Fantasy Lighthouse

The lighthouse at Seal Point, Cape St Francis has many moods. It just depends on what time of the day you happen to be there and what the whether is like. It is seen here reflecting in a pool..............

My favourite lighthouse

It was early start this morning to catch the sunrise at Shark Point, Cape St Francis, but I'll save those for another time. The morning light was just perfect and really brought the lighthouse to life.

Seal Point Lighthouse

Saturday was a perfect day in the Eastern Cape and a trip to Cape St Francis always merits a visit to the lighthouse that was built in 1874.

This time round I took a different perspective with my pictures.

 

Cape St Francis Lighthouse

A trip to Cape St Francis is never complete without a visit to the wild side, though on this occassion the sea was quite tame.

Night shoot

Last night I wandered around Central after the opening of an art exhibition at arTEC taking a few pictures on the way. It was what I call a "hit and run" photography session. With no one to watch my back I set my camera on ISO 1600 and proceeded to shoot away and then move on.

The arTEC building mural has become a must see feature in Central. One day I will photograph it in the day light.

The Donkin, with Anton Momberg's Conversation Piece in the foreground.

The Feather Market Hall was built in the days when ostrich feathers were used in high fashion, rather than as feather dusters.

Sky Watch Friday - Rainbow skies

Cape St Francis lighthouse taken last Saturday. It was a case of being in the right place at the right time. I was taking pics of the lighthouse, when suddenly the rainbow appeared and put on a quick show and then it was gone.

For more pictures from around the world, visit the Sky Watch site.

Cameos of a lighthouse # 4

I wonder about the mind that came up with the design of the prism, to magnify the light. Aside from its functionality, it is a work of art.

Then onto the top balcony, with the original railings. The view is magnificent, but on a really windy day you could easily be blown off.

Cameos of a lighthouse # 3

When the concrete steps run out, you reach the top with by the metal stairs

In the early days the light was rotated with a clockwork mechanism. The lighthouse keeper was kept on his toes, by having to climb the tower every few hours to haul up the weights. The cable for the clockwork mechanism was run through the wooden tube.

I took this shot of the inside of the wooden tube, through an inspection hole in the side. The cable is still in place.

Cameos of a lighthouse # 2

One of the characteristics of the building is creeping damp. Waterproofing was not that good back in 1878, which means that maintenance is ongoing.

Taking the first steps. I can't remember how many steps there are to the top, except that there are many. It is well worth the climb though.

Eerie light in the narrow stairway. Before the advent of electric lights the climb up the stairs must have been very gloomy.

Cameos of a lighthouse # 1

Looking at my photos, I realise that I have not done much with my Cape St Franci lighthouse pictures, so I will be doing a series of close-ups. If you want to see the lighthouse in its context, follow the link in the side bar.




Looking up at building from the entrance, on a clear day - no prizes for guessing when it was built.

Cape St Lighthouse

View of Cape St Francis Lighthouse this evening. The lighthouse dates back to 1878.

Images of Cape St Francis

Port St Francis marina from our pad on a summers night. A fantastic place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Fishing boats sheltering from the coming storm in St Francis Bay

Shark Point - a short stroll from the Port along a rocky path and beach

Around the bend the lighthouse at Seal Point built in 1878