Photos from the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

 We spent yesterday at the Ponce Inlet lighthouse for the annual homeschool day. This 175 feet hand-built lighthouse is the tallest in Florida. It was first lit in 1887 after many difficulties with the construction, including the death of its engineer Orville E. Babcock who drown in the first attempt to transport bricks into the inlet by boat. Two other boats hauling bricks subsequently sunk as well. This historical site is open to the public.  It is both a museum and an active lighthouse. Here are some photos we took.

My littlest is not afraid of heights or climbing towers.

A spectacular view of the ocean and Ponce inlet. 

The preserved buildings contain artifacts that were used in early life at the lighthouse.

This little soap cage was used for sudsing up water for washing laundry and dishes.

The glass bottles and metal tools and containers really give a good idea about kitchens before the invention of plastics.

Here is a collection of old time medicines, one of which was Choroform liniment!  Eek!  

This was the medicine chest provided to the Light House keepers by the Coast Guard which contained the medicines listed above.

There were also herbal medicines on site.

Popular herbal medicines from the 1800's.  Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound and Atwoods Jaundice Bitters.

One building contains a stunning collection of Fresnel lenses from other lighthouses.  

Below is my favorite lens from an Australian lighthouse. It reminds me of a big insect.

Hope you liked the photos. What fun lighthouses have you visited?

Ponce Inlet Nature Preserve Photos

Earlier this month I set up at the Ponce Inlet Garden and Craft Show.  The best part of the event was Thursday afternoon when Moira and I stopped at the Ponce Inlet Nature Preserve and took a walk through the woods and dune to the ocean.  

But first, Moira and I set up products the afternoon before the show.  Unfortunately there were very few shoppers at the event, but I am hoping to do one or two more Holly Hill or Daytona area shows before the end of the year.  After set up we headed straight for the Nature Preserve.

I love the natural tunnel formed under the canopy.

Walking through the dunes.

Moira age 8 1/2.

Goldenrod in bloom along the path to the beach.

Just minutes before jumping in the water fully clothed.

We had the beach all to ourselves.

The wind left a long stretch of beautifully patterned sand.

Ponce Inlet Garden Club's 30th Annual Garden and Craft Show October 12-13

The Garden Club of Ponce Inlet is holding it's 30th Annual  Arts and Crafts show Friday and Saturday October 12-13 at the Ponce Inlet Community Center lat 4670 S. Peninsula Drive.  Hours will be from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  This is an outdoor and indoor show.  I will be indoors with my soaps and bath and body products.  I have lots of new garden inspired flaxseed neck pillows that I am looking forward to bringing   See you there.