Eleven years ago, on 5 August 1999, a little hyperactive 9-year-old kid was brought to St. Simon's Island Light by his mother on a family vacation to The Cloister, to give the rest of the family a break.

Eleven years and 357 lighthouses later, my flame is as strong as ever. It's amazing to think that this passion has now driven me for over half of my lifetime.

So, on this significant day, I raise my Poland Spring bottle as I sit at my desk at work to an amazing passion, amazing lighthouse people, and one hell of a great ride.