Lighthouses, Hot Chocolate &
You
by
Shirin Pagels
On Saturday January 25th, 72 hearty souls convened in The Lobster Shack parking lot near the Cape Elizabeth Twin lights to kick off the 3rd Annual Lighthouses, Hot Chocolate and You held by the New England Lighthouse Lovers (NELL). The previous two outings took the group to the Scituate and Cohasset area of Massachusetts in 2001 and to the Newport, Rhode Island area in early 2002. These trips were designed to give lighthouse lovers an opportunity to visit lighthouses during the quiet winter months when most people are not as likely to get out and visit lights, especially in the cold Northeast.
Led by Jeremy D’entremont, who coordinated this tour, those willing to brave the snow first made their way up the hill towards the East tower of the twin lights. Due to the snow, it was not feasible to make the entire way up the rocky hill, however, we did make it 2/3 of the way to the light. The second stop for the group was the Portland Head Light. There we were able to climb the tower and view the museum at the site.
The group then broke into smaller groups to take in lunch at several local restaurants. After lunch the group reconvened at the Portland Breakwater or Bug Light. Again we were given access to climb this light. Our forth and final light of the day was the Spring Point Ledge Light. Those making the trek along the breakwater out to the light were treated with a tour of the inside. Upon our return from the light, hot chocolate and cookies were waiting courtesy of the museum volunteers. A great time was had by all attended and many of us are already counting the days until next years outing.
 Bug Light |
 Cape Elizabeth |
 Group at Bug |
 Jeremy talks with the group |
 Portland Head Light |
 Spring Point Ledge |