I live just outside Boston, and spend a lot of time on Cape Cod. I got started in the "addiction" through my hobbies of birding and photography. Being down on the water, taking pictures, of course I needed spectacular backgrounds.

I initally found Harbour Lights after getting a few of the lesser quality figures available. When I compared them to the actual lighthouse, I found them lacking. I found the HL web site, and read the forums top to bottom. That convinced me to start purchasing HLs - just for artisitic puposes, you know.

My first was Chatham, and then I joined the society. On a trip to Hyannis, I found a shop that had HLs on sale for 40 to 60% off. Needless to say, I am now at 8 lighthouses, with East Quoddy and Panama Canal on order, and a first name basis with the local dealer. But it's not an addiction, honest.