After a few weeks back in Florida we got the itch (of course!) to see some more lighthouses, so we ventured this time to Florida's Gold Coast and saw Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Boca Grande Lighthouse. Next it was Sanibel Island Lighthouse (a very disappointing lighthouse, you have to pay to get on the island). You have to pay to park near the lighthouse, then walk to the lighthouse to find out you could not get on the property.

          Now that Spring is here we decided to resume our quest for Lighthouses. Our first stop was Pensacola Light on Naval Air Station property. After visiting the Light you can tour the nearby Naval Aviation Museum nearby.

          We decided to go to Biloxi, Ms. to visit the Casinos and discovered a Lighthouse on the beach. It sits on the median of the road & traffic passes by in each direction.

          Near Apalachicola Fl. on Pig Island is what's left of Cape San Blas Light. A tower with the light is all that remains (not worth the trip).




          It's spring 1998 and time to resume our travels to some more Florida Lights. Having joined The Florida Lighthouse Association recently we recieved notice of the April meeting at Cape Canaveral. This is a rare occasion because access to Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is restricted by invitation only.

          After the business meeting and lunch at the Vistor Center we boarded a bus and proceeded to the Light. Our guide was a retired NASA employee. He described the launch sites and a gave a brief history of the Cape. At the Lighthouse we were allowed to climb the 170 steps to the top (quite exhausting). We traveled next to the gravesite of the first Lighthouse Keeper "Major Burnham", during the Civil War he buried the lens and mechanism so that the "Yankees" could not use the light.

            It was a trip well worthwhile........(a must see)...
          We started our first May trip at the Key West Lighthouse & Museum. This very well kept Lighthouse contained a Keeper's Quarters , Oil House and Cistern in addition to the Lighthouse..(for a small fee you may enter the grounds and actually climb the 88 steps to the top of the light, There is also off-street parking at the Lighthouse, rare in Key West). Heading north on the road out of the Florida Keys we passed 5 screwpile lighthouses out at sea, visible with binoculars at various locations throughout the Keys. We then proceeded north to Key Biscayne to see Cape Florida Lighthouse, this light is located on the beach and has a fence around it (it is accessible, but only on certain days) and is located in a State Park that also has a picnic ground as well as a wildlife santuary..



          It's time for another Lighthouse quest, Now our destination is the Georgia / North Florida area. Our first stop is Tybee Island Lighthouse, We were unable to enter the grounds due to repairs, Though we were able to get close enough to photograph the Light. Since we had a little extra time we drove to Savannah Ga. and rode the wonderful trolley they have there, (it was very informative and fun). We recommend going on the tour if you find yourself in Savannah.
          Next we went to St. Simon's Island, St. Simon Light is worth the trip alone. Well kept grounds surround the light. It is a wonderful place to spend an entire day or weekend, with shops ,playgrounds and a community pool.
          Finally, after leaving St. Simon's Is. , It was off to St. Augustine Light, Which we have visited a number of times. With a side trip to Old St. Augustine.