Esther and I decided since we would not be able to do any of the NJ Lighthouse Manager's 2010 Lighthouse Challenge this coming weekend that we would at least get to one lighthouse on our "fake" wedding anniversary. (We were married on October 12th 1974 which was no longer officially Columbus Day but we still think of it as the real columbus Day).

Esther and I spent our honeymoon on Cape Cod staying at a motel in Buzzard's Bay, MA and visiting places like Provincetown, Martha's Vineyard and Chappiquidick (we managed to not go off the bridge there).

We actually spent sometime at a number of lighthouses but didn't catch the lighthousing bug for many years- it took real hold in 1999.

Monday Esther was off and the weather was just beautiful so we decided to take a ride down the Shore and when Esther asked which lighthouse should we visit I said Barnegat for no particular reason.

Esther brought along her camera and took these photos on the ground and at the top of the lighthouse. I opted to not climb due to my knee problems with that many steps.

Here's a couple from the ground first-






Esther then climbed to the top and took these photos-

This one shows the shadow of the lighthouse.




This one shows the back of my head - which is getting easier to see every day.




Here's a photo of the present day optical that is used in the lighthouse. It was officially relit on January 1st 2009 which was 150 years from the date it was first lit.



Here's a link to a story on that-

http://www.southjersey.com/articles/?articleid=19695


Esther and I then walked out on the concrete walkway and she took these photos-









Esther continued walking out on the breakwater while I talked football with an Eagles fan and a Cowboys fan - and they were actually friendly with each other.

We left the lighthouse and rode around LBI for a bit and had a nice lunch at one of the few restaurants still open. It was the last day it would be open, though.

It was a fun day and while it's not quite the whole Challenge it was a good enough substitute for us.

Dennis

Thanks for sharing, Dennis, it looks like the light could use a coat of paint or is that the shade they have painted it now..

It looks a bit redder in some of the other phots I have from previous visits.

It may have faded a bit over time, though. Hopefully someone else will have more of a cluse about this.

Dennis

Happy Anniversary, Dennis & Esther. Looks like you had a very pretty day to visit the shore. Thanks for taking us along, and please thank Esther for taking the very nice photos. Hope your knee is doing better.

Thanks, Dave.

Knee is fine as long as I don't climb too many stairs.

Dennis

Great pics! Thanks for sharing!

Bob

Happy Anniversary, Dennis & Esther !!!

Great to see some new pics of Barney !!!

Now that its getting darker earlier, on the way home from work, I can see Barnegats light from the Tunney bridge which crosses the Barnegat Bay from Seaside Park to Toms River.

Dennis & Esther,
Another great travel report and photos! Thanks for sharing!!
BTW, I wouldn't be too concerned (you probably aren't) about the back of your head being easier to reach!! When one of my students would comment "Mr.K you're getting bald!" I'd respond "I'm NOT getting bald, I'm getting taller and just growing through my hair!" They always gave me a very quizzical look!!
Thanks again for taking me on a pleasant LH trip!
Rick

Rick,

Believe me I don't care about the hair on the back of my head- I can't see - except when i get my haircut - it so it could just as easily still be there.

Dennis

Barnegat is my favorite lighthouse, because it is the first one I ever saw. I was there for the relighting, and there are fewer restaurants open then.

That doesn't surprise me.

Have you ever eaten at the German restaurant on the causeway ?

Dennis