April 8th, 2015
“A new way of thinking, a new way of living in concert with the sea, in consideration for those yet to come.”
Ocean Frontiers II is inviting the public to its premiere here in Delaware and then to a panel discussion. It will take place on Thursday, 4/9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Movies at Midway, located at 18585 Coastal Highway in their Upstairs Screening Room. The admission is free and snacks will be available. More info? Please visit http://www.ocean-frontiers.org/delaware.
 Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse and Cape May Lewes Ferry This film is hosted by Delaware Surfriders, Green Fire Productions, http://www.greenfireproductions.org with co hosts: Rehoboth Beach Film Society, http://www.rehobothfilm.com, Delaware Sea Grant, http://www.deseagrant.org, American Littoral Society, http://www.littoralsociety.org, and Delaware Chapter of Sierra Club.
In a region steeped in old maritime tradition, Ocean Frontiers II tells the story of a modern wave of big ships, energy industries and a changing climate, and how people are coming together to plan for a healthy ocean off their coast. After the film, plan to stay and join the interactive panel discussion about how we can protect wildlife, enhance recreational activities and manage commercial uses in our increasingly busy Delaware waters.
 Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse June 2013 was the day I walked in the steps of The Keeper. Visiting the Delaware Lighthouses was an experience and thank God I went when I did because the actual tours of the lighthouses have been discontinued for now. I wrote a post on my adventure that day on June 18, 2013. If you would like to see it (photos), please click on the date on the left hand side of the website; June of 2013 and scroll down to the 18th. The cancellation of these tours is due to lack of transportation funds which were provided in the past by the Delaware River & Bay Authority and the state of Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.
 Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse The Harbor of Refuge has been closed for some time for repairs made necessary by severe storm damage. This lighthouse was built in 1896. Both of the lighthouses are off Cape Henlopen where the ocean meets the Delaware Bay, providing refuge to ships battered by storms.
The Delaware Breakwaters are engineer marvels of the 19th century. They were the first structures of their kind to be built in the Western Hemisphere.
The Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation – 2015 Lighthouse Sunset Cruises. It is that time of the year again. Sunsets are beautiful, more so if you are cruising the Delaware Lighthouses. Profits of the cruises will go towards the restoration and new docking station and other projects at Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse. For info., please visit http://www.delawarebaylights.org.
Tours will be:
Saturday, June 13th from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 25th from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 13th from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m.
Meet at Anglers Fishing Center on 213 Anglers Rd. at Anglers Marina in Lewes. Go to the end of Anglers Rd., approximately 100 yards past Irish Eyes Restaurant in Lewes.
To reserve your space, book at least one week prior to cruise date. Call Red Moulinier, Home 302-226-3866, Cell 302-542-4432
You will be cruising up the canal, out to both Breakwater Light and Harbor of Refuge Light. Take your camera because on many of the cruises you can spot dolphins. This is a BYOB and snacks event. The cost is $35/person. Please note that registration and form of payment must be received prior to the cruise.
Making plans for Summer 2015….
June 18th, 2013
I wanted to walk in the steps of The Keeper. I cannot imagine what it would have been like to be the keeper of a lonely offshore lighthouse. From the Cape May-Lewes Ferry I have seen them from a distance. But, not anymore. 2013 was the year to visit these lighthouses.
The Delaware Breakwaters are engineer marvels of the 19th century. They were the first structures of their kind to be built in the Western Hemisphere. The Delaware Breakwater, Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse, Harbor of Refuge Breakwater, and Harbor of Refuge Light Station entered in 1976 on the National Register of Historic Places as the nation’s first offshore Historic District.
 
The Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation is the caretaker of the lighthouses. They were also in charge of the tours. The tours are $35 for adults. Even though the website, http://www.delawarebaylights.org/tours.html, says that you are to send the forms in with a check, I did it through the telephone with a credit card by calling 302-644-7046. I left my name and number and someone called me back.
The tour departs from the finger pier behind the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal on Cape Henlopen Drive. The next tour is on Saturday, 6/22. Make sure you arrive 20 minutes in advance. Free parking at the Foot Passanger Terminal. Please visit the website above mentioned for a complete schedule and plenty of information.
I arrived on Saturday, May 18th, ready to discover the lighthouses. They are practically in my backyard. They had already told me that no sandals or open-toe shoes were allowed. The tours will go on light rain or shine. But, rough seas, heavy rain or threat of severe weather may cause the tour to be cancelled. Foundation members will attempt to contact you as quickly as possible. Please make sure you give them your cell phone when making the reservation.
The Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation had their tent up and already there was merchandise for purchase.
Our group had assembled for information and safety instructions, including the proper way to put your lifejacket on.
Big Stone Pride was our transporter to the Lighthouses.
And once we all got on it….off we went
We were heading first to the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse Station. It stands like a proud sentinel at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, always watching. Even though you see them clearly from the distance it takes a little bit to get there. Already there was a boat with whale watchers trying to get close, but we would get even closer. The Harbor of Refuge is closed for repairs made by severe storm damage. But, we were going to get very close in order to get photos.
