Makapu‘u Point

After spending about 10 days unpacking our house, we had to get out of the house. We were beyond tired of being trapped behind the walls of a building. Since Cody's birthday was Monday and we knew we wouldn't be able to do anything since he'd be working, we decided to spend our weekend celebrating. What better way than to go on a beautiful hike?

We decided to do the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail, after being recommended the trail by a neighbor. It's a 2-mile hike, round trip. The path is paved all the way up. I would definitely say this is a good beginner hike.

On the drive there, we stopped at a couple of places to enjoy the view.

I mean, look at that water! 

Along the way, there were little overlooks where you could stop to rest if you needed to. You could see over the crystal blue water. At each overlook, they had boards with information about the area that you could read. At one overlook, you learned about the other islands that you could see. At another, you learned about the whales that mate in the nearby waters. At the final overlook before reaching the top, you learn about the history of the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse. You're even able to see the lighthouse itself, poised on the cliff-side.

There are places where people go climb down the slopes and into the tidepool areas. They have signs warning you not to do it because it's dangerous. Please, if you do this hike, respect nature. Stay on the trail and you'll see just as much beauty. It's not worth the danger you could face.

Anyways, when we finally reached the top, the view was breathtaking.

 The water was so blue. When you climb the few steps to the very top, you overlook the lighthouse. It's probably the smallest lighthouse I've ever seen. But it was oh so beautiful.

I definitely recommend bringing water with you. There is no drinking water available on the trail and it gets hot hiking to the top. If you bring anything that produces trash, please take it with you.

Amelia Island, Florida

March 12, 2016

We woke up bright and early, hopped in the car and made our way to Amelia Island.

When we arrived, we realized that we just happened to be there at the same time as their annual car show was occurring. So the island was packed with tons of vintage muscle cars.

Our adventure began at the farmers market. Every Saturday, they close down 7th Street, in the historic district, until 1 pm, so that people can set up and sell their goodies.

Upon arriving at the farmer's market, we saw two men who were dressed in an odd fashion. Definitely not what people would normally be seen wearing today.

They were raising money to send a missionary to Jerusalem. 

We continued along the farmer's market.  There were tons of booths set up. 

There was a man set up who was selling imported Olive Oils. There were people selling toffee, cheese straws, cupcakes and various other food items. We also saw multiple people selling their artwork, whether it be paintings or handmade furniture. 

After we were finished at the farmer's market, we decided to explore the historic district. The architecture we came across was stunning. 

We headed down the island to visit Fernandina Beach. Due to the car show, parking was absolutely terrible. There are little parking areas all along the road that's near the beach. But each parking area, only holds 4-5 cars. So it took us a while to find parking. 

The beach itself, was really pretty. The island actually has 13 miles of beach, which is a lot if you really think about it. The tide was going out, so there was a ton of beach to walk along.

The water was ice cold, but it didn't stop Cody from playing in it.

I have no idea how he didn't freeze. 

Before leaving the island, we had to stop by the lighthouse. You can drive right up to it, however, you can't climb it. But that's okay. It's still so beautiful. 

The Amelia Island Lighthouse is the most inland lighthouse on the US east coast. Pretty interesting huh? 

Overall, the trip was really fun. I now have a new favorite lighthouse. If you're ever in the area, take the time to stop by. It's worth it.

Ponce de Leon Inlet

March 4, 2016

We packed up the car with our cooler and my cameras and made the 3 1/2 hour drive down to Ponce de Leon Inlet in Florida. The weather was great for exploring! Sunny most of the day, but the clouds did provide some shade from the sun, as the day went on.

Our first stop was the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. It's the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the second tallest in the US.

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse made history because it was the first lighthouse built like it was. The built a ring platform around the structure and when they finished the row, they would move each individual plank of the platform, up. 

A model depicting how the lighthouse was built

The lighthouse has 203 steps. The original structures are still on the property. There is the keeper's house, the assistant keeper's house and the second assistant keeper's house. Most of the buildings have the original furnishings.

On the property there is also the Ayres Davis Lens Building. It is one of the largest lens museums in the world. Inside, there are all different types of lighthouse lenses from all over the world. 

A First Order Fresnel Lens in the lens building.

Of course, we had to climb to the top of the lighthouse. The view was phenomenal.

The view looking up the center of the lighthouse

Me at the top

The view from the top

The view from the top

Cody at the top

Isn't it a wonderful view? 

While we were at the top, the wind was gusting pretty hard. At times I felt like I would be blown away!

