Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted October 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 That's the right one in my book! amen Hmmmm.... Not sure about those pics of the climb! Pretty though! it was an adventure Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted October 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 Very pretty, but I couldn't have made that climb either! I think the climb down would be worse. My sense of balance is all out of whack. Heck, I even wear the sissy assistant strap on Soarin'.Love all the photos. OY - my calves this morning Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted October 2, 2013 Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 Great job so far, Nicki. I love to look at light houses, it's the spiral stairs I can't handle. They make me nervous. This is my problem too. The last lighthouse I climbed was the one in Key West. The stairs are made of wrought iron. Like patio furniture. You can see through the steps. It was awful going down. My kids ran down without a care. I was gripping the handrail the whole way. We still laugh about it. Only it wasn't funny to me. TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted October 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 Around The Top We Go - So we finally made it to the catwalk under the actual lantern, so for those of you afraid of heights... you have been warned. Here is a 360 walking picture tour from the catwalk- Those who have vertigo look away NOW -To give you an idea of just how far up we were there is our red truck in the parking lot. Matchbox cars anyone? Now time to check out the lantern. Sadly for us but happily for the lighthouse, this lantern is still an active rotating light. So as you an see in the picture below there is a plastic sheet separating you from the lantern, which also meant you didn't have to climb 215 stairs. And now we need to get back down to here - Easy right? Well we go down in the order IH (to catch anyone that falls), IS, ID, and lastly me. By the way, we always go in this order anywhere. IH, ID, IS, and me. Parents bracketing the children. As anyone who has traversed up a lighthouse will tell you the steps get smaller as you go up. It probably took 10 minutes to climb up and about 20 to climb down. IH and IS, while they aren't flying they are moving good. ID, well it was right foot down, left foot next to right, right foot down, left foot next to right, right foot down......etc for 203 steps. Finally this- Next Up - Some Lenses, History, and Such Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted October 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 A correction, it seems that though the light is lit and rotates it is not a Coast Guard active light house Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fortpartyof4 108 Posted October 2, 2013 Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 Thank you for this! One of my favorite places! We spend a week @ the beach in Daytona every summer, not far from this light house. So many people think it's just about racing but there is so much more to do and see, and the beaches are great for families. It's a great place for a laid back, relaxing time at the beach, as long as you're not up by the pier and Main St. We've visited the lighthouse twice, but only half of our family made it to the top. Those stairs are daunting. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted October 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 Thank you for this! One of my favorite places! We spend a week @ the beach in Daytona every summer, not far from this light house. So many people think it's just about racing but there is so much more to do and see, and the beaches are great for families. It's a great place for a laid back, relaxing time at the beach, as long as you're not up by the pier and Main St. We've visited the lighthouse twice, but only half of our family made it to the top. Those stairs are daunting. We didn't have time for the beach. And to be honest, the lighthouse was done on a whim (100 pictures later). I just looked at it and knew I had to climb it. No matter what I had to get to the top. Yes, the stairs are daunting but I didn't think about how many. Just one foot in front of the other and I am gonna make it to the top. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted October 2, 2013 Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 Love the pics!!!!! Even the ones from up top. While the heights wouldn't bother me, my calves would scream too!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fort4evr 0 Posted October 2, 2013 Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 Great trip report so far..Now I want to visit that lighthouse and climb to the top! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Momof6....aka Marty 769 Posted October 2, 2013 Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 Great trip report so far..Now I want to visit that lighthouse and climb to the top!Me Too!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
h2odivers...Ray 952 Posted October 2, 2013 Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 Me Too!!Me too What a view! Wow! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted October 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2013 Love the pics!!!!! Even the ones from up top. While the heights wouldn't bother me, my calves would scream too!! the funny part is that we have been walking daily at the West KOA in Ashville and from our campsite it's downhill, uphill, downhill, uphill, downhill, and back up again... once and sometimes twice a day. I would have thought my legs would be ok.... I was wrong. Great trip report so far..Now I want to visit that lighthouse and climb to the top! Me Too!! Me tooWhat a view! Wow! http://ponceinlet.org Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547 Posted October 3, 2013 Report Share Posted October 3, 2013 I think the climb down would be worse. Definitely harder on my arthritic knees! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted October 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2013 Great job so far, Nicki. This is my problem too. The last lighthouse I climbed was the one in Key West. The stairs are made of wrought iron. Like patio furniture. You can see through the steps. It was awful going down. My kids ran down without a care. I was gripping the handrail the whole way. We still laugh about it. Only it wasn't funny to me. TCDI missed your post yesterday somehow. I will admit that it was nice to be behind slow ID as i could take my time. Going up is much better than down. These steps were metal but you couldn't really see through the holes anymore. Definitely harder on my arthritic knees! stairs are killer on the knees Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted October 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2013 Some Lenses, History, and OY the Legs Hurt Now we are off to take a look at the building they have some extra lenses in. I have to be honest this was an impromptu visit and IH had a phone call to get home for so we were kinda in a hurry so I just took pictures of all the plaques to read later. Then he ended up having to take it while we were there so the hurry ended up being for nothing, yet the kids I were to done at that point (shaking legs) to want to go back and really read all the plaques. So this last updates includes the plaques, if you are interested in reading about it. This picture makes me think of an Owl... An old Anchor. There is a picture of another but it was too blurry...working with just my iPhone.. I am missing a picture of one of the keepers (blurry photo) She looks fierce. To be honest, there is a wealth of other knowledge to be explored here. Since it was impulse, it was a quick visit. However it was fun. Having said that...OY! My legs are worse today than they were yesterday (not surprising as I know it is always the second day that the lactic acid builds up the most). For the record, the gift shop lady, who has only climbed the tower twice (not sure if that was in one day or total) said that the maintenance guys sometimes climb it 3 or 4 times a day..... and on that revelation it's time to end. Short and sweet but I have another visit to make..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted October 3, 2013 Report Share Posted October 3, 2013 You definitely need to take some time the next time you're at a lighthouse to read the plaques and hear about the history. The lenses themselves are fascinating. Think about how much work went into creating one of those. Also, think about the fact that lighthouses originally did not run on electricity. That meant someone had to carry fuel up and down all those steps (or come up with another way to get the fuel to the lens) and clean the lens of soot and perform other maintenance on a daily basis. I don't know if your gang has stopped in St. Augustine yet, but there's a lighthouse there, and a Fort, and a ton of "America's Oldest" things to see in the city. TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Helmsey......Todd 134 Posted October 3, 2013 Report Share Posted October 3, 2013 Great TR! I love that lighthouse, been up and down those stairs more times that I could count. I spent at least 2 weeks of each summer staying right here for many years: ***Purple crayon a trademark of TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted October 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2013 You definitely need to take some time the next time you're at a lighthouse to read the plaques and hear about the history. The lenses themselves are fascinating. Think about how much work went into creating one of those. Also, think about the fact that lighthouses originally did not run on electricity. That meant someone had to carry fuel up and down all those steps (or come up with another way to get the fuel to the lens) and clean the lens of soot and perform other maintenance on a daily basis. I don't know if your gang has stopped in St. Augustine yet, but there's a lighthouse there, and a Fort, and a ton of "America's Oldest" things to see in the city. TCDI plan on reading the plaques from the pictures and I have looked some stuff up online. The lenses are amazing. The thinking that went into designing them is as well. As for the work, how many of us think of lighthouses with rose colored glasses but let's be honest, it was a lot of work. Many of the lighthouses are in extremely rugged terrain and the families were often cut off from civilization on a good day and on a bad one.... completely on their own. We have tried to make it to St Augustine many times, this trip included. However, our forays into Florida usually coincide with the snowbirds making finding affordable camping almost impossible. We want to go there so badly too but a week there would cost us about the same as the Fort or more. Great TR! I love that lighthouse, been up and down those stairs more times that I could count. I spent at least 2 weeks of each summer staying right here for many years: ***Purple crayon a trademark of TCD I bet the view from the island of the lighthouse is a nice one too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted October 3, 2013 Report Share Posted October 3, 2013 Great TR! I love that lighthouse, been up and down those stairs more times that I could count. I spent at least 2 weeks of each summer staying right here for many years: ***Purple crayon a trademark of TCD Good job. So what's the name of that resort? Looks pretty nice. We have tried to make it to St Augustine many times, this trip included. However, our forays into Florida usually coincide with the snowbirds making finding affordable camping almost impossible. We want to go there so badly too but a week there would cost us about the same as the Fort or more. If you can ever plan far enough ahead, try for a campsite at Anastasia Island State Park: http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia/ The lighthouse is right there, as is the beach. Very nice for a state park, and way less expensive than the Fort. TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted October 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2013 Good job. So what's the name of that resort? Looks pretty nice. If you can ever plan far enough ahead, try for a campsite at Anastasia Island State Park: http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia/ The lighthouse is right there, as is the beach. Very nice for a state park, and way less expensive than the Fort. TCD I almost got my hopes up. Might still run it by IH but due to certain travel restrictions and inflexibilities ... we usually rule out anything that isn't full hookup. however, it never hurts to check it out... who knows. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fortpartyof4 108 Posted October 4, 2013 Report Share Posted October 4, 2013 I almost got my hopes up. Might still run it by IH but due to certain travel restrictions and inflexibilities ... we usually rule out anything that isn't full hookup. however, it never hurts to check it out... who knows. I second TCD's Anastasia recommendation. I lived about 30 min. from there until a month ago and know all the CGs in the area pretty well. I would also add: North Beach Camp Resort - right on the beach, not cheap but not as much as the Fort; St. Augustine Beach KOA - not fancy but decent rates and close to all the tourist stuff; and Stagecoach RV park - not far off of 95, very basic CG but runs around 39/nt and a good base to go and sight-see in St. Aug. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted October 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2013 I second TCD's Anastasia recommendation. I lived about 30 min. from there until a month ago and know all the CGs in the area pretty well. I would also add: North Beach Camp Resort - right on the beach, not cheap but not as much as the Fort; St. Augustine Beach KOA - not fancy but decent rates and close to all the tourist stuff; and Stagecoach RV park - not far off of 95, very basic CG but runs around 39/nt and a good base to go and sight-see in St. Aug. I love the state park option but it's hard to convince DH to do without full hookups. with four of us, not using the shower, even with careful water consumption (using comfort stations etc) our tanks fill up rather quickly. And mid-week moves are taboo. So me and Florida, we must have a difference of opinion on what's affordable. North Beach for a family of 4 is anywhere between $380-406 for a week, on the cheapest sites. You aren't assured of getting those either, it's what they have available. (estimating what their weekly rates are based on experience and what i think I remember them saying) St Augustine Beach KOA is $420 a week right now. They do not offer weekly rates nor did they mention pay for 6 get 7th free. By the way, Florida is one of the few places rates are actually higher in the winter than the summer and mind you the only place where a KOA is the affordable option for weeklies. KOA's rock for monthly rates but daily and weekly....meh. To give you an idea here are some monthlies I have paid $450 - KOA in Asheville, NC (electrical included)$450- $ 640 - Port Aransas, TX (add $150 electrical) it was literally a sand dune from the beach Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Helmsey......Todd 134 Posted October 4, 2013 Report Share Posted October 4, 2013 Good job. So what's the name of that resort? Looks pretty nice. It's called "The Inlet at New Smyrna" original, huh? It's one of the older condo's at the north end of NSB and it kinda shows since they have built newer, nicer ones around it. The last time I was there was in 2010 and it just wasn't the same with all the shiny new ones around.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fortpartyof4 108 Posted October 4, 2013 Report Share Posted October 4, 2013 I love the state park option but it's hard to convince DH to do without full hookups. with four of us, not using the shower, even with careful water consumption (using comfort stations etc) our tanks fill up rather quickly. And mid-week moves are taboo. So me and Florida, we must have a difference of opinion on what's affordable. North Beach for a family of 4 is anywhere between $380-406 for a week, on the cheapest sites. You aren't assured of getting those either, it's what they have available. (estimating what their weekly rates are based on experience and what i think I remember them saying) St Augustine Beach KOA is $420 a week right now. They do not offer weekly rates nor did they mention pay for 6 get 7th free. By the way, Florida is one of the few places rates are actually higher in the winter than the summer and mind you the only place where a KOA is the affordable option for weeklies. KOA's rock for monthly rates but daily and weekly....meh. To give you an idea here are some monthlies I have paid $450 - KOA in Asheville, NC (electrical included)$450- $ 640 - Port Aransas, TX (add $150 electrical) it was literally a sand dune from the beach I understand. My thought when I was recommending those places was just for a couple of nights just to see St. Aug. maybe to or from the Fort. Just chiming in on TCD's remarks about it, it's such a beautiful and interesting place to visit. And the beaches are so family friendly. Heck, you could even pull in for an afternoon on your way to another FL location and see quite a bit. The visitor's center has RV parking that is free. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted October 4, 2013 Report Share Posted October 4, 2013 It's called "The Inlet at New Smyrna" original, huh? It's one of the older condo's at the north end of NSB and it kinda shows since they have built newer, nicer ones around it. The last time I was there was in 2010 and it just wasn't the same with all the shiny new ones around.... Thanks. I don't envision ever spending a night there, but you never know. TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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