Elbow Reef Lighthouse

The most recognized landmark in Abaco, the Elbow Reef Lighthouse in Hope Town is the last light of its
kind in the world.  Tuesday evening I dinghied a short distance to the dock below the lighthouse.  Carl and Barbara having arrived a few minutes earlier called to me from the balcony at the top of the lighthouse.   I soon joined them.


While waiting for the light keeper, we admired the harbor view and the sun setting over the Sea of Abaco.

Frensel Lens

 As the sun disappeared over the horizon, Jeffery the light keeper appeared.   After removing palm fronds and lights that decorated the balcony for a special memorial, Jeffery got to work removing the window shades that protect Fresnel lens from the sun. Then we climbed up a ladder to the level of the lens. 




A kerosene burner something like a Coleman camping lantern provides  the light. We watched as Jeffery prepared the mantle.   Alcohol burning in a small pot below the lantern provides heat.  The lantern must be hot before pressurized kerosene flows to the mantle otherwise the kerosene will spray over everything including us.  Jeffery patiently waited for the lantern to heat up as Carl and I trained or cameras on the mantle. 

Upon admitting the kerosene,  the mantle first smoked and then  burned bright white as it has since 1864.

Hope Town from Lighthouse

Sunset  from High in the Lighthouse

Pictures







Postscript ... We had a great time biking from one end of the island to the other about a 10-mile ride from the southside called Tahiti Beach to the beautiful hideaway homes in the north.