Cape Ann Light Station on Thacher Island, 6/22/2024. The identical lighthouses on Thacher Island are the only operating twin lighthouses left in the U.S. They are both 124 feet tall, and are the second tallest lighthouses in New England, after Boon Island Lighthouse in Maine, which is the tallest at 133 feet. Completed in 1861, they were built to warn ships of the dangerous Londoner Reef, which had caused hundreds of shipwrecks. The National Park Service designated the entire Island and its structures as a National Historic Landmark in 2001. The Island itself is beautiful and lush. There are well-maintained trails throughout the island to explore.
When we visited only the South Tower was open for climbing (156 steps to the top!). The North Tower was under repair, and it may be open for climbing now, not sure. PRO TIP: When I booked our tickets, I did not realize it would be nesting season for seagulls and geese. The seagulls in particular were very aggressive protecting their nests (as a father, I get it). The docents recommended taking walking sticks to wave off any attacking birds. Glad we followed their recommendation. Also: holy bird shit, Batman! There was goose shit everywhere. Literally, everywhere. So. Much. Poop. Choose your footwear accordingly (I chose poorly).
These photos are of the North Tower taken from the top of the South Tower.
#thacherisland #lighthouse #phare #faro #leuchtturm #灯台 #todai
#newengland #massachusetts #capeann #rockport
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