We Saw the Light . . .

And it was the Pemaquid Point Light, a historic lighthouse in Bristol, Lincoln County, Maine, at the tip of the Pemaquid Neck. The lighthouse is featured on the 23^rd quarter in the 50 State Quarters Program issued by the U.S. Mint after being voted on by a majority of Maine residents.

A previous post described a few highlights of our weekend Maine adventure. This was another one during that same trip.

Our NJ friends who we visited recently in Maine, have visited the lighthouse many times during previous visits. They drove there and waited while we waited our turn to climb to the top. There was a short wait time as once inside, space is very limited — and tight. Only 4-6 people entered at a time. We shared the climb with a family of four visiting from Genoa, Italy.

Permaquid Point Lighthouse was commissioned in 1827 by President John Quincy Adams and built the same year. Soon afterwards it started to crumble due to poor quality workmanship and mixing salt water in the mortar mix. It was replaced in 1835 and the second building contract specified the use of only fresh water. The lighthouse keeper oversaw construction to ensure this decision was upheld.

The tower is 38 feet high and is ascended by way of a spiral staircase which ends in 5 small (and narrow) steps that lead into the top. 

The lighthouse lens optic is a Fresnal lens (1856) 

that displays a flashing white light every 6 seconds and is  visible 14 nautical miles. It was automated in 1934.

The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation. It's owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and licensed to the American Lighthouse Foundation. The Friends of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, is dedicated to restoring the historic lighthouse.

Exposed bedrock descends from the lighthouse to the ocean creating a unique scenic landscape. This geological formation dates back hundreds of years and has made Permaquid Point one of the most popularly photographed Maine lighthouses.

Images shot straight out of camera (SOOC)

Dramatic effects filter applied in camera

In spite of this craggy environment, there's a widespread variety of colorful flowering plants, such as rose hips and black-eyed susan, in and around the bedrock.

And, if you would you like to vacation at a lighthouse, you can rent the Keepers House is for a weekly stay at a cost of $1,200 for up to 4 people. There’s a queen bed and pull out sofa bed as well as internet access, TV, DVD/VCR, microwave, outdoor furniture, drinkable water, oceanfront. But bring your linens and towels as these are not provided. Rental proceeds are used to fund ongoing lighthouse maintenance and restoration.