market is still so precarious these days, isn't it? But your plan to move in the meantime will give your cheer. Well, not that moving is fun exactly, but you know what I mean! ;o) LOL... Happy Week ((HUGS))

SmilingSally said...

Like you, I'd never tire of this view. That is blue-tiful!

Thanks for sharing.

Happy Blue Monday, Pat.

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Afternoon Pat, Thank you for the lovely photos, I really enjoyed them. I used to live in Portsmouth, Hampshire in England so it was lovely to read about Portsmouth New Hampshire. Wasn't the lobster crate Christmas tree fun. Have a lovely afternoon. Best Wishes Daphne

RNSANE said...

Goodness, Pat, I've been out of touch for a long while. I did not know you were selling your home and heading to Colorado. I know it will be hard leaving Brooklyn but with both your daughters and the grandchildren there, I can certainly see that it will be a wonderful move for all the family. I've really enjoyed learning so much about New York from you. Your blogs are always so wonderful.

This lighthouse post is delightful. I've always loved lighthouses. My father was from Waltham, MA and I lived in that area for several years when I first married. My husband was stationed at Hanscom Field, MA, in the Lexington - Concord area. He belonged to the base aeroclub and we were always flying to the Cape or Bar Harbor or Montreal. The scenery was so incredible &, one day, in Bar Harbor, we had steamers and lobster for lunch AND dinner.

My five month sojourn in Jaipur is almost over. I head for San Francisco in mid-Nov to welcome my first grandchild in April...but, God willing, I'll be back in India in May sometime.

Safe journey, Pat...I saying prayers your house sells soon.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

What an interesting lighthouse and love that original Xmas tree!

Fashion Momma said...

Beautiful photos.

My Blue Monday are here and here.

Sue McPeak said...

Thanks so much for the photo tour of Maine, and the interesting information. Maine Lobster and clam chowder...mmmmmm...looks so delicious. Here's hoping all goes well with your home sale, packing and getting to Colorado in time for new arrival. Thanks for stopping by CITexas Gal for todays Blue Monday.

Paula's Postings said...

What a delightful post Pat lots of history and some fab shots I love the lobster crate tree how cool. I have my fingers crossed for the sale of your house and the move.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Stunning scenery!

Visiting from Blue Monday.
Planes on a Blue Sky is my Blue entry.
Have a great week ahead.

Lorrie said...

I've always wanted to live in, or at least spend a summer in a lighthouse. Seems so romantic. Your photos are beautiful, so crisp and clear, like the ocean air.

I hope you sell your house, Pat. We ended up renting ours when it didn't sell this year, and so it's at least paying its own way. Getting settled before baby comes is a good goal. Wishing you much joy as you pack and plan.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

like the lobster house, better still if there are lobsters.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

I was so enjoying the scenery and then I got to the New England Clam Chowder and Lobster and began to hear my tummy getting hungry;')~

Jeanne said...

Hi Pat, this lighthouse post is wonderful. When we spent several weeks in Maine the summer before last we were in love with the lighthouses we saw. Each one with a delightful history. The photo with the child in the bucket is so cute. I imagine a bit dangerous too.

I know you must be anxious to move on and settle in CO. I do pray you will have some luck soon.

How exciting it will be when your new granddaughter is ready to meet her grands. I so miss the new babes. Now, I must wait for great grands. Right now we are enjoying to of our teenage grands in FL. Good times.

Great blues today,
love, Jeanne

Jeanne said...

Oops...two grands!!! I hate typos.
Me again xo

Anonymous said...

I visited a few in north France a while back and I'd like so much to spend a couple of days all alone in one of them!

Sarah said...

Pat, this is wonderful. Lighthouses are so interesting. Thanks for sharing all the information. The lobster trap tree is clever. Glad you got to see it.
New England is indeed a special place. I'm sure you will miss much of this area that you know so well, but the adventure in CO will be exciting. ;-)

Jenny said...

This is one of my favorite lighthouses...top five for sure!

I also adore Heceta Head Lighthouse in Oregon.

I came to see how the open houses on the house (hmmm...weird sentence structure there...sorry!) were coming along!

Is no news good news or just no news?

Judy said...

Beautiful photos! Everything about this post reminds me of our trip to Newfoundland ten years ago. I think I would quite enjoy a visit to Maine!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Such a colourful series of photos! Enchanting! And the lighthouse is so cute! I would be taking photos from many different perspectives too!

diane b said...

Isn't it great to be able to see in person something or somewhere that you have been wanting to do for years. This is a picture postcard light station. Is the keepers house occupied any more? It wont be much fun moving in winter I do hope your plans fall into place soon. I hope all is going well with daughter.

Indrani said...

A gorgeous series, the lobster takes my heart.

carol l mckenna said...

Gorgeous photos ~ love that area ~ have been there on land and sea ~ Beautiful State ~ thanx ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

Marina in Blue said...

Hi, you have a surprise in my blog :)
Marina

Travel Quest said...

Lovely photos Pat glad to find your unique site. Im your new follower :)

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

I love lighthouses! After you get settled, you'll have to plan a trip to OR to see the ones there!

xxoo,

RMW

Esther Joy said...

Loved the sound of the waves breaking on the shore in your video!

Naperville Now said...

gorgeous shots all. (love the bucket picture -- would have liked to have tried that once.) good luck with the move. Sue

Arija said...

It may seem fanciful but I would love to live on that little island, especially with access to those scrumptious Main lobsters!

Judie said...

Pat, I spend MANY summers on the coast of Maine when I was a young adult. Every afternoon, the "fish man" would come around with his catch of the day and a few lobsters as well. One day was particularly muggy, and I had just had a bath with Dial soap when he arrived. As I was admiring his catch, the old man said, "You smell so good!" I guess anything smelled better than those fish after a few hours!!

As always, your photos are lovely, Pat, and your video brought back memories of the Maine coast.

Karen Harris said...

Beautiful photos of a beautiful place. I mean this with great love and respect to all the dads in the world, but all I could think was leave it to a man to put his kids in a bucket and hoist them over the water to get them to school. Oh boy. Fingers crossed for a quick sale of your house and a safe trip to Colorado. I'm not sure what part of CO you are relocating to, but if it is close to Denver we will have to get together after you get settled.

HansHB said...

Great post. Lovely photos!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

How neat to get to see this when you've loved it for so long. We didn't see this particular lighthouse when we traveled up the East Coast, but we saw others; one of the highlights of a wonderful roadtrip. Your pictures are wonderful.

Susan Anderson said...

Those lighthouses in Maine have a charm all their own. In fact, all of Maine has that charm. I'd love to visit there again sometime.

=)

Anonymous said...

What fabulous shots!

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Looks like an incredibly photogenic area!!

http://www.p-ter.net said...

What a wonderful place to be there!
That sunset picture is so beautiful!

Liz said...

Wonderful shots. Visiting late for Ruby Tuesday.

My entries:
Moms... Check nyo
Yummy-as-can-be

Unknown said...

the lighthouse is beautiful, i love the tiny red house at the foreground--is that a boathouse? i envy the keeper who gets to live here.:p

the sunset is awesome.

Pondside said...

Life is too short for you to wait for the house to sell - that baby will be here before you know it! I hope the house finds a new owner and that you have a fun and safe drive west.
We have many lighthouses on and around the island. There's something magical about them, isn't there? This Maine lighthouse is particularly beautiful.