BOON ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
York, Maine
I didn't see this light from Cape Neddick on my first visit. This time was much clearer, although I had to constantly get back in the car to keep from freezing. The wind was blowing very hard. I had a better chance of holding the camera still by propping it on a concrete base for those pay-for binocular things, than I would using the travel tripod I had with me. But alas, as you can see the best I got is pretty blurry. The island is 6 miles out there though. One of the Cape Neddick photos is composed so that you can see Boon Island off in the distance.
A light was first established here in 1811, but made of wood, it could not withstand the storms, and washed away. Another light was built and it too washed away in the early 1850's. The current tower, was completed and first lit in 1855. The tower stands taller than any other light on the Maine coast at 133 feet. Made of granite. It was equipped with a 2nd order lens at first and in 1993 a modern, solar-powered optic was installed. The light has been automated since 1980. It was so dangerous out on the island that the keepers' families did not stay with them. I can imagine being out there wand watching one of those nasty Atlantic storms come barreling in.
OF THE MOUNTAINS
John B Caddell
Copyright 2001