Preservation 50 Friday: The Barefoot Mailman

Statue of the Barefoot Mailman, James E. Hamilton.

Visit the Hillsboro Lighthouse on ” Barefoot Mailman Remembrance Day” on October 8. Enjoy a scenic boat ride and learn about James E. Hamilton who gave his life delivering mail.

A statue on the lighthouse grounds honors Hamilton who moved from Kentucky to Florida. He traded being a farmer for a career as a Barefoot Mailman. As often is the case, the grass was not greener in his new career. He went missing during one of his 68 mile routes.

For more information, visit http://www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours

Sunset Tour at Jupiter Lighthouse

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse copyright by Elaine Marie Austin.

Enjoy spectacular views and watch the Jupiter Light blaze the night sky. Learn the nuts and bolts of a working lighthouse watchroom. Tour is approx 75 minutes, $15 members, $20 nonmembers, RSVP required. Tours are weather permitting. For details visit http://www.jupiterlighthouse.org or call 561-747-8380.

Why would anyone fly a plane into a building?

Memorial in Brooklyn honoring first responders who lost their lives on 9/11.

Memorial dedicated to members of Fire Station 226 in Brooklyn, New York.

Sad when you have to answer questions like this from an eight year old. Not sure I really understand the hatred behind such an act or even want to. So I told my grandson, ” because they wanted to kill people.” This seemed to answer his curiosity. He looked over my shoulder and finished reading the devotion on 9/11.

Explore Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

An amazing view from Altacarry Lighthouse on Rathlin Island.

 

Ireland is a land of many treasures. From soaring mountains to friendly and honest people, I am not sure what I like best about Ireland.  The kind people, good food, spectacular sights and affordable prices, make this a must see for the most savvy traveler.  I really can’t say enough good things about my recent visit to Ireland and tour of the Wild Atlantic Way.

I went on John Eagle’s Northern Lighthouse Tour in August. I arrived at Shannon Airport and started my visit in Limerick. I read in travel guides that Limerick was unsafe and was even told by an Irish native that it was a rough town.

Fortunately, I only have only rave reviews of Limerick and good experiences to report. Delicious food and wonderful sights are plentiful in Limerick.

After a pleasant stay in Limerick, John picked us up from the George Limerick Hotel. During the Lighthouse tour, I was able to climb Slieve League Cliffs. The highest cliffs in Ireland. The tour encompassed many sights besides lighthouses.

Fanad Lighthouse.

We visited magical lighthouses, pristine beaches, idyllic islands, magnificent mountains and quaint coastal towns.

Caine Tower Lighthouse.

St. John’s Lighthouse. The only yellow and black lighthouse in Ireland.

A view of the Rathlin Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s best to purchase tickets online when visiting the Book of Kells.

 

After the tour, I stayed at Trinity College in Dublin and saw the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is a medieval manuscript of the four Gospels. It is widely considered Ireland’s finest treasure. My heart was filled with gratitude for seeing this treasure and for visiting such a delightful and beautiful country.

http://www.johneaglephoto.com/lhtour.html

Meet Me at the Chicago Bean

We met Guinness World Record holder James “Can Head” Keeton when we went to the Chicago Bean.

Art and community converge at the Chicago Bean. This iconic landmark is reflective of the spirit of Chicago. People from around the world and the local community interact with this work of art. They  frolic and play and pose for photographs. This sculpture truly is a public work of art.

The Chicago Bean.

The Cloud Gate or Chicago Bean was created by Indian born British artist Anish Kapoor. In his art, Kapoor inspires to make independent realities that reveals rather than create. Cloud Gate draws millions of visitors to Millennial Park in downtown Chicago.

Wikipedia

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2016/3/video-can-head-sets-extraordinary-record-sticking-drinks-cans-to-his-body-422999

Preservation 50 Friday: Southern Fried Rock at St. Simons Lighthouse

St. Simons Lighthouse, Georgia.

Enjoy a “Little Light Music” at the St. Simons Lighthouse, Georgia. Billed as Southern fried rock and boogie, the “Island Garage Band” jams on Sunday, August 14 at 7 pm.

Concert goers are invited to picnic and relax under the stars while celebrating an evening of music. Individual tickets for the concert are only $12 per person at the gate. Children under 12 and Keepers of the Light are admitted free. A Little Light Music season runs May through September.

For more information, call 912-634-7090 or visit http://www.saintsimonslighthouse.org/music.html.

http://www.elainemarieartist.com

Preservation 50 Friday: The Legend of the Mooncussers

Cape Florida was attacked during the Second Seminole War.

While I knew that lighthouses have often come under attack during various wars in the United States. I had never heard of the Mooncussers. Legend has it that some attacked light keepers and put out the light.

They would also lure vessels onto the dark coastline. Armed with a “Judas Lantern,” these shoreline pirates would situate themselves along the coast, directly behind dangerous rocks.

They would gyrate a lantern to resemble a swaying ships lantern. Seeing the light and thinking another ship had found safe harbor, the deceived captain would stir in that direction and become aground. In rocky seas, the ship would break up and its cargo would be stolen by Mooncussers. Some claim that if the sea was calm, Mooncussers would beat or kill the sailors.

America’s Atlantic Coast Lighthouses by Jeremy D’entremont

http://www.elainemarieartist.com