AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |
Back to Blog
![]() Wampum has been called America’s first money, a type of currency used to barter commodities. White beads from the whelk shell were also used. Some quahog clam shell pieces with partial purple coloration were identified by the park ranger on duty as the type used by Native Americans to produce shell beads known as wampum, which were then fashioned into belts and pendants. I picked up a few intact shells and several broken pieces that had been smoothed by time and tide. Beachcombing for shells and other treasures washed to shore is one of my favorite activities, so I was in my element as I strolled along the wide expanse of sand that stretched as far as the eye could see. We were blessed with a sunny, clear day with light winds so conditions were near-perfect to take in spectacular 360° views.īefore the ferry returned to take us back to Harkers Island, we had a little time left to make our way to the beach via a wooden walkway that begins at the Visitor’s Center. The entrance to the top is through an oval-shaped hatch. ![]() Although I made it with no problem, I was glad there were several landings with windows and a breeze to take brief breaks on the way. The lighthouse is closed for climbing on Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open other days from the third week in May to the third weekend in September. Regular admission is $8.00 children are $4.00 Seniors (62 and over) are $4.00. We had a scheduled time (every 15 minutes) to make the climb since only 10 visitors are allowed to be on the top at one time. ![]() There are 207 steps to the top of the lighthouse, the equivalent of climbing a 12-story building.Its light can be seen from at least 12 miles out to sea and up to 19 miles from land.The Cape Lookout Lighthouse became fully automated in 1950 and flashes every 15 seconds.It replaced an earlier, shorter lighthouse, built in 1812. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is 163 feet tall and has been in operation since 1859. We learned from the volunteer who oriented us to the lighthouse’s history that its checkered markings show direction: the center of the black diamonds point north-south, while the white diamonds point east-west. It is known as the Diamond Lady for its distinctive black-and-white diamond shaped pattern. Our group’s point of disembarkation was at the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. We were only able to see them from afar through our zoom lenses, but I’d love to return to spend an afternoon enjoying the beach and trying to get a closer look at the horses as they graze and interact.īirders will love visiting this area, too, since more than 250 species of birds have been identified within Cape Lookout National Seashore during various seasons.ĭownload a brochure listing Birds of Cape Lookout National Seashore here: (Read more about their history and characteristics here.) Although their origins can’t be totally verified, historians believe they were brought to the area by Spanish explorers during the 16 th century, as a result of shipwrecks, or by early English colonists. Passengers can elect to disembark at Shackleford Banks, where about 100 wild horses, called Banker horses, have roamed the barrier islands for hundreds of years. * Ferry service is also available from the town of Beaufort to the west end of Shackleford Banks.
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |