A Proud and Beautiful Beacon for “all who go down to the sea in ships”.

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I have taken many, many photos of Nobska Light – from land and sea, sunny and cloudy, but I think this one is my favorite. When my husband and I went out for a ride along the Falmouth shore late yesterday afternoon, I didn’t really expect any good shots with the departing light and the cloudy skies. I guess you never know.

Since 1828, Nobska Light has provided a familiar beacon for “all who go down to the sea in ships”.

This is the first sentence in the sign displayed in front of the lighthouse. Take a look at the wreath up close.

Buoys,  rain hats, a Station Woods Hole life ring and the Coast Guard insignia, all tied together with a bow of life jackets and fishing net.

The overlook on Nobska Point, looking to Vineyard Sound.

Excerpt:

87 feet above sea level, Nobska’s flash every six seconds is visible 17 miles out to sea. This 28,000 candlepower light used a 1000-watt lap magnified by a Fourth Order Fresnel lens. The red section visible on the east side of the lantern house warns ships away from Hedge Fence and L’Hommedieu Shoals south of the Cape.

Nobska Light became part of the Coast Guard in 1939, when the U.S. Light House Service merged with the Coast Guard. Despite this change, the keepers of the light remained civilians until the last retired in 1973 when active duty Coast Guard keepers took up the duty.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-2 continues this duty today, thanks  to two very dedicated Auxiliary members, Sandy and Don Abt of Falmouth. They have been on lighthouse maintenance duty, providing tours and information to large numbers of visitors for many, many years, completely as volunteers. Wonderful dedication, Sandy and Don.

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