 
It was a calm day, but a little cloudy and windy. You could feel how strong the water was; had to hold on to the railings as we went on deck. This 76 foot sentinel was built in 1926 to replace a previous storm-damanged one. Harbor of Refuge is one of the most exposed lighthouses on the Atlantic seaboard. The Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation has photos with mountainous seas pounding it all the way to the top.
And just like at the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse, a family of ospreys had returned, like they have been doing for a few years.
Then, we continued our tour to the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse.
In 1828 the construction began on the breakwater wall. The rocks were brough by donkeys from quarries in Pennsylvania and Delaware. That’s why it took so long. So, we were all looking forward to getting off the boat and start exploring.
On this photo you can see the small concrete oil house once used for storing lighthouse fuel, now home to the resident osprey pair.
The tower on this lighthouse is 56 feet high. The light is shown at 61 feet above the water.
And, the red panels warned ships off nearby shoals and the tip of the Cape.
In the entry level, the Delaware Public Archives Historic Marker. Two-foot-thick brick line inside the cast iron outer shell of the lighthouse.
Second and third levels were the living quarters, including the kitchen. Food came from Rickards and Ramsey grocery store on Lewes Beach. The keepers ate a lot of fish, which they caught.
The rooms were small but they were the living quarters for 3 to 5 keepers at a time.
From the outside walkway on the Watch Room’s the views were spectacular.
The dolphins were playing….the kayakers were having a great day!
Climbing the stairs to the Lantern Room….
In November 2011, the State Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs commissioned an inspection of the lens by a professional lampist. He determined that the original Fresnel lens had been replaced with the current lense, which was made in Sweden by AGA around the 1920s. The lens is fragile. Prism can be damanged by human touch so please keep your hands to yourselves. Do not touch the lens.
Four-bulb lamp changer that automatically rotates when one of the small bulbs that now provides the light burns out. Light visible for 13 miles out to sea.
In 2004 the Delaware River & Bay Authority entered into an operating agreement with Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation for public outreach. In 2005 the Foundation opened it for the first public tours.
If you like historic lighthouses this tour is for you….and for the rest, it is an amazing way to discover The First Town in The First State.
It was time to go, the tour was over and down the stairs we went just like the Keepers would have done.
And the ospreys? Well, this is their hangout…they will be waiting for you to return!
Note: Information for this post was taken from the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation’s website and from the facts and figures we saw during the tour.
May 16th, 2013
Love the water? Love history? Love to shop? Love to eat? One answer…Lewes, Delaware. Lewes has the perfect location. You can swim in the bay and the ocean. Stroll the streets of this charming and well preserved coastal town, shop at unique boutiques owned by the friendliest shopkeepers. Eat at innovative restaurants that are the talk of the Delaware Beaches. And, if you are a history buff, then, you are in the right town.
So, What’s Going On, Lewes?
Friday, 5/17 – Remembering Lewes – It is Lewes Historical Society May Speaker Series. Chuck Fithian, curator of archaeology with the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will bring his extensive knowledge to his presentation of “The Honour of the State has not been tarnished” Delaware in the War of 1812. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Lewes Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall on Kings Highway.
Saturday, 5/18 – Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. until Noon at the Lewes Historical Society grounds located at 110 Shipcarpenter St. More info? Please visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.
Saturday, 5/18 – Youth Fishing Tournament for ages 16 and under at the fishing pier in Cape Henlopen State Park from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. $10 entry fee. T-shirts for the first 50 tournament entrants. Prizes will be awarded. Sunday, 5/19 will be the rain date.
Saturday, 5/18 – Lewes Celebrates Maritime Day 2013!! 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. May 22nd is National Maritime Day. It was first declared by Congress in 1933. It honors the contributions of the American merchant marine, civilians who have defended the freedom of the United States since 1775. During WWII they executed the largest sealift the world has ever seen. Its observance also honors the maritime industry. The Cape May – Lewes Ferry will host a local version of the celebration. Location? The Lewes Ferry Terminal. There will be a Remembrance Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. Engine Room and Bridge Tours, Maritime Displays…and food and drinks available. Rain or shine!
 Canalfront Park Saturday, 5/18 – First tour of Tour the Lighthouse!! Walk in The Steps of The Keeper…Reservations are required. Climb to the top of the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse and take a trip to the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse for photos. Tours are subject to change. Check the weather. Please call 302-644-7046 for reservations. You may visit the website to make a reservation and check their summer tour schedule…http://www.delawarebaylights.org/tours.html. Tours depart from the pier located behind the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal in Lewes. Free parking is available in the Foot Passenger Lot. Only 24 tickets will be sold per tour. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Life jackets are provided and must be worn. No sandals or open toe shoes allowed. and children must be at least 13 years old, except on the dates noted. One child per adult. The Harbor of Refuge Light Station is presently closed for repairs. However, tours will sail by for a close view and photos.
