My Favorite Lighthouse

What a surprise, my favorite lighthouse is on my favorite beach! The Barnegat Lighthouse claims to be the 2nd tallest lighthouse in the U.S. It is affectionately called "Old Barney" and was commissioned in January of 1859. It functioned as a lighthouse until January, 1944 when its light was extinguished. On the 150th Anniversary of its opening, January 1, 2009, the beacon was reactivated and still operates from dusk to dawn. The State Park surrounding the Lighthouse is beautiful with natural walking paths and a very, very long journey to the ocean. On any given day, it is filled with visitors enjoying the vistas and deciding whether to make the journey up the 217 steps to the top. You will always find someone fishing, no matter what the weather. You will always find little children asking the fishermen what they are catching. You will always find people walking their very happy dogs. One day my daughter and I were lucky enough to see a seal lounging on the rocks. A crowd had gathered around to simply watch his movements.

I have taken endless photos of our lighthouse and never tire of exploring the area. We have a favorite, very casual breakfast spot nearby aptly called "Kelly's Old Barney". I love spending time at this historic park. I love to watch all the boats making their journey into the ocean past the lighthouse. My husband enjoys the lighthouse also but prefers to view it from his boat! The kids prefer jet skiing to the lighthouse. It is their beacon when we are on the water. We are so lucky to have this treasure on our little island.