Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Portland Head Light

Last summer we took a trip to Portland, Maine. Even though we lived in Maine for eighteen years, we had never been to Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, a few miles from Portland. I'm glad we finally visited because it is a beautiful sight.

According to Wikipedia, construction on the light house began in 1787 at the directive of George Washington. Originally whale oil lights were used for illumination. After many revisions in height, both taller and shorter, today the lighthouse stands 80 feet above ground and 101 feet above water. The keeper's house is connected to it.



The lighthouse sits atop a cliff. There are cliffs all along the coast here and the waves crash at the base.

These pictures make me wish I were there feeling a cool ocean breeze. The clouds and sailboat in the last photo look too perfect to be real.

I'm participating in Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer.

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8 comments:

Jacqueline said...

What beautiful scenery. We only got to see Portland once, when we flew in for a wedding. The way in it was beautiful, but on the way out, it got closed down with an ice storm. We were able to get a hotel and spend the night. I would love to go spend time there too. Nice to meet you on Outdoor Wed.

Anonymous said...

Maine is a beautiful state and one of my favorites to visit. I have never been to Portland Head Light but have seen many photographs of it. I am adding this to my "places to go" list. Thank you for sharing.

Deborah

colorchic said...

Beautiful photos. We have Maine on our list to visit this fall. I hope it makes the cut! What a beautiful place!

Pondside said...

I can feel that wonderful Atlantic breeze too. I love the west coast, but my heart will always be on the rocky east coast.

shannon i olson said...

What a lovely place to visit! looks so relaxing.

nannykim said...

I especially love that last photo--makes me feel relaxed!

http://nannykim-nannykim.blogspot.com/

Linda said...

Those are great photos....I feel the breeze....:)

Carol at Serendipity said...

Love the photos. I have been there many times. We are in the lakes district now but get to Portland now and again. Where did you live in Maine?

Carol