Friday, August 30, 2013

Cabot Head

It is a long, winding drive from the highway to see some of the light houses of the Bruce Peninsula, and on this occasion the single track road was, while not treacherous, at least a bit nerve-wracking as far too many people drove way too fast. I was glad my friend suggested this day trip (and equally glad she was driving!) as I might not have bothered.

This postcard shows Wingfield Basin, on the Georgian Bay side of the peninsula. That cluster of white buildings with the red roofs on the bottom right shows the "Cabot Head Lightstation and Visitor Centre, surrounded by Wingfield Basin Provincial Nature Reserve and backed by the limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment".
These photos show the lighthouse as it is now at 107 years old.
the lighthouse isn't as tall as you might expect, mostly because it is already 80' above the water on a cliff.
below is a postcard showing the original range light and tower that was demolished around 1970 when a government mandated automated airport type light was installed. A steel tower then replaced the (always precarious in a lighthouse) wooden tower. In the mid 1980s, the light station was completely restored by the Friends of Cabot Head and is now run as a museum and interpretive centre. It is located in a relatively isolated area so was built quite a few years later than many of the other light houses. 

"This unique lighthouse was established in 1896 to guide ships rounding Cabot Head on the often turbulent waters of Georgian Bay. Today it is maintained as a museum by the Friends of Cabot Head"




















A separate residence was built in 1958 where a manager now lives. But, you too, could become a volunteer light house keeper giving tours and doing minor maintenance and living at the house for a week from mid-May to mid-October. Apparently there is always a waiting list. You might first want to check out this map here and read about more about the lighthouse and the volunteer program here 

PostcardFriendshipFriday

19 comments:

  1. That looks like a real neat place to live, but I'm sure it's very lonely there. Although, that may be a perk.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it wouldn't be so lonely now - there are hundreds of people who go through here in a day. the park also has walking trails that need maintaining. while it was by no means crowded when we were there, there was a steady stream of people.

      Delete
  2. It hasn't changed much has it. I hope I look that good if I get to be that old lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. and may you have as many attentive care-givers to help you!

      Delete
  3. When I saw the words Cabot Head I was thinking Cabot Tower and thought you were posting about Newfoundland! I've loved lighthouses since I was a teenager, I'm hoping when we hit the road full-time that we'll volunteer at one at some point.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. that's funny - and I kept having to change Trail to Head as I was typing this!
      I haven't paid much attention to lighthouses since we have so few in Toronto. but now I'm getting excited about them (sadly when it is almost too late)

      Delete
  4. That's a fine looking light house. So glad it is now a museum as many light houses have been removed or fallen into disrepair. Fun to think about becoming a volunteer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. there is not one manned lighthouse anywhere in Ontario - all are automated. many lighthouses already have fallen into an almost irreparable state. thank goodness for the Friends of the Lighthouse groups.

      Delete
  5. A very unusual lighthouse - a house with a light. It looks a stunning location.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it does look a bit odd - almost as if the house has grown up around the tower!

      Delete
  6. That lighthouse is really cute!

    ReplyDelete
  7. If I'm from there or somewhere near close to that place, I would have loved to volunteer as tour guide! It would be a nice opportunity to be able to visit this one of a kind lighthouse again and again, for free!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. visiting the lighthouse is free (or a suggestion of $3) but you actually have to pay to be a volunteer!

      Delete
  8. What a wonderful place! And still as pristine as the day it was built. Wonderful postcards!

    Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Looks like that long and winding road was worth the effort. A splendid place to visit and appreciate the views and the outdoors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it most certainly was worth it. unfortunately, it started to rain so we didn't stay to wander the trails.

      Delete
  10. Beautiful photography of a gorgeous place ~ thanks, carol, xo

    ReplyDelete

Glad you stopped by. For anyone who stumbled here, don't be shy to say 'hi' and let me know you've visited!