Aloha to Key Biscayne - Historic Cape Florida Lighthouse

 

The crown of Key Biscayne is the historic Cape Florida lighthouses.  From Key-Biscayne.com (link),

The Cape Florida lighthouse is one of the most celebrated landmarks owned by the State of Florida. The historic compound in Bill Baggs State Park and Recreation Area includes the newly restored, 95-foot white-brick tower and a replica of the lighthouse keeper's 1825 cottage, delighting visitors as well as residents of this subtropical island of Key Biscayne. Graceful coconut palms line the walkway toward the ocean and grand historic monument.

The original lighthouse and cottage, built in 1825, were attacked and burned in 1836 by Seminole warriors protesting U.S. presence in the South Florida wilderness and resisting deportation from Florida to the West. 

When the lighthouse was rebuilt in 1855-1856, it was extended from 65 feet to its present height, and wooden stairs were replaced with 119 spiraling iron steps to the top.

 

The lighthouse overshadows another historical marker: 

In 1855, a U.S. Coast Survey team, led by A.D. Bache, the superintendent of the coast Survey, erected two base markers on Key Biscayne. One is located on what is now the golf course. This one was on land 300 ft. south of the lighthouse, but by 1883, it had disappeared into the sea as the shoreline eroded.

 

In 1988, local professional and surveyors located this marker in 12 ft. of water. Then the U.S. Air Force 301st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron recovered it. The men of this time thus helped to preserve the remains of another generation´s struggle for excellence in measuring and mapping the earth.

Next - more from Bill Baggs State Park.

Do you have a state park near you?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blog posts wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, May 28, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 29, at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

My office bags knocks on the lighthouse door ...

Aloha to Makapu'u Point

Last week, driving home from Bellows Beach, we stopped at the Makapu'u Point.  From its website (at this link),

The Makapu‘u Point trail, within Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline, offers outstanding views of O‘ahu’s southeastern coastline, including Koko Head and Koko Crater. From the trail’s destination at Makapu‘u Head, one is rewarded with magnificent views of the windward coast and offshore islets, as well as the historic red-roofed Makapu‘u Lighthouse built in 1909.

The offshore islets are wildlife sanctuaries for Hawaiian seabirds, such as the ‘iwa, frigate bird, and tropic bird. This trail is an excellent place to view migrating humpback whales in season (November-May). 

The point itself offered many lava rocks, inspiring tourists to create their own statues.   I welcome your comments - open forum!  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.   This giveaway is open to all readers.   Comments are open through Saturday, September 8, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 9.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii