Shirin sent a brochure for this year's Lighthouse Challenge 2002 in the latest Post Card in envelope Exchange.

If anyone is interested in information on this event you can go to this site and either read the information or download and print out a brochure for yourself.
http://njlhs.burlco.org/

Anyone not familiar with this event- here's a quick description.

The NJ Lighthouse Society in cooperation with various individual Lighthouse Groups have planned the 3rd Annual Event.

On October 19 & 20 all 11 Land Based Lighthouse in NJ will be open to the public.Many are not open that often and this is one of the main attractions to the Challenge.

You are given an empty sheet as you arrive at your first Lightouse. you are then given a stampt to put on your sheet representing that lighthouse. You then travel to the next Lighthouse (hopefully after exploring and climbing the Lighthouse you are at).

You continue this until you have made it to all 11 Lighthouses. when you have done this you will recieve a certificate that you have met the challenge. You have both days to accomplish this- we had a few people mange to do it in one day. We had a much larger number complete the challenge over the 2 days.

It's a great way to experience NJ and it's Lighthouses. A number of the Forumites have done this over the last 2 years (including me- I did the challenge the first year and then volunteered both days last year.)

Try it you'll like it- if you like Lighthouses.

Dennis

The brochure got my full attention. What is the best direction to get these done in 2 days? There are several I have not had the chance to see and would really like to do this. Anyway out there interested?
Derith

Derith,

If you plan it as a two day affair it works best if you startat either end- that is Sandy hook / Navesink or tinicum rear Range.

This allows you to spend overnight in the Atlantic City area where there are plenty of placs to choose from and not be far from a number of lighthouses in the morning, no matter which way you start.

Many of the Lights are open late and some even stay open later than advertised if they are needed- no guarantee of that though.

The one's that should be concentrated on are (or the most time allocated for- especially East Point) East Point, Finn's Point, Tinicum Rear Range and Sea Girt as these are open the fewest days per year. Of course if you're not from the immediate area all of them fall into that category.

East Point has a very small Lantern Room as does Sea Girt and Hereford Inlet so these have longer waits to climb than some others.

Although in the past we have had to turn people away from Sandy Hook even though we ran tours every 15 minutes instead of every 30 minutes. Last year on the Saturday we ran 45 tours of 8-10 people and still could not accomadate everyone.

If all you want to do is get to the lighthouse and get your stamp it can be done easily- if you want to get into most or all of the lighthouses it's a Challenge.

The idea is to get people interested enough to come back again.

Dennis

Dennis



[This message has been edited by wheland (edited 07-13-2002).]

This year it sounds like they are printing up trading cards to give away at each light as a new idea to try out.

Even with climbing all of the towers, the challenge can be completed in one weekend. I was able to do this the first year of the challenge and like Dennis, I volunteered both days last year. I'll be doing the same again this time around. I'll be at Sandy Hook both days again this year.


shirin

I think the whole idea of having a Lighthouse Challenge is wonderful. More states should take New Jersey's lead and open their lights for a special weekend challenge like this.

Ron
(CT Keeper)

We will be doing the challenge this year. Funny Dennis mentioned spending the night in Atlantic City, because that's exactly what we planned to do. Better make our reservations now if that's what everyone does!

We will probably make the 3-3 1/2 hour drive to North Jersey on Friday night, and then work north to south, leaving us about 1 1/2 hours from home at Tinicum.

The whole family is excited and looking forward to it!

I did the challenge last year. Took the ferry over from Lewes to Cape May, stayed over night in atlantic city and finished in sandy hook. I also visited some lights that weren't on the "official" tour, like the conover beacon and the barnegat lighship.

From what I understand, I think the Chesapeake Chapter is thinking about doing a maryland tour in 2003.

Sounds great. We visited a number of these lights on the way to Baltimore's Reunion event last year but only Barnegat, Hereford, & Cape May were open for climbing at that time. Would love to do those and the others again.

Thanks for the info Dennis.

dan

Thanks for the info, Dennis. I would also like to try and do some of the lights out in the water on Friday. Either by boat or aerial. Do you have any info that you can share with me about either?

Derith

I know there are several small airports in the Cape May area and I'd imagine that someone at one of those could be hired to fly people out , but I don't know of any personally.

I'm sure that a boat could be found in the Cape May area. There are many private fishing boats in the area and I'm sure if enough people went together it could make the cost bearable.

The only official scheduled tour of the Delaware Bay Lighthouses is run by MAC (Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts) which also runs the Cape May Lighthouse and many other attractions in the Cape May area.

They schedule a number of trips each year usually on a Friday or Saturday but the are usually done in September. I'm scheduled to take a tour sponsored by the NJ Lighthouse Society in August.(If they can get enough people to sign up for it)

Sorry I could not be more helpful. Maybe our newer member Eastpoint could help, since he's from closer to that area than I am.

Dennis

What lights will the tour in September get to? Where do I get the info about this tour?

Also,do you know of a website that will tell me which city is closest to the lights that are in NJ in the water?
Thanks Dennis!

Derith



[This message has been edited by Nana (edited 07-14-2002).]

Derith,

The tours are scheduled for 9-7 and 9-21 (Sat) they go to the following Lights-

Brandywine Shoal
Cross Ledge
Fourteen Foot Light
Abandoned Light
Miah Maull Shoal
Ship John Shoal

Cape May / North Cape May is the closest to some and probably has the most availibility to boats that could be hired.

You also have Port Norris, Fortesque and Maurice River/ Heislerville area might also have boats for hire and are a little closer to some of the Lights.

I don't know of a website, but I'll look for one. These towns are in Cumberland County or Cape May County.

Dennis




[This message has been edited by wheland (edited 07-14-2002).]

Derith,

Here's a link to a site for Boat Rentals and Marinas in Cumberland county
http://www.co.cumberland.nj.us/seedo/out...at_rentals.html

Here's one for Cape May county
http://www.online96.com/towns/capemay/marine.html

Dennis

[This message has been edited by wheland (edited 07-14-2002).]

Derith - Here's the website for the tours out to the lights in the Delaware Bay. Look under the events section for Delaware Bay Lighthouse Adventures. This is a great tour and you get up close to the lights. I did this 2 years ago and loved it.
http://www.capemaymac.org/

Bryan - I heard the Chesapeake group is trying to put together a similar tour as well. From what I heard it will be of MD's southern lights.

shirin

Derith,

I apologize. I meant to put that wwebsite into the response. I just saw that I did not.

Sorry.

Dennis

Derith

There is an airport in Millville, NJ which has a fixed base operator Big Sky Aviation, they may have a pilot who could fly you over the bay. There is also the Cape May County airport in North Cape May but I don't have any other info.

We did the challenge last year and started at Sandy Hook and came south. Got as far as Cape May on Saturday and finished on Sunday.

I will probably be working at East Point light this year since I joined the Maurice River Historical Society which is responsible for the light, so I will be sure to wear my Wacko Badge when I am there.

Dennis is right about our lantern room, we only can fit 4 at a time since on of us has to be there also that makes 5 and its close quarters. We welome all visitors. We are now open the 3rd Sunday of each month 1-4 through Sept along with Sat Aug 3rd. Aug 3rd is our annual open house from 10:00 to 5:00.

Hank

Thanks ya'll. I'll mull everything over and see what I can get organized.
Derith

Sure wish I lived closer..... sounds like a fun event. My husband and I are thinking of the day when the kids are in college and we will be able to just take off on a trip like this.....some day, but don't want those kids to grow up too fast! My husband says that Navesink is a must see some day.

chris g

Chris,

Then you'll just have to make the sacrifice and take a vacation to the Jersey Shore with the kids.

You'll get to se all of the lights, you may have to plan a little to get in some of them.The best part is you get the shore thrown in as a bonus.

You like history- NJ's got it. You also can get to NYC or Philadelphia easily.

Come to NJ you'll love it.

Dennis

Thanks Dennis!
I had to attend a meeting in Philly in 1998 and my family met me when the meeting was over. We drove to Atlantic City because we are so starved for beaches here (!). We spent an entire day in Cape May and visited the LH there. We had a great time on the shore.
A couple of months later I was shopping in a collectibles store near my home. I spotted a neat display of very nicely sculpted lighthouses. Having just returned from Cape May, I just had to see if there was one in the case. Of course, there was. The urge was strong, I just had to have it...... and then, just one wasn't enough..... and the rest is history!
The Jersey Shore is responsible for my obsession! We had a great visit there and we are looking forward to a return trip some day!

chris g

NJ is always being blamed for something- usually it's a bad thing, but this one is a good thing.

Isn't that what all addicts say? LOL

Dennis

This sounds like great fun. It is a done deal for me, I coming. Look out New Jersey.


Sheryl

[This message has been edited by Beaconfollower (edited 07-23-2002).]

We'll post lookouts at the border.

Dennis

Beaconfollower and I have decided to take the Challenge and are going to take someone's advice by staying in a hotel in Atlantic City. The question - can anyone recommend a hotel in that area that is reasonable and easy to find? I've only been to AC once and that was on a bus trip and we stayed at Bally which I am sure is out of our price range.

If you are looking for places to stay look for hotels listed for Absecon, NJ. Rt 30 through Absecon has a number of the National chains located there and it is closer to the Garden State Parkway which is the main route for getting to many of the lights.

Hope that helps.

Hank

Thanks for the information!! I am looking forward to the challenge and hope that I can meet it. It will be great fun to go to the lighthouses without worrying about leaving dogs in the car.

