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Part III ~ Twin Lighthouse

On our way to Sandy Hook we took the short detour up the steep road leading to the mountain top lighthouse. Over the last years I have tried, unsuccessfully, to capture this castle style Twin Lighthouse in it’s entirety. It sits high on a hill, 200 feet above sea level, and when you’re shooting with a 28mm there isn’t room to back up or move over before nearing the cliff's edge. So I have previously posted parts of this light. Last week when I purchased a 10 - 24mm, I knew I wanted to give my new lens a workout at the Twin.

to view the skies around the world head over to SkyWatch Friday.

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Part II ~ Fort Hancock

Walking the grounds while touring the fort provided the chance to take a closer look than allowed from the inside of a vehicle. The abandoned Batteries are fenced off with heavy chains and padlocks holding the gates closed.

Stopping by Battery Granger, standing in awe of this decaying 100 + year, massive concrete structure revealed an unlocked gate. The large linked chain hang in an open circle and the padlock was among the missing. I nodded to B. He moved his head in an up and down motion signaling a yes, go ahead, I dare ya. I pushed the rusting gate open wide enough to squeeze myself through. At risk of being arrested, I tip toed into the hallowed ground.

As I prepared to take several photos of the now vacant area, in my mind I could see the Soldiers hurrying up the narrow stairway to get view of the open ocean ahead for them. Although several of the black iron gates were partly open, I was too creeped out to investigate the darkened inners.

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Part I ~ Sandy Hook

I did not attend the NJ Lighthouse Challenge which took place over this past weekend. But keeping in the spirit, B and I went to Sandy Hook. I have posted this lighthouse previously, most recently on 9-11 when Phriend and I made a ill faded attempt to capture the tribute lights in NYC.

Sandy Hook is the oldest U.S. operational Lighthouse. It stands at the mouth of the Hudson River, the waterway entrance to New York Harbors and is surrounded by a deactivated Army base. This coastal artillery base was commissioned in 1874 and protected the harbor for over 100 years. The gunnisons and batteries are decayed beyond repair and are fenced off making them visible but off limits to visitors.

Yesterday being a warm Autumn day and with B and Willow in tow, we took a walking tour of the area.

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During our visit to Sandy Hook last month to photograph the lighthouse and 1800s Army Base, phriend and I made a quick stop by the Visitor’s Center. As we walked through the door, with cameras and lenses draped around our necks, the Park Ranger inquired as to whether we were there to photograph the migrating birds or Seals. Seals? Who know seals migrated through New Jersey, certainly not I. We ran over to the harbor side of the island it hopes of catching a glimpse of these flippered, whiskered sea mammals. Luck was not on our side and there was not a one.

This past week we made plans to revisit. Our first stop at, what we were told was their favored resting place, we did not see them. Phriend suggested we make seal noises and think “happy thoughts”. All with the hopes this would bring them out from hiding. Sadly all it brought was strange looks from other visitors. We drove to the lighthouse again, watched some snow surfers, and admired the Manhattan skyline. On our way out of the park, we made one more stop to check for the seals and there they were 60 or more lined up in a row, sunning themselves on a sandbar. I was truly amazed, that this migration has been going on for years and I did not know about it. I am glad I do now.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Snow Surfing

Harbor Seals

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I mentioned yesterday, while out shooting, I forgot to compensate for the remaining bright white snow. This resulted in many over exposed photos and to my surprise some very interesting and moody shots.

The one I post today of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, has an artsy look more than the look of a photograph. Although, this is not what I was going for, I rather like it.

This evening, I plan on heading out with a good photo friend to practice some night photography. Hopefully tomorrow you will view the awesome photo I have in my minds eye.

ISO 200, f/11, 1/20 sec

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With an entire day off, I found myself itching to get out and practice manual skills. After a quick text message to a friend and a run through the house to gather up all my camera equipment, off we went.

We briefly debated several sites and decided on a beach area which either of us frequent. On this site, stands the USA’s oldest working lighthouse. Built in 1764, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse is still in use. Due to it’s vantage view point of New York City, the Army took control of the area, and since 1899, Fort Hancock has called it home. In 1974, it was decommissioned and now only the Coast Guard remains active there. Many of the structures have fallen into disrepair.

Today, I vowed not to fall back to auto mode. I forgot to compensate for the remaining bright white snow and many of my photos were over exposed, giving them a ghostly and interesting look. Perhaps having a better "feel" than had I used the technically correct settings. Hey, it works for me and it was great fun to be out.

Door to ...

Simple ~