I was motivated to ask this question after reading a good article about the last manned lighthouse in the U.S., although it could be related to the posts from Weebles and others about cruising offshore.
Turns out that Little Brewster Island, in Boston's outer harbor, is the last lighthouse in the country run by a full-time keeper, in this case a woman. When she retires, she is unlikely to be replaced, so all of them will be 100% automated.
Sailing offshore heading north from Florida, I remember appreciating the lights we passed, like those along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts, but it was more from being reassured that GPS and charts were being confirmed. And maybe I am too cautious - or chicken - to consider entering an unfamiliar harbor at night, regardless of the light. I have never boated into Boston Harbor, so I am not familiar with that particular light, but am sure many TF'ers have.
In the days of sail these lighthouses were often the only navigational aid and, before there were engines captains had to sail when the wind and tides were favorable, and couldn't always wait for daytime visibility.
But it made me wonder, do you still find lighthouses useful for navigation, or have buoys, GPS, radar, etc. made them something of a relic, nice to visit, but no longer that helpful?
Peter
PS: Mexico still has over 100 lighthouses- the US has almost 1000 - which some of you may be familiar with.
Turns out that Little Brewster Island, in Boston's outer harbor, is the last lighthouse in the country run by a full-time keeper, in this case a woman. When she retires, she is unlikely to be replaced, so all of them will be 100% automated.
Sailing offshore heading north from Florida, I remember appreciating the lights we passed, like those along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts, but it was more from being reassured that GPS and charts were being confirmed. And maybe I am too cautious - or chicken - to consider entering an unfamiliar harbor at night, regardless of the light. I have never boated into Boston Harbor, so I am not familiar with that particular light, but am sure many TF'ers have.
In the days of sail these lighthouses were often the only navigational aid and, before there were engines captains had to sail when the wind and tides were favorable, and couldn't always wait for daytime visibility.
But it made me wonder, do you still find lighthouses useful for navigation, or have buoys, GPS, radar, etc. made them something of a relic, nice to visit, but no longer that helpful?
Peter
PS: Mexico still has over 100 lighthouses- the US has almost 1000 - which some of you may be familiar with.