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E.G.D.Weekly Photo Challenge: Up
Posted by Jody on April 22, 2013
Looking up at the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon coast:
Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Oregon
Gazing up 92 feet:
Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Oregon
Peering up inside the Yaquina Head Lighthouse tower – 114 stairs to the watch room:
Inside Yaquina Head Lighthouse Tower
When the lighthouse was constructed in 1872, the children of lighthouse keepers and lighthouse visitors were not permitted to climb the 114 stairs in the tower to the watch room because the US Lighthouse Service feared they would trip and fall on the steep stairs or squeeze between the posts of the handrails. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse retains its historic stairs and handrails and thus the safety of children climbing the stairs is still a concern. Today, children must be at least 42 inches tall to climb the stairs of the tower. Additionally, adults must accompany and assist children ascending the lighthouse tower.
Source: Bureau of Land Management
I will vouch for that justifiable feeling of fear on the part of the US Lighthouse Service! On our last visit to this splendid lighthouse and the surrounding Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, our 5 year old grandson was “tall enough” to climb the 114 stairs to the top of the tower. I confess to being the big sissy of the group. The little guy waited patiently with my understanding hubby and quizzical son-in-law as I whizzed by them to climb to the top and back by myself. My very prudent and proper “respect” for heights seems to quickly blossom into a full blown scardey-cattedness when I’m with little ones (I know I’m not alone in this*)!
Come on up!
Glancing up at the first order Fresnel lens, manufactured in Paris in 1868 by Barbier & Fenestres:
Yaquina Head Lighthouse Lens
About the light:
The light has been active since Head Keeper Fayette Crosby walked up the 114 steps, to light the wicks on the evening of August 20, 1873. At that time the oil burning fixed white light was displayed from sunset to sunrise. Today, the fully automated first order Fresnel lens runs on commercial power and flashes its unique pattern of 2 seconds on, 2 seconds off, 2 seconds on, 14 seconds off, 24 hours a day. The oil burning wicks have been replaced with a 1000 watt globe.
Source: Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses
Looking north from the top of Yaquina Head Lighthouse toward the beautiful beaches of the Oregon Coast
It was a “Great Day for UP!”
*My case in point: The Coastal Path, 36c – Kingsdown to St Margarets at Cliffe
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WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Up
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kiwiskan said
Soaring shots 🙂
Jody said
Thank you! It was the perfect clear-blue-sky day!
Rolling Harbour said
Like Lighthouses. Thanks for climbing up and taking the lens! RH
Jody said
Thanks! This was the one time it was better to leave the family behind. 🙂
Weekly Photo Challenge: Up | wholeyjeans said
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Jody said
Many thanks for sharing our post!
Amy said
Thank you for touring the lighthouse. The view is gorgeous!
Jody said
It was great fun! I’m so grateful we had the opportunity.
Marianne said
You are most definitely NOT alone! An amazing lighthouse and view…thanks for sharing. I love to see new and exciting places, but traveling is not my forte.
Blessings on your travels,
Marianne xo
Jody said
Thank you, Marianne! It feels better to know that I’m among some very good people in this. 🙂 Many blessings to you too!
EagleAye said
Fantastic! Now that really is, “Up!”
Jody said
Thank you, EagleAye! I’m so glad you enjoyed the climb!
adinparadise said
Wonderful photos, Jody. That’s a very impressive lighthouse. 🙂
Jody said
Thank you! It was the perfect, sunshiny day for a visit.
tchistorygal said
Very nice climb – best one I’ve had in a long time. I like having you do all the huffing and puffing for me. The pictures are beautiful. I love the Oregon coast. 🙂
Jody said
Thanks so much! Next time you come along too! 🙂
tchistorygal said
Be right over! 🙂
Aian Ramos said
Great photos! There’s something about lighthouses that makes them simply irresistible not to be photographed, lol!
Jody said
Absolutely true! They are the perfect subjects ~rain or shine. Thanks much!
Caitlin | Blue Dot Jewelry said
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this. Made me a little homesick.