The Lighthouse Looks so Small!
As a person who has a fondness for lighthouses, I am always fascinated to hear the observations of others regarding the sentinels of the sea. I find the impressions that lighthouses make upon people as random as they are delightful.
Recently, I was within earshot of one such thought by an invited guest aboard the United States Coast Guard Barque Eagle. The historic vessel was in Rockland during the first week of August for the 2024 Maine Lobster Festival – and in celebration of the City of Rockland’s recertification as a proud Coast Guard City.
The guests aboard the Eagle were treated to a short trip out past Owls Head Light and back into Rockland Harbor. As we plied by the 1902 Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, which is perched on the southern end of a nearly mile-long granite breakwater, a woman commented to her friend, “The lighthouse looks so small!”
When the Eagle passed Rockland Breakwater, the vessel was less than a half-mile from the lighthouse. Yet, even at this relatively short distance, it was easy to see why the woman noted how small the structure was in appearance from this vantage point. It indeed was miniature looking – and my cell phone photos did nothing to alter this perspective.
I bounced the woman’s observation around in my mind for a moment or two before it reminded me that this is exactly how mariners were familiar with seeing lighthouses – from wide ranging distances.