Lake Erie Getaway/Marblehead Lighthouse

I'm lucky to live only about 40 minutes (by car) from the southwestern shore of Lake Erie, so I try to visit at least once or twice during the summer months. For those who might not know, Lake Erie is the southernmost, and fourth-largest, of the Great Lakes of North America. My sister and I took a spur-of-the-moment trip to Lake Erie last week, so I want to share some photos. First: the Marblehead Lighthouse, built in 1821. It sits at the very tip of Marblehead Peninsula on a rocky outcropping of limestone. Inside, a spiraling staircase with 77 steps leads to the top of the lighthouse - but I've never climbed it (that's a lot of steps!) The views from the top are said to be fantastic, though, so I need to do it one of these times! 

 The very first lightkeeper was Benajah Wolcott, a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the first settlers on the peninsula. Every night, he would climb the tower to light the thirteen wicks of the lighthouse, which, at the time, were actually 13 small, whale oil lamps. His other duties were to keep records of the weather conditions and the passing ships, and to organize search efforts when needed. When Mr. Wolcott passed away in 1832, his wife took over the duties, making her the first female lightkeeper on the Great Lakes.

This is the lightkeeper's house that's just across from the lighthouse, I love the hollyhocks growing along the fence! This home was built in 1880 to replace the original lightkeeper's dwelling that had become inhabitable. You can tour the downstairs of the home, where there's also a small museum.

The rocky shoreline makes for great seating to enjoy the views, and it's also fun to climb the rocks and explore because they're filled with glacial grooves and fossils.

I also found this name carved into the rock: Jim Johans U.S.C.G. (United States Coast Guard)

I hope you've enjoyed this little "lakeside getaway!"

Until next time,
Cindy

Linking to: Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper
                                   Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer
                        What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
                                          Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage
             Passion Parade Friday Link Soiree

Lake Erie and Marblehead Lighthouse

I usually always make at least one trip to Lake Erie each summer, which is only about a 40-minute drive from where I live. I can't believe summer is almost over and I haven't been there yet this year! So, these photos are from last year. Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest, continuously operating lighthouse in the United States, built in 1822. It sits at the tip of Marblehead Peninsula and is now part of a 9-acre state park. There is a small museum inside the keeper's house, and picnic tables on the grounds offer views of the lake, Sandusky Bay, Kellys Island and South Bass Island (also known as Put-in-Bay.) Several ferries offer transportation to the islands, including a high-speed catamaran that departs from the small town of Port Clinton.

Old-fashioned Hollyhocks that grow along the picket fence that surrounds the lightkeeper's house.

And I must share this photo I took of a portion of an old, "shabby chic-look" iron fence that surrounds a local restaurant in Port Clinton. The detail on it is incredible!

Map of Lake Erie - Port Clinton and Marblehead Peninsula are about halfway between Toledo and Cleveland, Ohio.

Have a great week, everyone!