Seems lately everywhere I go around town, or even on the island highways or the small fishing village of Port Aransas, there is construction going on. I had planned on climbing the tower along the channel near the ferry boats that take vehicles over the channel to watch all the activity. Well, when I got to the tower, everything was cordoned off...it looks to me that they are building a new pier. Okie Dokie. That nixed my climbing, so I just walked along the trail around the park, through the marina, and just observed. Again, with nesting season for most local birds, not much going on in that venue...
When I got to the marina boardwalk, I looked to the Eastern horizon and took a picture of the one and only lighthouse. Lydia Ann Lighthouse. Then, I zoomed in as far as my camera allows without a tripod, and snapped again. In the first photo of the lighthouse [some 4+ miles across the channel, near the town of Aransas Pass *not the same as Port Aransas* as the crow flies], there is a very faint spot just above the 'keeper's' roof...by using the enlargement feature, look closely. Then, when I got home and uploaded the photos, the zoomed in photo revealed it was a patriotic parasailer!!!
Read more history of the Lighthouse HERE.
Lydia Ann Lighthouse which originally opened in 1856. Protecting a natural pass from the Gulf of Mexico to Aransas and Corpus Christi, the Lydia Ann Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it's the second-oldest lighthouse along the Texas Coast.
The lighthouse was deactivated in 1952, with just shy of 100 years of service along the Texas Gulf Coast. Today, the lighthouse serves as an iconic spot to visit [privately owned, see by boat tour only] as it's the oldest surviving structure in the Port Aransas/Corpus Christi area.
Anni, terrific shots! And wow....that one you captured of the patriotic parasailer with your zoom is STELLAR! And thanks for sharing the history of the Lighthouse. I have always been fascinated with lighthouses. I love looking at photographs of the New England coastline and all the different lighthouses.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, my friend!
Thanks Ron...hope you had a good weekend!
DeleteNice surprise capture of the parasailer. An interesting if scary sport. Was intrigued by the female name attached to the lighthouse but the link couldn't give a definitive answer. Glad it is still an attraction.
ReplyDeleteI wish they'd open it to tourists (state but it)
DeleteCool shot of the parasailer, all right. You always have great captures in your posts! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks D J
DeleteI have always been fascinated by lighthouses. Your shots are great!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ms. G
Deletewow what a surprise to find the parasail. he/she did not have to pay for the tour, just a birds eye view of it all... construction is a way of life here, they never finish before they start another
ReplyDeleteMuch needed here, but all at once?!!
DeleteI love each and every one me of your posts!! I always learn so much! I’m am fascinated with light houses and my friend, all of your photographs are just awesome! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteNancy
Thank you Nancy.
DeleteBeautiful shots of the lighthouse and of the parasailer! And I love the shot of the peeking pelican!
ReplyDelete😊 they are my favorite shorebird! True southern charm
DeleteI love lighthouses and your Lydia Ann is no exception. She's beautiful! I love the picture of the parachuter (or whatever they're called) right by it. All these pictures scream "summer"!!!!! Gorgeous!! ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDelete...in the heat of summer!! Definitely
DeleteOh Anni we need to change the name of Raleigh to Orange/white Barrel City. Road construction everywhere and those barrels have become very common place. I do so love a lighthouse. I'm off to click on the link
ReplyDeleteHugs cecilia
I love your city moniker!! lol
DeleteIt seems Construction is the word of the day from one coast to the other. They are building the third round about a mile from our house..It really isn't needed and the city has demolished all the landscaping, pulling out sidewalks and disturbed businesses along the way..Will be a mess for at least 6 more months. Today they are suppose to be replacing sewer lines..It NEVER stops.
ReplyDeleteSue
Should say "Round About"..3 of them in a very short distance. Totally unneeded
Deletewell lets see if this comment publishes. My account is completely messed up. I haven't been able to comment on anyone's blog. So frustrated...Sue
DeleteToo bad the landscaping has to be eliminated.
Delete3 being so close just makes no sense.
DeleteBlogger has been frustrating for most of us.
DeleteWhen do they run out of land, to 'construct' on?
ReplyDeleteTexas has MILES AND MIKES of open space...it takes two 8 hr. Days driving to get from north/south...east/west
DeleteLove the lighthouse and a bonus to get the parasail.
ReplyDelete😊🪂😊
DeleteI have always loved lighthouses and I enjoyed the history lesson. There seems to be construction everywhere. We have highways being widened in our area, and it's going to take years for the work to be completed. Nice catch on the patriotic parasailer.
ReplyDelete...not to bring up construction delays!!
DeleteYes indeed! I try to avoid the freeways in rush hour, but now it's just one big rush hour around here.
DeleteThat's awesome that the lighthouse is being taken care of. I love seeing old places like that
ReplyDeleteUnlike so many historical places torn down
DeleteIn these parts people often say "the shortest distance between two points is under construction." And it's a very true statement. When you only have 3 months of summer, they do the construction thing furiously when they're here. But, gee...it's curious that most of our roads have potholes so large they could swallow a SUV. Love the lighthouse!! I'd love to visit...the house looks so unusually "quaint" (not exactly the adjective I was looking for, but it will have to do) compared to most I've seen. And I, too, am intrigued by the name. I'm sure there's a ghost story lurking in there somewhere. ;-) ~Robin~ (See...I'm really me...not "anonymous" ... when I use a desktop....)
ReplyDeleteI've driven over a sunken VW in a pothole! 😉
DeleteIt is too bad they did not let the lighthouse be in use for 100 yrs! It is wonderful that it is still there.
ReplyDeleteI think the same!
DeleteWhat a great capture of the Parasailer! there has been a lot of construction here as well. I wonder if it has to do with that federal infrastructure bill? Your header today is so elegant!
ReplyDeleteThank for the compliment on my header!!
DeleteI am a big Lighthouse fan. Your camera did good with that zoom!
ReplyDeleteI ❤️ my 📷
DeleteI find lighthouses so interesting and your post led me to go looking if Canada has any. Well. it seems we do. The only provinces that don't have any are Alberta and Saskatchewan .Apparently we have some 750 lighthouses!! I love when a post sets me off on a search for more information.
ReplyDelete750!!?! Amazing.
DeleteThat is pretty cool that there was a parasailer when you zoomed in!
ReplyDelete😊
DeleteI hear your pain about construction. The summer in Chicagoland is nothing but construction. The clarity that you captured is incredible with the fact that no tripod was used. To see the parasailer and lighthouse so clearly is amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt's a pretty good camera, thanks
DeleteHey, used to follow you yrs ago and some how we got lost from each other. Looks like a great day to be out and about.
ReplyDeleteI am happy you returned for a visit Pam!
DeleteThere is just something so interesting about lighthouses ...
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
For me too!
DeleteLighthouses are pretty neat. Never been inside one though. I've not done parasailing either. That was a cool surprise on the zoom.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots. That is an awesome zoom.
ReplyDelete