Cruise to Minot's Ledge

Last night it was my pleasure, along with a few other Harbour Lighters, to be a part of a remembrance cruise to Minot's Light for the two Assistant Light Keepers Joseph Wilson and Joseph Antoine. Who, 150 years ago on April 16th, gave their lives trying to keep the light in the original tower.
I started the day by visiting the memorial which was dedicated last year on Government Island.
[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=24989&a=12612257&p=46718448[/img]

This is the third time I have visited Cohasset in the last few years and the volunteers keep making more and more improvements. As some of my friends know, Minot's is my favorite light.
[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=24989&a=12612257&p=46718483[/img]

At 6PM, about 200 of us left the Scituate pier on the Mass Bay Lines catamaran to start the cruise out to Minot's. It was a beautiful night and Doug Bingham (American Lighthouse Foundation) and John Galluzzo (Scituate Historical Society) lent their historical expertise on the way out. It was quite an experience finally seeing my favorite up close and personal. The Captain navigated the boat to within a few feet of the tower. I was so excited and caught up in the moment, that I never left the runway and missed the dinner that was provided (I hope it was good!)
[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=24989&a=12612257&p=46718474[/img]

The real reason to being there was to lay a wreath in remembrance to the two lives lost at sea at the base of the tower. Some relatives of the two keepers helped in placing the wreath over the side.
[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=24989&a=12612257&p=46718437[/img]

As we all watched the wreath disappear into the sea, a Coast Guard boat set off some flares to drift over the light, illuminating the water. It really was spectacular.
I had a wonderful time, as I hope all did and would like to take a moment and thank all that were involved in making this event happen. Also, a special thanks to two young men who gave everything they had to try to keep ships safe during one of the worsts storms in New England's history.


Kaiz


[This message has been edited by Kaiz (edited 04-17-2001).]

Kaiz, what a great post! Minot is one of my faves too...tried to get out to see it after the Providence reunion but weather turned bad and had to suffice with a poor view from shore. This makes up for it, thank you!

[This message has been edited by Rock (edited 04-17-2001).]

Kaiz,

Thanks for sharing your pictures and your experience. It is very touching and makes me feel good that the two Josephs are remembered each year.

Joanne

[This message has been edited by Joanne (edited 04-17-2001).]

Kaiz,
What a great activity to be a part of! Thanks for sharing your pics with us - I know there are those of us who wished we could have been there, too.

Marilyn

I agree, Mike, that it was a very special cruise and it was nice to see you again. Thanks again to Doug Bingham & John Galluzo as well as all of those from the lighthouse community who supported this event. Here are a few images that came through my lens.

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=968985&a=9879630&p=46760341&Sequence=0&res=high[/img]
Approaching Minots as the sun goes down

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=968985&a=9879630&p=46760312&Sequence=0&res=high[/img]
Descendants of Joseph Antoine & Joseph Wilson, the keepers who lost their lives when the original Minots Ledge lighthouse fell into the sea during a violent storm in 1851. From left are Herb Jason, Rich Silvia, A.J. Antoine, Kenneth Jason, unknown and John Small.

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=968985&a=9879630&p=46760303&Sequence=0&res=high[/img]
Descendants toss a wreath into the water during the cruise.

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=968985&a=9879630&p=46760330&Sequence=0&res=high[/img]
The boat pulls within 50 feet of the base of the granite tower and everyone is in awe of this engineering marvel as cameras click away. (Some of those onboard even forgot to eat, right Mike?)

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=968985&a=9879630&p=46760320&Sequence=0&res=high[/img]
The Lantern room looms overhead.

The following is a link to an article in The Patriot Ledger newspaper today.
http://www.ledger.southofboston.com/display/inn_news/news06.txt


"Keeping The Flame in New England"
Ron



[This message has been edited by RFoster (edited 04-18-2001).]

Thanks for the story, pics and link Mike & Pat. Sounds like you had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close to Minots Ledge. Sure makes me envious!

Dave

Great Post - great idea, thanks for 'taking us along' Kaiz and Ron.

Thank you Mike and Ron for taking us along with you by sharing your photos and memories. Does this event take place every year?

What a great experience for all those that went out. Remembering those men who lost their lives was wonderful.
Derith

Thanks for thr report and pictures everyone. Sounds like a great event!

Thanks for sharing the photos Mike and Ron. I am about an hour away from seeing how mine turned out.


shirin

Thanks so much Mike and Ron for the photos and descriptions. It was the next best thing to being there.

Tim - Keeping the flame lit...

Another thanks here Mike and Ron for your most excellent coverage and photos! The weather certainly cooperated too!

Great pics Ron! It was nice seeing you again and I hope we can chat a little more at the Reunion. As I stated earlier, I was so excited about being at Minot's that I forgot about having dinner. I also forgot about using Patty's digital until it had become pretty dark out.
Derith, to answer your question, it was a special event to honor the 150 year anniversary of both the loss of the two asst. keepers and the original lighthouse. I for one, would love to see the sunset cruise done every year.
Also, one last thing. Hey Ron, how was the food anyway?

Great post and pics, everyone! I was thoroughly impressed!

Bob

Great photos and commentary Kaiz and Ron - another thank you for sharing the trip with us!

Barb