I have visited lighthouses before going to Maine, but in that state they are as common as CVS, there is one on every corner. I am exaggerating, of course, but their prevalence is not a tall tale. Although our rental house was in Boothbay Harbor, we traveled north one day, south another, to explore a state we had never been to. We were told by some Maine police officers we had met at Arlington National Cemetery (“Here’s Looking At You, Maine“) to be sure to go to Cape Elizabeth to see the famous Portland Head Light. Upon researching what else to do there, I discovered Two Lights Lighthouse, built in 1829, consisting of an east and west tower, 300 yards apart. The east tower, still a working lighthouse, can be found at the end of a residential street at 15 Two Lights Terrace. It can also be viewed from Dyer Beach.
In 1924, the government had the west tower discontinued and capped. It is now part of a private home, located at 5 Beacon Lane. I thought that was fascinating, I absolutely love a repurposed building.
Two Lights was just appetizers, the main entree was the Portland Head Light. We somehow got mixed up, leaving Cape Elizabeth to go to Portland. However, once back in Portland, I Googled for directions only to realize that Portland Head Light is actually in Cape Elizabeth. Back we went, thank goodness we did! It is stunning. It is Maine personified. It is iconic. Completed in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine.
Taking photos from both sides at a distance, we marveled at not only the lighthouse but its setting. Walking up to it, both placing a hand on the white, textured surface, was a moment.
We love to explore when we travel, to discover the unexpected. Like people, a place is not just one thing. That said, I had hoped to see the Maine I had always imagined, the rocky coast, pounding surf and lighthouses. Even with my visual impairment, I was in awe.
Let me and my cop buddies read you your rights. You have the right to go to Cape Elizabeth, Maine. And if at all possible, you should.
#sisterrain #alittlesightalotofheart #legallyblindtraveler #travel #capeelizabethmaine #twolightslighthouse #portlandheadlight #therearelighthousesandthentherearelighthouses