Eskilady

Glad to hear that you guys will be making it out for the challenge this year. I'll be at Sandy Hook all weekend so be sure to say hello while you're there!

shirin

I'm really looking forward to the challenge, but I must admit I am a bit overwhelmed with where to start, where to stay, and well, whatever. I guess I just need to get a map of New Jersey, and plot my way around the state.

Sheryl

Sheryl

Go to the NJ Lighthouse Society web site listed in one of the other posts in this topic and click on the block for the Challenge you can then download the .pdf version of the brochure which gives the driving directions from Lighthouse to Lighthouse. That should help you get an idea of how to plan you trip.

Hank

Quick question...

what time do Sandy Hook and Navesink open on Saturday, October 19?

Hi Eskilady-
When we visited the Atlantic City area in 1998, we stayed at a Comfort Inn (Victorian). It was about 5 miles from Atlantic City and was very reasonable. The room includes a continental breakfast also. We would stay there again if we are ever in the area. Have fun!

chris g

Thanks, Chris G.

I have made reservations through Expedia and found a Red Roof in Tinton Falls, NJ for Friday night and Econo Lodge in Absecon. Both of them were the most reasonably priced that I fould find. I think that Comfort Inn was a bit higher than what I wanted to pay. Thanks for your hflp tho!!

Eskilady

For those of you planning to take the NJ Challenge this year, don't be surprised when you see Navesink that weekend. Just this week they have started to put up scaffolding around each tower. They are planning to repoint some of the brickwork on each tower, they will do some window and roofing work along with some work in the towers. The project should be finished by November but they are hoping to get it done several weeks before that. I am hoping it will be done before the Challenge for those who will be visiting that light for the first time.

shirin

Navesink is an awesome light in an awesome location. Visited it in October of last year. The light was not open the day we visited it, but the day was gorgeous. Had a great view of Manhatten and the NYC skyline. I'm looking forward to visiting it again this year during the challenge and hope the scaffolding is down and that the weather once again is good.

Can't wait!!

Dan

If anyone is still looking for a room, the Atlantic City Sheraton has a great deal. They have an internet only, pay now, no cancellation, 2 double bed, non-smoking room for $102.00. We booked it. The Sheraton is across from Ceasers. So if you like gaming, you don't have too far to go.

What about up north, toward Navesink and Sandy Hook? Anywhere to stay up there?

The motels in the Sandy Hook / Navesink arera are mostly small Mom & Pop operations. There are not too many very close.

I know Paul Brady stayed at one small motel just down the road from Sandy Hook earlier this year.

You might check the Monmouth County area websites.

Dennis

Can anyone help me find directions to the lighthouses involved with the Challenge in NJ? I have gone to njls.burlco.com and couldn't find anything mentioning the Challenge. Where would I find something?

Eskilady

Eskilady,

Here's a link that should help.

http://njlhs.burlco.org/directions.htm

Also if you go to the main site

http://njlhs.burlco.org/

You should see a series of 3 boxes below the symbols and contents. Click on the link in the right box that says "NJ Lighthouse Challenge 2002"

This will take you to three more links one is the one above another (directions on a webpage), one is the directions as a word document and the thired is a adobe document of the poster for the Challenge.

If you have a problem acessing any of these links do one of two things- send an email to the NJLHS or me with your adress and I'll make sure you get a brochure.

I have some on the way to distribut in the Trenton area.

Dennis

We are already for the Challenge. We have a reservation at a B&B in Beach Haven. I also plan on visiting Conover Beacon, and maybe Ludlum, and Chapel Hill (if my wife will let me). :rolleyes: I know the last two are private residences, but I do not plan on distubing anyone.

Joe,

Conover Beacon is not a problem. it's at the end of a street and you can walk right up to it.

There was a house on the street that had a large Lighthouse mailbox the last time I was there.

As for Chapel hill- that's a little more problematic. If the trees have lost their leaves- which is a distinct possibillity given the drought ion the area- you'll be able to get a partial view through the trees. There is a driveway, but it is posted No Trespassing- We Mean It.

Ludlum is also no problem, but you won't be sure you saw it even after you did. It's a nondescript house between two others. The only way you can identify it as having been a Lighthouse is by the house number. The Lantern Room was removed long ago.

Have fun on the Challenge.

Dennis

I don't know if this is common knowledge, but Nancy Younger will be at Hereford Inlet lighthouse for both days of the NJ Lighthouse Challenge. She'll be signing so bring your pieces.

I just checked the Events Schedule and only Saturday 10-19 is listed for Nancy Younger at Hereford Inlet from 10 AM to 4 PM.

I also called Hereford Inlet and spoke to the Manager, Betty Mungier, and she indicated that Nancy Younger is confirmed only for Saturday at this point. There is no confirmation for Sunday at this time.

So at this point to be on the safe side plan for Saturday if you want to see Nancy younger at Hereford Inlet.

