Admiralty Head Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in Puget Sound. Ships bound from the Pacific to Seattle must first pass along the Strait of San Juan de Fuca, which separates the Olympic Peninsula and Canada’s Vancouver Island, and then turn south and navigate through Admiralty Inlet before reaching Puget Sound.
"The first lighthouse here became operational on January 21, 1861.
As the wooden Admiralty Head Lighthouse stood on an ideal location for one of the Fort Casey's gun emplacements it was moved to a nearby location, turning it's fresnel light on in 1903. The original lighthouse was later torn down...
The second Admiralty Head Lighthouse consisted of a two-story dwelling linked to the base of a circular tower of roughly the same height by a one-story foyer. Three bedrooms were located upstairs in the dwelling, while the kitchen, dining room, and a living room were downstairs. Built in a Spanish style using brick covered with stucco, the lighthouse was a one-of-a-kind and was said to be the most comfortable residence in the territory, featuring an indoor bathroom and laundry room.
By the early 1920s, the bulk of marine traffic was powered by steam rather than wind, permitting the modern vessels to hug the western side of the inlet. Admiralty Head Lighthouse was thus no longer of consequence, and the second lighthouse was extinguished after just nineteen years of service.
Today, the lighthouse is home to a gift shop and a museum."
lighthousefriends.com
Tags: Washington Admiralty Head Lighthouse lighthouse Whidbey Island Fort Casey history
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Happy Veteran's Day!
A salute on this special day to our veterans, past and present, who sacrificed for America and Canada. Happy Veterans Day and Canadian Remembrance Day! May we never forget. And may someday peace reign and rule forever (one can dream.....).
Enjoy a wonderful weekend!
Tags: Veterans Day veterans service Alaska Veteran Memorial Alaska holiday
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The mountain to share this week as it is National Park week.
Sat, Apr 22, 2023 - Sun, Apr 30, 2023
National Park Week is a time to reflect on what parks mean to us, enjoy what they provide to their visitors and communities, and commit to protecting these places we cherish.
Was a nice surprise to see this peak receive the honor of this great name. Millions drive by yearly probably without recognizing it's importance and significance. On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law. The world's first national park was born.
"National Park Mountain (7,553 ft or 2,302 m) rises above the confluence of the Firehole River and the Madison River and is just west of Madison Junction." Wikipedia
Our Park's are vital, precious and priceless. And look now how many grand parks have been preserved worldwide since. Thank you!
Tags: National Park Mountain National Park week National Parks mountain Yellowstone first National Park Madison river history Wyoming Firehole river
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A tribute to those who risk their lives at sea. Seen on Homer Alaska's Spit. Homer is world famous for halibut fishing.
"A tribute to the living and the lost" that stands as a heart-wrenching reminder of the dangers of the sea and the power of the community that loves the men and women who go to sea to put heathy protein on the tables of the world. It is also a lasting testament to the strength of people pooling their efforts to fulfill a dream.
Around 70 names, along with their vessels and dates they died are engraved on plaques mounted on the inside of the pillars of the memorial. They date from 1934 and include several varieties of vessels, including the "Munson Mail Boat", kayaks, skiffs and canoes, commemorating losses of lives at sea that didn't involved commercial fishing. Several deaths from herring spotter aircraft crashes also have plaques on the inner sides of the pillars.
The monument stands 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide. The six-sided concrete pillared structure encloses a seven-foot tall statue of a rugged mariner, preparing to throw his dock line.
The memorial is an ongoing project, as the apron of bricks dedicated to loved ones continues to expand. Brass plaques on the inside of the pillars are reserved for those who perish at sea." Alaska.org
Tags: Seafarer's Memorial Statue tribute for those who don't return Homer Homer Spit Kachemak Bay halibut Alaska
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Something other than a landscape today.
This impressive historic church and bell tower caught my eye when passing thru Kitwanga BC. Can't remember seeing too many churches with the Bell Tower standing alone and separate like this.
Kitwanga is a village of the Gitksan people who have lived in Northwestern British Columbia for thousands of years. The British settlers brought Christianity with them and converted the local Indians to the faith. St Paul’s Church was built by the Gitksan people of Kitwanga in 1893. The Church is no longer is service. Hope they maintain and preserve it tho.
Kitwanga is the southern portal to the beautiful Stewart/Cassiar highway, a shorter route than the AlCan highway to reach Alaska. Took that route on my way north. Highly recommended. Much more remote and pristine.
Enjoy a wonderful Sunday!
Tags: St. Paul's Anglican Church Bell Tower Gitksan people church history British Columbia Stewart/Cassiar Highway AlCan Highway shortcut
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