While down South for the holiday week, I had the chance to take two lighthouse trips.

My first trip was out to St. Simons Island this past Tuesday. It was about a 4 hour drive from my parents house in Augusta. While I was there they were putting up the holiday decorations so that dressed up the light a bit. The guys who were putting up the lights on the lantern room were kind enough to let me behind the gate that usually blocks off access to the lantern room and the lens so I could get some pictures. They also stopped the rotating mechanism on the lens and let me rotate the condensing panel where I wanted to for my pictures. And they did allow me to go up to the lens as well. There is a small area around the lens so it was hard to get a good shot while I was up there. It was rather warm that day so it was great to get out while I could enjoy the warmth! After touring the lighthouse and the surrounding area, I stopped to eat the lunch my mom packed for me in the gazebo by the lighthouse. It doesn't get any better than that, lunch from mom eaten by a lighthouse!

I saw part 2 first, but these are equally great. Sounds like you hit it right at St. Simons. Lucky you!