Elbow Reef Lighthouse

Wrecks abounded throughout the Bahamas in the early 19th century and concerned shipping interests implored the British Imperial Lighthouse Service in London, to increase navigation aids in their colonies.

The Elbow Cay lighthouse is probably the most recognizable landmark on Abaco.  The 89 foot high candy-striped edifice was built in 1863 and is one of two hand-wound kerosene-burning lighthouses still operating in the world.  The Lighthouse has been maintained by the Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society since 1973; Bahamas Independence from Great Britain.

The smooth sweep of the turning lens with it's five swords of light cutting the darkness over the sea, while light constantly glows between those beams, is known as the "soul" of a lighthouse. 

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We climbed to the top of the lighthouse, four flights of wooden steps and the fifth flight was made of steel and very steep.  There was a total of 101 steps in all.

 

 

There is a small door/crawl space at the top; this is the door handle.  Keith climbed out on the ledge to take pictures; I stayed inside.

 

 

Views from the top of the crystal blue waters of Atlantic barrier reef and South Abaco Sound.

 

 

 

 Zoomed in view of our boat from above and of our marina..

 

Barge unloading supplies for the week.

 

View of the harbour from the lighthouse with the Atlantic barrier reef in the background. 

 

CO's comments:  Another tight squeeze.  The harbour is small with a bunch of mooring balls.  The mooring balls are so close together that if your boat is over 45 feet long you do not have enough swing room and you would bump another boat.