Bald Head Island Lighthouse: Vacation pics #2

Good Morning all, I think I'll wash my face while Mom takes over the blog to tell you all about Bald Head Island Lighthouse.

I've already heard the story and frankly it sounded like all they did was climb steps and sweat profusely.  I'm glad I stayed home.
Ok Mom it is your turn.....

Thanks Madi.....
Bald Head Island Lighthouse is also called Old Baldy

because the river pilots used to stand on the dunes watching for ships that needed help.  Eventually the dunes became so worn down they looked like a bald head...thus Old Baldy.

 It was the first lighthouse structure in North Carolina and was completed and lit in 1795.  It was built too close to the Cape Fear River which caused erosion issues. The new octagonal tower was completed and first illuminated in 1817.  The cost of the new tower was $16,000.00.  The base is 36' wide, it is 109' tall and is made of brick and coated with cement.

 Front door leading into the interior.

 The interior walls at the base are 5' thick.  At its top is is 14.5' wide and the walls are 2' thick

 Steps to the top photo below details the statistics of Old Baldy

 I took this picture from the first floor looking 109' up to the cupola of the lighthouse. The dark spot at the in the center is the very top

This was the beginning of the 108 steps that  my hubby and I were determined to climb.  There were 5 landings

 and last but not least the 9' ladder we had to climb  to get to the cupola. The opening into the cupola was just barely wide enough for my hubby to squeeze through but it lead to these fantastic views.Yes that is my reflection in the glass. 

 By the time we arrived at the top we were absolutely dripping wet...to say it was H O T was an understatement. There was no ventilation at the top. My brain was so fried I didn't even think to take a photo of the cupola opening until I was at the bottom.  Sorry but I was not climbing back up 108 steps...use your imagination...

Back in the 1700's they made their own bricks on the island.  This is a brick making contraption.

 Replica of the lighthouse keeper's kitchen which was in a separate building from the lighthouse and his home just in case there was a fire.

 Old Baldy has always been one of my favorite lighthouses but this was my first visit.  I cannot take enough pictures of it. Nor can I believe I climbed to the top

 Fort George on Bald Head Island was a Revolutionary War Fort per the below sign.  "It  was constructed by the British troops in 1776 to defend the island and their warships.

American forces attacked the fort but were repulsesd in early September 1776.  This was believed to be the first amphibious operation in American military history."

Bald Head Island is 14 miles long.  The beaches are some of the most pristine in the N.C.  It is only accessible by ferry. No private vehicles are allowed on the island. The ferry leaves the from Deep Point Marina in Southport, NC every hour on the hour and departs from the Island on the half hour.  The ferry operates 365 days a year.  Hours of operation vary with the seasons. Once there you may either walk or rent golf carts during your stay. There are a few year round residents on the island; however, it is mostly a vacation destination.   There are approximately 76 locations for accommodations and there is an island real estate agency.