Lured into the promise of witnessing a beautiful sunset into the West, plus seeing a full moon rise over the Atlantic, and, in addition seeing the historic Jupiter light turned on, Connie and I signed up for a Sunset Tour of the 157 year old, and still operating, Jupiter Lighthouse.
There was also the promise of being able to climb over 130+ steps, 105 of them narrow, winding and twisting, to the top. For us, just an enjoyable pre dinner workout. We could forget about the glass of wine for one evening!
In 1853, the US government set aside $ 35,000 to build this brick light house at the point Florida's Loxahatchee and Indian Rivers meet. The Indian River is also know, in part, as the Intracoastal Waterway. Loxahatchee in Seminole Indian language means, River of Turtles.
The Jupiter Lighthouse and its surroundings have played parts in the Third Seminole Indian War, the US Civil War and WWII.
The landmark site was fully restored in 1999-2000 for $ 850,000. In 2009, Congress set aside $1.1 million of the "stimulus package" for the lighthouse and its natural habitat.
Come along with us! Click on any of the photos and they will appear larger.
A few moments at the museum sets the mood for this historic adventure and evening.
Our tour started at this Banyan Tree planted in the early 1930's.
We make it to the wind swept top!
Looking West, clouds obscure the promised sunset!
Without a lot of room, some prefer their backs to the wall and not to look straight down.
While others!!!!
And, we find clouds to the East, too!
A bad hair day !
The prism lens of the Jupiter light, which is about to come on.
First electrified in 1928, the light comes on!
The beacon, a sight to mariners, air craft and land lovers shines brightly another night.
The four lit prism lens are terrific photography subjects.
Last one out, shuts the door! But do not turn off the light!
The end to a fun evening..............
photos by CKK & JPK, 12/9/2011