I'll try and post it if it changes.

Dennis

I saw Nancy Younger Sunday at Rehobath Beach and she said she would be there for both days. I trust Nancy knows what she is talking about.

Is this event always on the third weekend in October? I would love to go, but I am volunteer that weekend every year to the Open House at Cedar Keys/Seahorse Key Lighthouse in Florida.

BJE

I don't doubt you. I just checked the Official sites for both places and talked to the Manager of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, Betty Mungier to confirm it.

She told me at that time she did not have confirmation for Sunday. So I put that information out there. I just felt it is prudent to not put out information that is not confirmed by all official sources

I also stated that if there was an update I would post it. Sometimes even someone like Nancy Younger can get her days mixed up- I sometimes wonder how they know where they are or what day it is with the schedule that she and Bill follow.

As for the dates of the Lighthouse Challenge- Yes it is supposed to be the 3rd weekend in October every year.

They changed it because the second weekend in October is the Great Lakes Festival, so I guess you won't get to it BonnieJean

It's a shame because it's a great time.

Dennis

Hope everyone is looking forward to the Challenge.

This year at each light you will be getting a trading card with a picture of that lighthouse.

I'm going to be at Eastpoint both days so be sure to say hello. I will have my Wacko badge on so you will know which one I am.

Dennis and Shirin are you working at any of the lights?

Hank

I'll probably be at Hereford Inlet on Sunday. I'll find out on Saturday probably.

I'm not sure about Saturday- if I'm anywhere it will be Sandy Hook.

Dennis

Are there any lights in New York Harbor that we should be looking for from atop Sandy Hook?

I think we are going to head up on Friday and probably stay at the same Red Roof Inn in Tinton Falls as eskilady. Boy, there aren't many hotels up that way!

We'll do Navesink on Friday, so that all we have to do is get it checked off the list on Saturday. (that should give us more gaming time in AC on Staturday!) We wanted to do the same with Sandy Hook, but they aren't open on Fridays. So we will be there bright and early Saturday.

I'll be at Sandy Hook ALL weekend!

Romer Shoals and Great Beds are lights in the NY Harbor that can be seen on a good day. And if the light hits her just right, you can make out just barely the Statue of Liberty.

Make sure to stop in and say hi while you're at Sandy Hook! Just don't get there too early, I would like to get some sleep!

shirin

If you roam around Staten Island you can see Old Orchard, West Bank, Staten Island Rear Range (really nice one)

Great Beds can be seen very nicely in south Amboy and if you are there at lunch or dinner time you can eat at the Harbor lights Restaurant- good food and a Lighthouse motif to boot (including some HL pieces)

I got to see some NY Harbor Lighs up close today- we floated by The Statue of Liberty, Robbins Reef,Weed Battery,West Bank, Romers Shoal, Sandy Hook, Coney Island and Navesink (couldn't see that one - the sun was almost down) Missed Ambose for the same reason.

We left on a cruise ship today for Bermuda. Idecided instead of throwing money into a slot machine i'd go online for a few minutes.

Dennis

Wow, ship to shore Dennis! Or should that be ship to cyberspace? Certainly this must be a first for the forums?

Hope you both have a great time!

Thanks, Mombo.

I have not gotten back on much because it is not cheap to go on the ships computers.

We did get to both Gibb's Hill and St Mark's. Unfortunately, St Mark'as is only open until the end of september so I was only able to get some pictures.

I'll post them and more info sometime on Sunday or Monday.

Dennis

Just think next weekend is the Challenge and I am getting all geared up to go!! Beaconfollowe and I will be headed out of NY on Friday morning so we can get a good headstart at Sandy Hook on Saturday morning. It should be great fun and I hope that the weather cooperates!! Larry, maybe we will see you at the hotel on Friday night. Beaconfollower and I will both have our badges and will be driving a charcoal grey Astro van with NY Yankee plates.

Eskilady

Hey Larry, what's wrong with the Yankee's....LOL
Can't wait to see the lights next weekend, got all my directions planned so I can tell Eskilady where to go..............oops, I mean I'm the navigator... Hope everyone has a great time and am looking forward to meeting some of you.

Does anyone know what time Sandy Hook opens on Saturday?

This is our first year doing the challenge and I am really looking forward to it. We plan on starting at Sandy Hook and wanted to know what time it opened. Hope to meet someone of you along the way!

The official time is 8 AM. I'm sure they will be there even earlier, but not by much.

If you have not already done so go to this website and you can download a brochure which has great directions to each of the Lighthouses and info on when each one is open.

http://njlhs.burlco.org/

Dennis

I am going to close this thread as it is past its 50 post limit. The Challenge Weekend discussion is continued in this thread .

Hope everyone has a great time lighthousing - drive carefully! And, don't forget to share your story when you get home.

Dave