Saturday, 5/18 – Pooches in the Park – 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. This is a festive and new event which caters for both, the 2-legged and 4-legged family members. It will be held at Canalfront Park. This sounds like so much fun!! The day will feature a doggie spa for massages and acupuncture to drool over, pet portraits, specialized vendors, games and prizes. Obedience, agility and dock diving skills will be showcased. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Canalfront Park, Savannah Animal Hospital and P.U.P.S. (Pawsitively Unique Pet Shop in Lewes). Entry fee is $5 per dog, payable on-site or on-line http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org. One dog per handler is requested. Bring your entire family; no charge for the human element.
I stopped the other day at Lewes Canalfront Park, which is about 3 acres located on Front Street on the banks of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. Popular events are held here year-round. There is parking, benches, and walking paths, perfect to enjoy the beauty of Lewes. “When the old boatyard site was being considered for retail and residential development, local residents and the Greater Lewes Foundation raised funds to develop the land as a park. The Firends of the Lewes Canalfront Park supports the programs of the Park while the City of Lewes provides the maintenance. New members and volunteers are always needed.
Sunday, 5/19 – Yoga By the Canal every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. Location? Canalfront Park on Front Street in Lewes.
SAVE THE DATE – Picnic in The Park, at Canalfront Park on Front Street – Get your tickets. This event will sell out. Sunday, June 2nd from Noon until 3:00 p.m. Favorite Lewes restaurants participate in making their specialties. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold. Adults tickets $10. Tickets for 12 children 12 and under are $5. Food and drink tickets are sold separately at the event; tickets are $2 each depending on the food/drink option. My tickets on-line by visiting http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org/events_picnic.html.
 Canalfront Park NOTE: 4th Annual Delmarva on View – Lewes Library Benefit Photography Contest & Show. Delaware, Maryland and Virginia in Photographs. Professional and Amateur Categories. Submit entries until June 14th. For entry fee, rules and deadlines, please visit http://www.leweslibrary.org. You may also contact June Rose Futcher at jrfdelaware@gmail.com
Have a Great Day!
May 30th, 2011
 Wind Turbine at College of Marines Studies, Lewes. Height 256 ft., Weight 203 tons, Blade Length 144 feet This has been one of the nicest Memorial Week-Ends at the Delaware Beaches. The gates have opened and visitors arrived. It is great to see them but it can get a little hectic. Traffic overwhelms anyone that has been here through the winter. We have to adjust to waiting in line for a couple of minutes and finding parking could be a test for patience.
The weather has been great. Hot and sunny. Beaches are crowded even though the water is still cold.
If you are visiting the Lewes area this is what’s going on this week.
Historic Lewes is a walking town. Founded in 1631 it is the first town in the first state. It has everything; history, restaurants, museums, shops, the park and the bay.
Tuesday, 5/31 – Open-Air Concerts at Stango Park begin. Stango Park is located at 110 Adams St. and King’s Highway. This park is the home of the Lewes Library. Concerts are right there and they are free.
On any given Tuesday throughout the summer you will see everyone carrying their chairs and blankets to enjoy a few hours of entertainment. The concerts are from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
The Funsters will be opening these series of concerts and they will be performing old swing favorites. From Frank Sinatra to the Rolling Stones, The Beatles to Al Green. It is a 10 member group with a guitarist that has toured with Joe Cocker, Scandal and Paul Young.
The following Tuesday, 6/7 Country Current (Rock./Pop) will be the evening’s performers.
So, just gather the family since they are all welcomed, and sit back and enjoy the music.
Saturday, 6/4 – Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Location? Lewes Historical Society Complex located on 2nd & Shipcarpenter Streets.
You will find fresh produce, fresh grass-fed meat and chicken, fresh fish, breads and baked goods, cut flowers and bedding plants. Herbs, eggs and artisanal cheeses among other goodies.
If you want more info., just visit their website, www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.
Saturday, 6/4 – Delaware Breakwater End Lighthouse Tour from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. All it takes is a short boat ride, then walk in the steps of the lighthouse keeper. The tour includes the boat ride, the tour of the interior, a climb to the lantern room, and a sail-by at the Harbor of Refuge Light Station for a close by view and photos.
Visitors will tour only the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse. The sail-by the Harbor of Refuge Light Station will be weather permitting. You will be able to then see the work that is underway; a new landing dock is being constructed; repairs are also being made to the breakwater wall by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
This tour is limited to ages 13 to adult on Saturdays. Price? $35. On Mondays children from 6 – 12 are welcomed to join in as Mondays are designated for “Locals and Families” tours. On Mondays the cost for that age group is $15. Monday 6/20 will be the first Locals and Families Tour.
Reservations are required. You can call 302-644-7046 or visit www.delawarebaylights.org. This website has so much information. It is worth visiting.
All tours leave from the Lewes Ferry Terminal finger pier.
 Cape May-Lewes Ferry arriving in Lewes
Saturday, 6/4 – National Trails Day – 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Join the Friends of Cape Henlopen to maintain and improve the trails and park. A litte clean up, minor construction, etc. etc. Meet at Hawk Pavilion. Your help will be so much appreciated. Please call for more info. 302-644-5005.
Have a great week. Talk to you later…
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