As the day began to draw to an end, we decided to grab a couple more geocaches before heading out. We found a beautiful boardwalk that lead out to the beach, The walk was amazing. It felt like I was walking through a tropical paradise.

Since it was a cool day, we basically had the beach to ourselves. It was lovely. The beach was lovely. Absolutely beautiful. It  was so relaxing hearing the waves crash on the shore and the gulls crying out to one another.  

Something I find really cool about the beach at Ponce de Leon Inlet, is the fact that you are able to drive on the beach. There are actually speed limit signs posted all throughout the beach. 

We decided to head back to the car. We stopped along the boardwalk to empty our shoes of sand. And elderly couple coming from the beach, stopped and asked if we were waiting for the shuttle launch. We had heard nothing of this launch, so we asked about it. Turns out there would be a launch across the inlet at Cape Canaveral that evening.

We moved our car and parked close to a nearby pier. The pier had rocks on both sides and the waves were crashing loudly against them. There were people all along the pier, fishing. We made our way to the. Looking back toward land, the view was breath taking. The sun was starting to set and you could see the lighthouse lit up. 

As the time for the launch approached, Cody pulled out his phone so we could watch the live feed of the launch.

The launch occurred at 6:35 pm. We watched as the SES9 rocket launched high into the sky. We were able to see the various stages of the launch.

The rocket launch is probably the coolest thing I've ever experienced. Overall, our trip the Ponce de Leon Inlet was a success! 

Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Lighthouse

February 27,2016

We made the journey to see Cockspur Lighthouse near Savannah Georgia. In order to get close to the lighthouse, you have to go through Fort Pulaski. Once you pay the park entrance fee, you drive across a small bridge and there is a parking lot, You park there. There's a trail to the left of the fort and you follow it along. The trail leads through a beautifully wooded area and then abruptly comes to an end a fairly good distance from the lighthouse. Luckily for us, the tide was out.

Camera in hand, we trucked our way through mud. There were multiple times that the muddy path tried to take my shoe hostage, but fortunately I made it to solid ground with both shoes and all my limbs. However, I was covered in mud from my hips down. But it was worth it. The view of the lighthouse was absolutely amazing.

While we were there, the tide continued to go out, so we could get even closer. 

Sadly, we were unable to get any closer than that though. The tide wasn't completely out before the park closed. So the only way to get to the Cockspur Lighthouse is by bought, which we didn't have. But that's okay. I got to enjoy the beautiful sight and the peacefulness of the area. No one wanted to trek through all the mud, so we had the area to ourselves. 

After we were finished at the lighthouse, we made our way back along the lighthouse trail, to Fort Pulaski. 

Walking into the fort, I was greeted by a moat that was actually filled with water. I've been to multiple forts and this is the first that had water in its moat. 

Fort Pulaski has two levels. From the top level you can look down into the middle of the fort.

Isn't it pretty?

Inside the fort there was the Officer's Chow, the Medical Ward, the Prison and the Powder room, just to name a few. 

Powder kegs inside the powder room.

Fort Pulaski itself is shaped like a baseball diamond. Here's a fun fact about the fort! The first ever photographed baseball game, was in inside the fort in the open yard. Pretty cool eh?

Tybee Island, Georgia

January 30th, 2016

Despite living an hour and a half away from it, we've never visited Tybee Island. We had to change that. So we packed our cooler, my camera, hopped in the car, and made the drive.

First stop, the lighthouse. It was beautiful!

The original was built in 1736 out of cedar piles and brickwork. It was one of the first public structures in Georgia. The present lighthouse stands 154 feet tall and still serves as a beacon for ships arriving in Savannah.

Of course, we had to climb to the top. It was a lovely day. There was a nice breeze blowing. The view was amazing. I could see boats bobbing up and down out in the water. 

After we were finished at the lighthouse, we walked to the beach just a little across the street. Because it was the off season, and a little chilly out, we had the beach pretty much to ourselves. We spent a while walking up and down the beach, just enjoying the sound of the crashing waves. 

On the way home from Tybee, I saw something just off the main road. It appeared to be a sunken ship. I pulled off into a nearby boat ramp. Sure enough, just across this little inlet, was a boat. It had definitely seen better days.

If you look closely, you can see that the fishing nets and chairs remain on the boat, untouched. I was lucky to have spotted the boat while driving down the busy highway. 

The area itself was lovely; calm, quiet, relaxing. It'd be a great area to go kayaking.